Akbash: Livestock Guardian Dog Breed
As an Amazon Associate and Brain Training for Dogs affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
In recent years, the Akbash breed has been gaining more and more popularity as a livestock guardian dog (LGD) in North America. This is largely due to its incredible ability to patrol large parcels of land, while still remaining closely bonded with the livestock.
Does the Akbash make a good livestock guardian dog? Yes, the Akbash breed is an excellent livestock guardian dog as it has been used since ancient times to guard sheep and other livestock from a variety of predators. These dogs are ideal for livestock owners who want a dog that is low-key, but always alert and ready to protect.
Does the Akbash make a good pet? Yes, this breed can make a great family pet if socialized as a puppy, exercised regularly, and properly trained. Typically, these dogs do not do well in apartments or urban living situations and are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Akbash dogs’ unique qualities make them an excellent choice for a livestock guardian dog, property guard dog, or family companion. In this article, you’ll learn the history, temperament and needs of Akbash dogs so you can determine if bringing an Akbash home is the right decision for you.
Other Names: Akkush, Akbas
Akbash at a Glance
| Characteristics | Akbash |
|---|---|
| Male Size |
Height: 29-32" Weight: 90-130 lbs |
| Female Size |
Height: 27-30" Weight: 75-100 lbs |
| Barking Frequency | Moderate-high |
| Fencing Required | Strong and high, underground fencing may be required |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Human Aggression | High with strangers, low if socialized |
| Other Dog Aggression | Can be high, especially with same-sexed |
| Training | Moderate difficulty, early socialization is recommended |
| Coat | Double coat, both long-and short-haired varieties |
| Grooming | Moderate-high |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Age to Maturity | 3+ years |
| Cost (in U.S.) | $600-$2000+ |
| Food Requirements | 1835-5330 cal/day |
| Health Problems | Generally healthy, but cases of hip/elbow displasia, cardiomyopathy, osteochondrosis |
| Similar Breeds | Great Pyrenees, Kangal, Anatolian Shepherd |
| Availability (in U.S.) | Uncommon but more common than most other LGD breeds |
Akbash Personality/Temperament
The Akbash breed has been described as being highly independent, dominant, elegant, and powerful. These dogs tend to be moderately reactive, but have lower energy than many other livestock guardian breeds. Their great stamina, speed, and agility make them an excellent choice for a working dog, but they also can do well in a family setting when properly trained.
Akbash Livestock Guardian Dog Traits
Cat Urbigkit, the author of the popular livestock guardian dog book, Brave and Loyal: An Illustrated Celebration of Livestock Guardian Dogs, describes one particular night where she could have lost hundreds of sheep but did not because of her wonderful Akbash dog, Rena:
“One-hundred thirty pounds of determined Akbash sheep guardian dog, she met the wolves head-on… The dog warrior returned successful, staggering as she brought her wounded, bloody body to collapse at my side…”
From the anecdote above, it is easy to see that Akbash dogs make excellent, relentless, and loyal livestock guardian dogs. They have been successful in protecting against a variety of different predators in both fenced pastures as well as range lands.
With proper care (i.e., early introductions to their charges under careful supervision), these dogs bond so tightly with their flocks that it can be difficult to separate them later in life. This is especially true with dogs who have been with their flocks since puppyhood.
Check out the video below of an Akbash LGD lovingly licking one of its Katahdin lamb charges:
Some owners have claimed that even a female in heat cannot pry a male dog away from his sheep. Male and female dogs guard well – the only difference being males are slightly larger in stature. (For more on this topic, see my article, Male and Female Livestock Guardian Dogs: Which Is Better for Your Needs?)
Akbash dogs primarily work through surveillance and patrolling methods to ensure the safety of their flock and territory. They tend to surveil from a higher up vantage point in order to maximize their scanning efficiency.
If their territory is primarily on flat land, they will pick a central location to spend their time when they are not performing perimeter patrols. Their eyesight and hearing are two of their most fine-tuned senses, which makes them ideal for their job as livestock guardians. If these dogs detect any sort of irregular activity, they are incredibly quick to act and will attack with unbelievable power.
