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{{short description|Turkish breed of dog}}
{{redirect|Akbash|the village in Iran|Akbash, Iran}}
{{for|the village in Iran|Akbash, Iran}}
{{refimprove|date=March 2011}}
{{Infobox dog breed
<!-- Put article text AFTER this infobox markup. See: -->
| name = Akbash
<!-- Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Dog breeds/Templates for more info.-->
| image = Akbaş cinsi köpek.jpg
{{Infobox Dogbreed
|name = Akbash Dog | image_alt = a large white dog sitting
| altname = Akbaş Çoban Köpeği
|image = Turkish Akbash.jpg
| country = Turkey
|image_alt = Akbash Dog image
| weight =
|image_caption = An Akbash Dog.
| height =
|altname = Akbaş Çoban Köpeği
| maleweight = {{convert|45|–|65|kg|abbr=on}}{{r|bitlis|p=7}}
|nickname = Akbash
| femaleweight = {{convert|35|–|55|kg|abbr=on}}{{r|bitlis|p=7}}
|country = ]
| maleheight = {{convert|60|–|85|cm|abbr=on}}{{r|bitlis|p=7}}
|patronage =
| femaleheight = {{convert|50|–|75|cm|abbr=on}}{{r|bitlis|p=7}}
<!-----Traits----->
| coat = double coat{{r|tam|p=90}}
|maleweight = {{convert|90|&ndash;|140|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
| colour = white{{r|tam|p=90}}
|femaleweight = {{convert|75|&ndash;|105|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
| litter_size =
|maleheight = {{convert|28|&ndash;|34|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| life_span = 10–12 years{{r|tam|p=90}}
|femaleheight = {{convert|27|&ndash;|32|in|cm|abbr=on}}
|coat = Medium or long double coat | kc_name =
|color = White | kc_std =
| kc2_name =
|litter_size = 8 pups
|life_span = 11 years | kc2_std =
| fcistd =
<!-----Classification and standards----->
| note = recognised by the ] of Turkey
|fcigroup = Not recognized; KIF group 2
}}
|fcisection =
|fcinum =
|fcistd =
|akcgroup =
|akcstd =
|akcfss =
|akcmisc =
|ankcgroup =
|ankcstd =
|ckcgroup =
|ckcstd =
|ckcmisc =
|kcukgroup =
|kcukstd =
|nzkcgroup =
|nzkcstd =
|ukcgroup = Guardian Dog
|ukcstd =
<!-----Notes----->
|note = Recognized by the ] (Turkish Kennel Club)
}}<!-- End Infobox -->
The '''Akbash Dog''' (from {{lang-tr|Akbaş}}, literally "white head" <ref>] - ''TDK Online Dictionary''. {{dead link|date=April 2011}}, {{dead link|date=April 2011}}</ref>) is native to western ] in the region known as the Akbaş, and it is primarily used as a ], but is also recorded to be used as a ]. It is officially recognized by ] (KIF) aka the Turkish Kennel Club.<ref>KIF. . Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu (KIF). Accessed May 10th 2014.</ref>


]]]
==History==
The '''Akbash''' ({{langx|tr|Akbaş}}) is a traditional Turkish ] or ] of ] dog from western ].{{r|kif}} The word {{Lang|tr|akbaş}} means 'white head', and thus distinguishes this dog from the ], or 'black head'.{{r|dic|hancock|p=33}} It was recognised by the Turkish ] in 2006; it is under the tutelage of the {{lang|tr|italic=no|Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu}}, the Turkish dog breed society, but is not recognised by the ].{{r|kif|fci}}


== History ==
This breed was introduced to North America in the 1970s by Americans Judith and David Nelson<ref>{{cite web|first=United Kennel Club|title=Akbash Dog Breed Stanadard|url=http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/Breeds/AkbashDog04011998|accessdate=29 January 2013}}</ref> who had been conducting research on white coloured dogs in Turkey.


