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Akbash Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Akbash Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank192
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Akbash Dog dog profile picture
OriginTurkey flagTurkey
Other Names
What other names does the Akbash Dog have?
Coban KopegiAkbash dogTurkish Shepherd
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Akbash Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is an Akbash Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Akbash Dog get?

What is the average size of an Akbash Dog?

Large
Weight
How much does the Akbash Dog weigh? How much should an Akbash Dog weight? What is the normal weight of an Akbash Dog? How much does a full-grown Akbash Dog weight?
Male: 90–140 pounds (41–64 kg), Female: 75–105 pounds (34–48 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Akbash Dog?
Male: 115 pounds (52,5 kg), Female: 90 pounds (41 kg)
Height
How tall is the Akbash Dog? Akbash Dog height:
Male: 28–32 inches (71–81 cm), Female: 27–30 inches (69–76 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Akbash Dog?
Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 28,5 inches (72,5 cm)

Akbash Dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Akbash Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Akbash Dog in the United States? How much money is an Akbash Dog?

Where to buy an Akbash Dog with a good pedigree?

$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Akbash Dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Akbash Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Akbash Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Akbash Dog? How many Akbash Dog are there in the world?
Frequent: The Akbash Dog is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Akbash Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Akbash Dog? Is the Akbash Dog breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Akbash Dog obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Akbash Dog ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Akbash Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Akbash Dog?
Akbash Dog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Akbash Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Akbash Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Akbash Dog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Akbash Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Akbash Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Akbash Dog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Akbash Dog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Akbash Dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Akbash Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentAlertCourageousIntelligentAffectionateLoyal
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Akbash Dog sensitivity:
Akbash Dog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Akbash Dog a good family dog?
Average: Akbash Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Coban Kopegi need? Akbash Dog social needs:
Akbash Dog dogs are kinda antisocial. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time, they tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Akbash Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Akbash Dog roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Akbash Dog is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Akbash Dog have high prey drive?
Akbash Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Akbash Dog dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Akbash Dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Akbash Dogs are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Barking
Do Akbash Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Coban Kopegi bark?
Average: The Akbash Dog barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Akbash Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Akbash Dog in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Akbash Dog breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Akbash Dog indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Akbash Dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Akbash Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Akbash Dog be left alone? How long can you leave an Akbash Dog alone?
Akbash Dog dogs handle alone time quite well. They are not prone to have separation anxiety.

Akbash Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Akbash Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Akbash Dog? How much bite force does an Akbash Dog have? How strong is an Akbash Dog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akbash Dog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Akbash Dog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Akbash Dog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Akbash Dog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Akbash Dog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Akbash Dog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Akbash Dog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Akbash Dog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Akbash Dog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Akbash Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Coban Kopegi? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Akbash Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Akbash Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Akbash Dog do?
Akbash Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Akbash Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Akbash Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Akbash Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Akbash Dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Akbash Dog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Akbash Dog breed? Most common health risks of Akbash Dog:
Hip Dysplasia Luxating PatellaHypothyroidismUmbilical HerniasBloatEpilepsyHeart Problems
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Akbash Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Akbash Dog see the vet?
Frequent
The Akbash Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Akbash Dog dogs live? How old can a Akbash Dog be? What is the age limit of the Akbash Dog? How many years can the oldest Akbash Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Akbash Dog?

How long is the lifespan of an Akbash Dog?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Akbash Dog: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Akbash Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Akbash Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Akbash Dog have? What is the activity level of the Akbash Dog?
Akbash Dog dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Akbash Dog need? How much exercise do Akbash Dog dogs require per day?

Do Akbash Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Akbash Dog dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Akbash Dog breed need?
Akbash Dog dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Akbash Dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Akbash Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Akbash Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Akbash Dog? How much food should I feed my Akbash Dog?
3-4 cup high-quality commercial dog food (that is formulated for large-breed dogs), divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Akbash Dog risk for obesity:
Average: The Akbash Dog has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Akbash Dog weight regularly.

