The Akbash Dog is a tall, strong, elegant white dog. Bred for generations
in their native Turkey primarily for protecting sheep against predators, such 
as bear in ancient times and now
wolves, they are sound in conformation and disposition. In Turkey, the shepherd's dogs
accompany the shepherd and the flock to the high summer pastures, or yaylas, and live
there until after the harvest is finished in the lower valleys. The flock then moves back
to the village fields until the onset of winter. During winter, sheep, dogs and any other
livestock, such as the family's cattle or goats, are housed in the village in low barns.
This is not the case in many North American sheep operations. The Old World Akbash Dog
has, nevertheless, achieved an excellent reputation in the New World both as a livestock
guardian and as a family companion.
In 1985 we decided that we needed a family/farm dog that would be a companion for our
two sons and protect our livestock when we were not at home. We had had a series of breeds
and finally began looking at the breeds known as "livestock guarding dogs." We
mentioned this to our veterinarian, a long time friend as well as sheep and goat owner.
Her immediate response was, "Get an Akbash!" Our response was, "An
AWK-what??" At her recommendation, we set about doing just that. Within the year, we
had purchased our first Akbash Dog, sight unseen. By the time she was 12 months old, we no
longer had to worry about coyotes taking ducks out of our front yard or geese from our
pasture. Likewise, the neighbor's dogs (a greater threat we felt than the coyotes) no
longer came into our pastures as mara
uders. The quality of our life in the country had greatly
improved. That first Akbash Dog was a patient companion for our sons and a protector of
our livestock and property. We have had Akbash Dogs ever since.
All of our Akbash Dogs are working dogs and are kept with livestock. We raise a litter of Akbash Dogs about every other year. Many of these pups go into family settings where they are fearless family companions. Others have gone into guarding situations with a variety of animals, such as sheep, goats, poultry, cattle, and exotics, such as ostriches and deer. We have been pleased with the high rate of success our dogs have had in a variety of situations. In fact, many of our owners return to buy a second dog.
Akbash Dogs, like the Turkish Kangal Dogs, are successful in a variety of situations. However, a dog can only be successful when placed in the right environment with responsible owners who understand the breed and its natural instincts. The purpose of these pages is to provide information for those interested in the majestic breeds of Turkey. We encourage you to contact us if you would like further information.
Livestock Guardians Index |Native Dog Breeds of Turkey | Akbash
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Kangal Dogs
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 March 17, 1999.