Akbash dogs also often engage in “alarm barking” when they believe there is a threat present. (You can see an example of “alarm barking in the pet section below). This notifies other guardian dogs and owners that there is a potential danger in the area and also serves to scare off any predators that may be planning on entering the territory.
These dogs are bred to be independent and think for themselves, so they are able to make intelligent decisions in risky situations versus other breeds who might wait for a human command. They are so smart that they are able to employ a variety of strategies to keep their flocks and herds safe.
In Brave and Loyal: An Illustrated Celebration of Livestock Guardian Dogs, Cat Urbigkit explains that her dogs sometimes will “attempt to move sheep away from danger…” She said she once watched her Akbash female gather the herd and move it to the far pasture in order to get the sheep away from an oncoming bear.
She continues that another time she watched as the same dog “actively challenged and hazed bears away from the herd in a large open pasture.”
Urbigkit has also watched her dogs “bait” the predators. She writes, “some of our guardians hide near dead animal carcasses, waiting for predators to approach so they can attack.”
Check out the amazing YouTube video below of an Akbash dog protecting a herd of sheep from a bear. But notice this isn’t just any bear – it’s a grizzly!
Watching the above video makes me incredibly afraid for the LGD. Although the dog appears to have no fear, no single dog is safe taking on a grizzly. I do not know if this ranch has other LGDs that weren’t nearby, but if not, they need to get some.
Please do not ever run only one livestock guardian dog if you have grizzlies in your area. For more on this topic, see my article, How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs You Need. As a side note, despite popular belief, running LGD siblings together is an excellent idea. Check out the video below to see the loving and playful relationship between an Akbash sibling pair:
Akbash dogs are undeniably smart and do their jobs extraordinarily well. Their proven worth has made them more and more popular as an LGD in recent years. For more information on Akbash and predators, check out my article, Livestock Guardian Dogs Vs. Predators: How LGDs Protect Their Charges.
Akbash dogs can be very aggressive towards unknown humans and other unfamiliar animals. In addition, they tend to be other-dog aggressive, both on and off their territory. Early socialization can help with this.
These dogs tend to get along fine with other farm animals, especially if they are introduced as puppies. If you are introducing a new, adult dog, it is important to keep a watchful eye until you can fully trust that your dog is safe around other farm animals or pets.
Akbash dogs are also typically good with children if they are exposed to them early. Keep in mind, however, this is a giant dog breed, so it is important to monitor playtime between these dogs and children. Akbash, like all LGDs (particularly younger ones), are not always aware of their own strength, and may end up playing too rough.
Even Akbash dogs used solely for livestock guarding purposes will need extensive socialization and quite a bit of training. As a livestock guardian dog, it is important for them to be able to make independent decisions, however, they also need to be trained to listen to your commands for the safety of all involved – including their own.
It is never too early to start training your livestock guardian dog or puppy. They are independent and intelligent, which are great qualities, but some have claimed this can make for more difficult training. However, these dogs do respond very well to positive training methods.
For more information on training, check out the following articles:
You may also want to check out my favorite online obedience training program, Brain Training for Dogs. Check out my review article, Brain Training for Dogs: The Best Online Obedience Training Program for Livestock Guardian Dogs.
Akbash dogs will require high and strong fencing as they will roam past their territory if not properly contained. This breed is also known to dig. An underground fencing system may be required if you find yourself with an avid “digger.” Be sure to regularly check your fence lines for any planned escape routes or holes your dog may have dug.
For more information on roaming and fencing, check out my articles:
Akbash Pet Traits
Akbash dogs can be kept as family companions, but their working dog heritage may cause some difficulty, especially for inexperienced dog owners. Because they are such a large and intelligent breed, they are not recommended for first-time or novice dog owners.
If you are thinking about getting an Akbash dog, be sure to evaluate your living situation first. Do you live in a city apartment or do you have a home with a backyard?
