Akbash
Temperament:
The Akbash, which is mainly found in Anatolia, is a gentle giant with a mind of its own. Because of its courage and imposing stature, it is considered the national dog of Turkey. The Akbash is characterized by alertness, balance and elegance.
Characteristics
The Akbash is characterized by its stately size and powerful athleticism. A shoulder height of over 80 centimeters is not uncommon. The average body weight of the dogs is around 60 kilograms.
The Akbash is said to be related to the muscular Molossian dog types. This is reflected not least in the contours of its skull. The Akbash usually wears its medium-sized ears flat against the head or hanging down.
Depending on the variety, Akbashs have short, semi-long or double fur. This protects them very well from the cold and heat. The color of the breed is usually dominated by white, beige and light brown tones.
As a guard dog, the Akbash is very independent. However, its dominance rarely manifests itself in aggressive behavior. This is especially true towards its caregivers. Here, his nature is clearly characterized by a peaceful and loyal character.
It is only towards strangers that the Akbash is often suspicious and territorial. Because of these characteristics, Akbashs are also considered excellent guard dogs. Adult specimens in particular need a correspondingly large territory. Only there can they live out their character and performance to the full.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
In general, Akbash do not have any special dietary requirements. They tolerate a wide range of food, from meat and fish to bones. The Akbash can also cope well with a simple diet. The Anatolian shepherds in their homeland often only give them bread and water.
Most Akbashs get by with small portions and only need a little meat. However, the intake of animal protein is important. Therefore, small amounts of fresh meat should be fed regularly.
Akbashs are sometimes prone to joint disease and obesity in old age. For this reason, an adapted diet is worthwhile. Feed containing omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants is particularly helpful here. This is because their anti-inflammatory active ingredients effectively prevent joint diseases.
Health & Care
Your Akbash loves lots of exercise and running around. This is the only way to ensure his health and well-being. But even a large garden is not enough for him in the long term. Long walks in the great outdoors are therefore essential. This is particularly important if your Akbash is not also used as a guard dog or watchdog.
Keeping an Akbash in a city apartment is only possible to a very limited extent. In principle, the dog prefers to spend its life outdoors all year round. A separate outdoor enclosure is therefore recommended.
Training a dog that is considered stubborn can sometimes prove difficult. Training should therefore be started as early as possible. Keeping an Akbash requires very clear structures. The dog also prefers an assertive and experienced owner.
However, the robust Akbash is less demanding when it comes to additional grooming. It is usually sufficient to remove dead hair from its coat regularly with a brush.
Suitable accessories
Leashes generally contradict the nature of the Akbash. Nevertheless, it is advisable to keep your dog on a lead in residential areas and on country roads. Make sure that the leash is strong and resistant. Shorter leads are recommended for adult Akbashs. A length of 50 centimeters to 120 centimeters is appropriate here.
Your Akbash feels most comfortable outdoors all year round. It is therefore recommended to set up a dog kennel in the garden. Choosing the right kennel is quite simple. It should be spacious enough and made of sturdy material.
Accommodating a full-grown Akbash in a car is not always easy. Necessary transportation can therefore quickly become a problem. In this case, it may be advisable to purchase a professional dog crate. This is because it offers additional safety for humans and dogs, especially on longer journeys.
Origin & History
Even today, Akbashs serve as loyal guard dogs for shepherds in their native Anatolia. The first evidence of the appearance of this breed in Turkey dates back to the 15th century. Travel reports and artistic depictions from this period in particular provide corresponding evidence.
However, the ancestry of the dog breed is not completely clear. Experts see a possible ancestor in the early Mesopotamian hunting dogs. This is because they clearly overlap with the Akbash in their dog-like stature.
Since the middle of the 20th century, Akbashs have been increasingly exported from Turkey to England and the USA. This led to numerous hybrid forms of the breed.
But it is not only the numerous mixed breeds that make the search for a suitable puppy more difficult. Illegal imports from Eastern Europe also pose an increased risk. You should therefore find out about reputable breeders before buying.
