CATXDOG

Appearance: The Akbash is a large and a powerful dog but it is leaner than other Turkish guard dog breeds, and has a distinct white coat, long legs, and feathered curved tail. It possesses characteristics of both mastiffs and sight hounds. His white coat is double coat. It is coarse and non-mating, and weather resistant. Their head is very large with ears set high but carried pendant.

History: The Akbash Dog is native to western Turkey in the region known as the Akbash, and it is primarily used as a Livestock guardian dog . The name comes from the Turkish word meaning white head. The origins of the breed are not well understood but it is believed by some to be an ancient pure breed. The Akbash Dog is thought to be the Turkish equivalent of other white guardian breeds found in and around the northern Mediterranean Basin . Unlike those breeds, only the Akbash Dog has its unique combination of Mastiff and sighthound qualities. This breed was developed 3000 years ago, probably by shepherds who purposely bred for white-colored guarding sheepdogs, perhaps to tell them apart from predators. The breed is often referred to as a sheep dog, but it does not herd its charges. Instead, it is designed to live with the flock and act as a guardian .

Temperament: The Akbash is not shy. When used as a guard dog, it is not extremely personable with humans, although the breed is not by nature hostile. The Akbash can be used as a companion dog as well as a working breed, and if trained appropriately can be extremely personable with any creature no matter the size or age. The Akbash has been bred to be independent and dogs of this breed might think that they know better than their owners during training, after all they are capable of fighting wolves and bears. The Akbash is a relatively low-energy breed. Because it is in their nature to lie with the flocks they guard most of the day, they do not require tremendous endurance and little energy. That does not mean, however, that they can be happily confined to small spaces. It is still very much a working breed and is happiest when given a task to complete. These dogs are known for their intelligence, bravery, independence and loyalty. It is excellent guard dog, making it dangerous breed when visitors are not supervised. If owner is present, Akbash is usually around the owner, but leaving it alone with people he is not familiar with is not recommendable. Owners family and his livestock are considered as Akbash's own family. It is not uncommon to se Akbash cleaning up a newborn lamb without the mother being scared or nervous at all.