Some breeders do not believe that Akbash dogs should be kept in a city or urban environment, and often will not sell puppies to those who intend to live that way. Many breeders feel like the dog will become overwhelming, and end up in a rescue program as they require space and plenty of exercise. Sadly, may LGD breeds, including Akbash, that have been purchased as pets do end up in rescues.
Other breeders are more lenient about selling an Akbash puppy to an inexperienced owner if the owner committed to intense socialization and training, and has time to exercise the dog on a frequent basis.
You’ll also want to consider neighbor proximity. The Akbash was bred to be a livestock guardian dog and will likely bark at perceived threats, even as a family companion. Be prepared to have your dog sleep indoors if you have close-by neighbors – they may not enjoy their barking in the middle of the night.
For an example of Akbash “alarm barking,” check out the video below:
For information on how to train your Akbash to stop barking at unwanted times, check out my articles:
Train Your Akbash to Stop Barking: When You Don’t Want Fido to ‘Speak’
Train Your Akbash to Speak and Be Quiet: The First Step to End Unwanted Barking
The Akbash breed can be very trainable through positive training methods as they are incredibly intelligent. Patience is a must with this breed. Keep working with them consistently and frequently. Also, because socialization is so important for these dogs, public training sessions with other dogs are recommended as early as possible.
If you want to learn how to obedience train your Akbash using positive training methods, check out the online program, Brain Training for Dogs. This program is perfect for people who want to raise a livestock guardian dog as a pet. If you want to know why, see my review article, The Ultimate Obedience Training Program for Pet Akbash and Other LGD Breeds: Brain Training for Dogs.
This breed can be aggressive towards other dogs. They are more likely to get along with dogs that are smaller and less dominant than them. Akbash dogs can also be aggressive towards human strangers. Be cautious when introducing your dog to unfamiliar people and dogs.
You may want to consider muzzle-training your Akbash with a basket Muzzle (available on Amazon) until you can trust your dog to not be overly aggressive with strangers. Check out my article, How to Train Your Akbash to Love Wearing a Muzzle!
If Akbash are raised with other household pets, including other dogs and cats, they tend to be very loving with these animals. Check out the video below of an Akbash grooming his cat companion:
You can see in this next video just how much fun an Akbash can have with other dogs she views as family or friends:
People who are interested in owning this breed need to understand this dog’s needs. They were bred to be a working dog, so they need space to run (a big, fenced backyard is ideal), or regular and frequent exercise to ensure they are getting their energy out.
If not properly exercised, these dogs are at a much greater risk of obesity which comes with a whole slew of other health problems. Make sure you are prepared to provide this dog with all the outside time she requires to be healthy.
Akbash dogs do well in both hot and cold climates. Short-haired varieties will withstand heat better. However, the long-haired Akbash dogs also seem to do fine as long as they have access to clean, cold water and shaded areas. Humid areas are not recommended for these dogs as they tend to get uncomfortable.
Because of their double coats, this breed does shed seasonally and will need to be brushed often during those times. For help with how to groom your Akbash, see my article, Grooming Akbash: The Ultimate Guide.
It is important to note that Akbash puppies are extremely active and like to chew. You may consider keeping your puppy in a pen when you are not able to directly supervise them as they have been known to chew anything and everything in their paths. Again, by exercising your puppy frequently, you can avoid some of these unwanted behaviors.
You can also help your Akbash by always giving her toys to chew. For fun and durable toys that Akbash love, check out my article, The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Toys: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners!
Despite the fact that Akbash dogs may be more high maintenance as pets than some other breeds, they do make outstanding family companions. See the video below for an example of an Akbash who does very well with children, household animals, and walking on leash:
Akbash Livestock Guardian Dog History
Place of Origin: Turkey
Traditional Livestock Guarded: Goats, sheep
Traditional Predators: Wolves, wild dogs, jackals, bears, boars, foxes
Akbash Livestock Guardian Dog Lifestyle
The Akbash dog is thought to have originated in Turkey around 750 B.C. However, it is possible that the breed’s ancestors have lived in Asia Minor since 7,000 B.C. There is some debate regarding the Akbash dogs’ genealogy – some say that the Akbash was the first white livestock guardian dog and other breeds descended from them. Other experts say that the Akbash dog comes from several ancient breeds – white livestock guardians, mastiff breeds (used for guard work and war), and sighthound/gazehound breeds.
