How to Identify An Akbash Dog

A Full Grown Akbash Dog

The Akbash dog is a breed that is over three thousand years and was developed in Turkey as a primitive guardian and herder of livestock. The breed's name was derived from the Turkish word "Akbas" which means "white head". This is because all Akbash dogs are pure white. It's possible this was a deliberate choice by early shepherds so they could distinguish their dogs from wild dogs and other predators at night. This species is very rare nowadays and many people would not recognize it if they saw one. For that reason here is a guide on how to identify an Akbash dog.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog
• Your Eyes

Identifying An Akbash Dog

1. First look at the dog’s shape and build. The dog should be about 32 inches in height at the shoulder and slightly longer bodied. The dog’s average weight could be anywhere between 100 and 130 pounds depending on the dog’s gender and age. It should be built along the lines of a German Shepherd with a long upraised tail, long and sturdy legs, widely splayed paws, thick but blunt claws, and a wide well muscled body that is slightly obscured by loose skin and fur.

2. Examine the dog’s fur. This is a very unique property to the Akbash, as their coats are only every shining snow white with not variation whatsoever. The exact length and thickness of these coats is dependent on the climate in which the Akbash lives, they will grow out and thicken in cold climates, and shorten to small bristles in hot climates.

3. Look at the dog’s head. Its thick neck should end with a massive head with a wide skull squared in the rear and rounded at the sides, leading to a long and thick muzzle. Its long v shaped ears should have slightly rounded tips and be placed to the sides of its head. The ears flop down and press flat against its fur. The dog’s nose and jaw are vaguely wolf-like, though thicker around and not as pointed at the nose. Its eyes should be set well apart for a greater range of vision and are shaped like almonds. The color of these eyes can vary anywhere from gold-yellow to dark brown. If the dog matches this description then it’s an Akbash.

Tips & Warnings

• The Akbash was bred to bond with the livestock and watch over them fastidiously. This behavior is often transferred over to their masters. For this reason they make very good watchdogs and household protectors, in their history they would attack and fight off wolves and even bears without a thought toward their own lives in order to ensure the safety of their charges. Unless they are very well trained they could be a danger to the surrounding neighborhood. They also establish their territory by barking at night, so this is not a pet to keep in a crowded urban or suburban area. They are a low activity species that will only require one long walk a day. They are also clean enough to keep indoors part of the time. Akbashes are also very observant; they always keep an eye on their surroundings and the comings and goings of anyone they see. If they see something they think is a danger the low activity dog can become a flash of white fur racing to combat said danger. This often takes people who first meet these dogs completely by surprise.

• Do not keep this breed unless you have plenty of room and are an experienced dog trainer or are looking for a serious guard dog. This breed is very intelligent and will often evaluate a command to decide whether or not it should obey. Meaning keeping them from doing something they want to do is next to impossible. Because of the huge predators the Akbash was often expected to fight off, they are a very strong and dangerous dog to any stranger. The protective instinct they possess is powerful and can result in the severe injury or death of someone who the dog views as a threat to its family.

Resources

• Site Listing Akbash Dog Breeders