Akbash Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Akbash Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickSmooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Akbash Dog coats?
White
Grooming
How to groom the Akbash Dog and how often? How often should I take my Akbash Dog to the groomer?
Average: The Akbash Dog requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Akbash Dog, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Akbash Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Coban Kopegi? Do Akbash Dog dogs shed a lot?
Akbash Dog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Akbash Dog need a bath? How often should you give an Akbash Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Akbash Dog every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Akbash Dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Akbash Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Akbash Dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Akbash Dog drool?
The Akbash Dog is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Akbash Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Akbash Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Akbash Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Akbash Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Akbash Dog temperament with other people:
Akbash Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Akbash Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Akbash Dog temperament with children:
Akbash Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Akbash Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Akbash Dog breed live with a cat?
Akbash Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Akbash Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Akbash Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Akbash Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Akbash Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Akbash Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Akbash Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Akbash Dog dogs good office canines? Do Akbash Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Akbash Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Akbash Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Coban Kopegi temperament with senior people? Are Akbash Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Akbash Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Akbash Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Akbash Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Akbash Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Akbash Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Akbash Dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Akbash Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Akbash Dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Akbash Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Akbash Dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Akbash Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Akbash Dog be a boat dog?

Not really

Akbash Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Akbash Dog be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Akbash Dog breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Akbash Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Akbash Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Akbash Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Akbash Dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Akbash Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Akbash Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Akbash Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Akbash Dog have? How many puppies can an Akbash Dog give birth to?
6-8 puppies

Akbash Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Akbash Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Akbash Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Akbash Dog breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Akbash Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Watchdog Ability: Akbash Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Akbash Dog dogs handle alone time quite well.
  • Child Friendly: Akbash Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Akbash Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Akbash Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Health Issues: Akbash Dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Akbash Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Akbash Dog breed.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Akbash Dog is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Office Friendly: Akbash Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Akbash Dog History

Akhbash is an ancient breed, it’s history can be traced back to the first civilizations around the Fertile Crescent; a region in Western Asia that now covers territories of Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. Firstly they used the dogs as protectors of homestands and as hunters but later when next to the agricultural production the inhabitants of the territory started to domesticate animals and create livestock herds as well, the dogs were modified to fulfill livestock guarding and shedding duties. This dog; the  Turkish Akbash was among the earliest breeds to have been created. In the same period other white guarding dogs were developed around the Mediterranean Basin as well, such as the Great Pyrenees of France and Spain, the Kuvasz of Hungary, and the Maremma dogs found in Italy's Maremma Mountains, but the Turkish one was unique. The Akbash is a special combination of Sighthound and Mollosser (Mastiff) characteristics. Its figure and power came from the Mastiff and the Sighthound gave it the long legs, speed, and agility.

The name “Akbash” means “white head”, and like many livestock protection dogs, this breed is predominantly white in coloration. Their white coat just like in the case of most livestock guardian dogs is a man-made alteration resulting from the selective culling of litters. The reason for the color white can be numerous; it helps the dogs and their owners as well in many ways. It helps the dogs to blend in with the flock, making it harder to detect by predators and thereby giving it a tactical advantage to ambush them. The white coat also makes it less likely that the shepherd would mistake it for a wolf in the night.

In the 1970s the spread of the Akbash around the world started due to its good reputation as a livestock guard which it didn’t prove wrong. The first Akbashe (a pregnant female called Cybele White Bird ) arrived in the United States in 1978, with their owners: David and Judy Nelson who had lived in Turkey as part of the diplomatic corps. It was her pups that would form the foundation of the breed in America and the beginning of the Akbash Dog Association International (ADAI) and the Akbash Dog Association of America (ADAA), the ADAI's North American affiliate. Following the importation of Cybele White Bird, her first litter, and the formation of the Akbash Dog Association of America in 1978,  their popularity around livestock herders continuously grown more and more Akbash Dogs were imported into the United States from Turkey. However, even The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)  took notice and purchased purebred Akbash dogs from the Nelsons for use in the livestock guard project in the early 1980s  they are still not officially recognized as an individual purebred by the American Kennel Club and neither by most noted international kennel clubs.

Rate The Akbash Dog Breed

Akbash Dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • ADAA registered Akbash Breeder

    Jan 26, 2023, 5:07:49 PM:

    Akbash are the best at what they do for the intended application, which is guarding livestock. This page is full of bad info. For example, it would be nice to have a picture of an actual AKBASH.

  • Ömer

    Jul 24, 2021, 7:36:56 AM:

    Best guard dog ever

  • Akbash owner

    Nov 7, 2020, 2:35:25 PM:

    This site has a LOT of false information about the Akbash breed. Look elsewhere.