At any rate, the Akbash dogs have been protecting flocks of sheep and goats in western Turkey for several thousand years. They have never been used as herding dogs – they have always lived in close proximity to their sheep and/or goats which is why, to this day, they bond so deeply with their charges.
In recent years, the use of the Akbash dogs as livestock guardians has greatly decreased. The Kangal breed is the favorite breed in Turkey, so the Akbash breed does not receive as much attention or protection as a whole. In addition, sheep herding is not as lucrative as it once was, and the Turkish society as a whole has shifted to a more mobile economy. Crossbreeding of the Akbash with other dog breeds has also contributed to their declining population.
Luckily, North American livestock owners have found great success with the Akbash. In the 1970s, two fieldwork professionals (David and Judy Nelson) fell in love with the Akbash breed and began importing Akbash pups to both Canada and the United States. They ended up bringing over 40 dogs into North America!
Ranchers in the West have been employing these dogs increasingly, especially over the past decade or so. Interestingly enough, it is now rarer to find an Akbash dog in Turkey (their country of origin) than it is to find one in North America!
Organizations have also started to form to protect the working heritage of the Akbash breed. Check out the video below from the organization, Akbash Dogs International, for more information:
Fun fact: the word “akbash” means “white head.” Livestock owners chose to keep white guardian dogs to differentiate between their dogs and other predators who are usually darker in color, like wolves.
Other Akbash Jobs
Akbash dogs have been and are still used for other purposes than as livestock guardian dogs and pets. They are used as service animals, military dogs, house and property guardians, and as show dogs.
Akbash Appearance
Akbash Size*
Height: 29-32 inches (male), 27-30 inches (female)
Weight: 90-130 pounds (male), 75-100 pounds (female)
*Dogs that are born and raised in North America are often larger in size as they typically have access to higher quality nutrition and better veterinary care. They are also often selectively bred for increased size.
For more on LGD breed sizes, check out my article, Livestock Guardian Dog Sizes.
Akbash Colors
The Akbash dog is pure white in color, although light tan or “biscuit” coloring around the ears is quite common. If the dog shows any signs of spotting or other colored patches, it is likely not a purebred Akbash.
Akbash Coat
Akbash dogs come in two coat varieties – long-haired and short-haired. Both types have double coats that protect them against harsh weather.
Long-haired dogs tend to do better in cooler environments, although their undercoat will help to keep them from overheating. Their fur is thick and smooth but can also have a slight wave to it. Their tails and the back of their legs are fairly heavily fringed. In long-haired varieties, the ruff around their neck is also quite pronounced.
Short-haired dogs do fine in both hot and cold environments, though they tend to withstand the heat better than the long-haired Akbash dogs. They tend to have a coarser outer coat and a fine, soft undercoat. While their body fur will be quite short and close to their body, the fur around their necks, legs, and tails will appear to be slightly longer in length.
Akbash Head
Head shapes are dependent upon the variety of Akbash. Some will have a longer snout and a narrower head, whereas others will have broader heads and muzzles.
All Akbash dogs have almond-shaped eyes that come in various shades of brown. Akbash have black pigmented eye rims, noses, and lips.
Traditionally, this breed’s ears were cropped to prevent tears during fights with predators. However, most modern dogs do not have cropped ears. Their ears are typically left floppy and natural.
Akbash Body
Again, there are two main types of Akbash dogs. The first type is a leaner dog – their legs are longer and are not as broad through the chest area. They also have a more noticeable “tuck-up.”
The second type is broader in the chest. They also tend to have more dewlap and appear to have a heavier bone structure.
Both types typically have double rear dewclaws.
Akbash Tail
Akbash dogs have a plumed tail that they carry low when the dog is not active. Their tails will curl over their back when the dog is moving or alert. Occasionally you will find Akbash dogs with docked tails.
