Why the Akbash Dog - belfairfarm.com

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Why the Akbash Dogs

As a livestock guarding breed, the Akbash Dogs are born with certain, instinctive behaviors which tend to be "hard-wired," or bred in, just as hounds and bird dogs and terriers and other types of dogs behaviors.

This breed was rated by the USDA in a Guardian Dog study as #1 in ability and dedication. The Akbash Dog, has an ability to bond to other species, accepting that species as their social "pack." After generations and even centuries of use with sheep (primarily), this livestock guarding breed is "bite-inhibited," that is, they do not "snap first, think later".

Like other livestock guarding dogs, they tend to be protective, often placing themselves between what they are protecting and the perceived threat. They are also creatures of habit. They learn by observation what is usual (and accepted) and what is unusual (and suspicious). The Akbash Dog can be deceptively quiet, but it is always watchful. This is seen in their tendency to find an optimal spot from which to observe what is going on. An Akbash Dog will typically find a high spot on which to lay.

The native Turkish "shepherd's" or livestock guard dog breeds, the Akbash Dog differ from some of the other flock guardians. They are less people aggressive than some and more unfriendly to strange dogs than most. However, they learn to accept and protect and enjoy the company of many different species, including humans and other companion dogs.

Unlike some of the long heavy coated Guardian Dogs, the Akbash Dogs coat is easier to maintain. They have a double coat and shed that undercoat usually in the spring or early summer. Living outside with livestock, they require little coat care. Even the long coated variety have coats similar to a setter which does not mat nor have the odors that other guardian dogs have.

Although Akbash Dogs are large breed, they are not an active breed, like the shepherds. Mature dogs are typically calm and low energy. Weighing between 110 -130 pd and standing 30-35 inches at the shoulder. However, a young pup can be full of energy, and needs to release that energy playing. We recommend if you do not have another guardian dog for the pup to play with, that you purchase two pups, for the sake of your flock. Torn ears from a playful pup is not a desirable situation, nor a habit that you want developed.

Both males and females exhibit the breed traits that make good companions. Neutering at around 7 months is strongly recommended. In many cases, after neutering, males become mellower and less dominant than the females. It is important to remember that the USDA studies led to the conclusion that Akbash Dogs did not lose their instinct to protect even after neutering.