The Akbash Dog

Akbash Dog Successes & Owner Failures

The Akbash Dog has been such a success as a livestock guardian for several reasons. For these same reasons, the Akbash Dog is not a breed for everyone.

First, many would-be livestock guardian owners are amazed that the young Akbash Dog, like most puppies, is charming. First time livestock guardian dog owners have a very difficult time putting a fuzzy, inexperienced white puppy outside with livestock. Granted, some concessions should be made to protect the "baby" from stock that might injure it; however, many Akbash Dog puppies that go to new livestock guardian homes end up being family companions -- and by their very nature -- farm guardians. For many small farms, this is, in fact, an ideal arrangement. After a year or two, these owners will often return to a reputable breeder and buy a second dog -- one to be raised with the livestock entirely. A lesson to be learned here is the benefit of buying a slightly older, started dog.

Another surprise is that the Akbash Dog is very intelligent and learns quickly. Typically the family or flock guardian observes the routine and learns what and who is "okay." Thus, the Akbash Dog does not rely on his owner to tell him how to react. He will act on the basis of his own experience. That means that an Akbash Dog owner has to understand what his dog is learning and how his dog might react in given situations. He also has to anticipate what his dog needs to learn and decide how that will be taught. The Akbash Dog owner soon learns that while some dogs respond immediately to their owners' calls, the Akbash Dog seems to evaluate the command (or request) and then act accordingly.

Another trait that has made the Akbash Dog so successful as a livestock guardian is its fearlessness in the face of predators. On range, it has proven to be very effective against coyotes, the number one predator in the U.S. Akbash Dogs have been known to catch and kill marauding coyotes. They are also aggressive toward the number two predator, dogs. Some livestock guard dog breeds are "dog friendly" even when those dogs attack the guard dog's livestock. An Akbash Dog that has not been socialized to accept strange dogs will be aggressive toward them on his own territory. At the vet's office or at obedience class, that same Akbash Dog will typically mind his manners and diligently ignore other dogs; after all, those places are not "his" to protect.

Both guarding and companion Akbash Dogs will accept other dogs on the farm or in the family. However, a dominant Akbash Dog (a mature dog) may not accept the sudden introduction of another mature, dominant dog, particularly an unneutered dog of the same sex. On the other hand, many owners successfully bring in a second Akbash Dog, a puppy, which will not challenge the dominance of the older dog.

The third reason the Akbash Dog has been so successful is his size. The Akbash Dog is a large, imposing dog. Because they grow relatively fast, an 8 or 9 month old Akbash Dog may be taller than the neighbor's German Shepherd. This fast growth and large size helps the Akbash Dog to better protect himself against predators, some of which regard guard dogs as potential prey. However, if the owner is not used to handling a large dog, he could feel threatened when the white, fuzzy puppy is suddenly as big as a mature dog and disobedient because he was treated like a "baby" instead like a responsible companion. An adolescent companion dog that has not been correctly socialized within the family may try to dominate all or some of the family members. This dog can become a problem dog.  In both companion and livestock situations, being a successful Akbash Dog owner   requires basic "dog sense," and a successful Akbash Dog requires some basic training.

Because of his size, the growing dog also needs plenty of opportunity to exercise. This is usually not a problem for working dogs. It can be for the more urban companion dogs. Given some safe, fenced space and freedom, the Akbash Dog will be a better pet and the owner a happier owner. Life should not be a twenty-four hour a day obedience school. A large, safely fenced yard will give the Akbash Dog an exercise and play area that will give both owner and dog a respite from each other's company. Older dogs can often be fenced using electric or invisible fencing.

Before purchasing an Akbash Dog, be certain this is the breed for you. These are long-lived dogs and are a lifetime investment. The first step to take is finding a reputable breeder. If your first Akbash Dog is the right for you, in a year or two, you may find yourself getting a second one!

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This page is copyrighted and maintained by Tamara Taylor.  If you wish to use any material from these pages, please request permission by email:  ttaylor7@gte.net.  This page was last updated July 14, 1998.