Akbash Grooming
As with many other livestock guardian dog breeds, the Akbash will require a decent amount of grooming. Both long-haired and short-haired varieties will need to be brushed at least once a week.
During shedding seasons (which usually occurs during the spring and summer), they will need to be brushed more frequently to loosen excess hair. This will not only prevent matting and buildup, but will also help them keep cool during the hotter months.
Long-haired Akbash dogs can be groomed using a pin brush and a metal comb. A natural bristle brush can be used on short-haired varieties. A slicker brush and a de-shedding brush can be helpful with both long- and short-haired Akbash dogs.
Because they are such big animals, it is lucky that they do not need to be bathed very often – a few times a year at most. Bathing too frequently will rid their coat of all the good, protective oils that they naturally produce.
As with all working dogs (and dogs with floppy ears in general), you will need to clean and check their ears regularly to prevent build up and infections.
Nail clipping should occur every two to three weeks, especially in non-working dogs. Often times, working dogs’ nails will file down naturally as they walk and move around quite a bit more than the average dog. However, it is important to check their nails regularly, regardless of their activity level, to ensure they are not splitting or cracking.
If your dog’s nails do need to be trimmed, make sure you purchase high-quality, industrial strength nail clippers to make sure you do not damage their nails. Or, even better, use a Dremel. Alternatively, you can also take them in to have their nails clipped professionally.
Teeth brushing is veterinarian recommended every few days. Al dogs should go in for an annual professional teeth cleaning to prevent any buildup and/or decay.
For detailed information and how-to videos on grooming (including nails, baths, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and more), see my article, Grooming Akbash: The Ultimate Guide.
Akbash Diet/Eating Habits
The caloric needs of the Akbash breed will vary depending upon their size and their level of activity. Males can require between 2105 and 5330 calories per day, whereas females will typically need fewer – between 1835 and 4375 calories per day. See the table below for more specific estimates:
| Akbash | Light Activity | Moderate Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 2105-3195 | 2425-3730 | 2830-5330 |
| Female | 1835-2625 | 2115-3065 | 2470-4375 |
For advice on how to properly feed your Akbash, check out these resources:
Akbash Lifespan
Akbash dogs are expected to live between 10 and 12 years. They reach maturity around 3 years of age, although it can take longer for them to reach their full size and potential. At this time, they can generally be trusted independently with their flock.
For more information on livestock guardian dog lifespans, what to expect from puppies, and how to care for older dogs, see my article, What is the Lifespan of a Livestock Guardian Dog?
Akbash Cost
Akbash puppies generally are sold for $800 to $2000 in the United States. However, the price very much depends upon the reputation and quality of the breeder, the availability of puppies at the time of sale, and the parents’ working history.
If importing an Akbash puppy, this amount can at least double.
Check out the video of Akbash puppies below – so cute!
If you are interested in adopting an Akbash from a rescue, check out my article, Rescue Livestock Guardian Dogs – Should You Get One?
Akbash Health Problems
This breed is one of the healthier livestock guardian dog breeds in North America with the lowest incidence of hip dysplasia. However, hip and elbow dysplasia are still concerning as these dogs put a lot of stress on their joints simply because they are large dogs.
There have been some cases of osteosarcoma, ACL injuries, seizures, and cardiomyopathy.
As with any working dog breed, they are also at risk for obesity – especially if kept as family companions. Watching their caloric intake, feeding them high quality food, and providing plenty of opportunities for exercise should keep them nice and healthy.
For information on what and how much to feed your Akbash, check out my article, Akbash and Food: What to Feed, When, and Problems to Avoid.
Similar Breeds to the Akbash
The Kangal and Anatolian Shepherd LGDs have often been lumped together with the Akbash. Akbash can also be mistaken for Great Pyrenees.
You May Also Be Interested in:
Brain Training for Dogs: The Best Online Obedience Training Program for Livestock Guardian Dogs
The Ultimate Obedience Training Program for Pet Spanish Mastiffs: Brain Training for Dogs
The Best Livestock Guardian Dog Toys: Top Recommendations from DOZENS of Great Pyrenees Owners!