The Akbash is a traditional breed of ], used to protect flocks from predators in the rugged terrain of western ].{{r|tam|p=90}} It is distributed mainly in the ] of ], ], ] and ]; some are present in the provinces of ], ], ] and ].{{r|bitlis|p=7|eaap|p2=5}}
Archeological evidence suggests that the earliest civilizations arose in the parts of the world currently occupied by Turkey 10,000 years ago and began to domesticate animals and cultivate (or domesticate) plants. In short order there would have been a need for livestock protection dogs to care for the livestock.


A ] was published by the ] in 2002, and in 2006 the Akbash was recognised by the ]; it was added to the list of recognised native breeds and types, and the breed standard was published in the '']'', the official government gazette.{{r|eaap|p=5|tsi|agr|p3=8|gaz}}
The other white breeds of livestock protection dogs from around the world include, but may not be limited to:
* ] or Chien De L'Atlas, originally from North Africa (preferred color white, but other colors appear)
* ], of the Pyrenees Mountain area in France and Spain (may have light/med. spots)
* ], from Greece
* ] from Hungary
* ] from Hungary (white or ivory)
* ], from the Maremma plains and from the Abruzzi mountainous region of Italy (may have light yellow/orange on ears)
* ] or Owczarek Podhalanski, from Poland
* Romanian Sheepdog or ], from Romania (usually white with pied brown)
* ] or Slovensky Tchouvatch, from Slovakia
* ] or South Russian Sheepdog


== Characteristics ==
==Appearance==
The Akbash is a large dog, weighing from {{convert|75|to|140|lb|kg}}, averaging 90 pounds for the female, and 120 pounds for the male. Akbash dogs range from about {{convert|27|to|34|in|cm}} tall. The Akbash is leaner than other Turkish livestock guardian dog breeds (i.e.: Kangal, and Anatolian Shepherd), and some Akbash dogs may also be taller.


The Akbash is a ] dog, providing protection from predators to shepherds and to their sheep; it does not have any ] ability.{{r|bitlis|p=7}} It is a large and powerful dog:{{r|mini|p=406}} mean body weight is approximately {{Convert|45|kg|abbr=on}}, and mean height at the ] just over {{Convert|75|cm|abbr=on}}.{{r|bitlis|p=6}}
The Akbash has a smooth-short to medium-full white double coat (sometimes with some light biscuit coloring at the ears). It has long legs, a tail that curls and is frequently feathered, and pink skin blotched with black or blackish-brown under its white coat. Eye rims, nose and lips should be completely black or blackish-brown for the show ring, but commonly they may have some pink.


The coat may be either long or of medium length; it is always double, and is usually white, though there may be some shading towards a biscuit colour.{{r|dk|p=70|mini|p2=406}} As with other white-coated flock guardian dogs, the white coat makes it easy for the shepherd to distinguish between the dog and a predator, even in the dark.{{r|mini|p=406}} There is considerable feathering behind the legs, and the tail is heavily feathered.{{r|dk|p=70}}
It is believed the ancient genetics of the Akbash dog were founded on a combination of molosser and sighthound breeds. The Akbash possesses characteristics of both. Although there is a lot of variation in size and height in the Akbash breed, Akbash dogs have a reputation for being tall with long strong bodies. Most appear statuesque and are quite flexible for dogs their size. They have loose skin around their necks to help protect them from predators. Heads range from medium to heavy for working breed dogs. Purebred Akbash dogs may or may not be born with rear double dewclaws. Lack of, or possession of rear double dewclaws in an Akbash is no indication of recent interbreeding with other livestock guardian breeds nor any other breeds.


== References ==
It is supposed by some that the Akbash and the Kangal Dog were originally distinct, pure Turkish breeds, and they were combined to create the ]. There still exists controversy on this subject. Akbash should be easy to recognize next to Kangals and Anatolian Shepherds because of their white appearance, although some Anatolian Shepherds may resemble Akbash or Kangals, and some Kangals may resemble Akbash.
{{commonscat|Turkish Akbash}}
{{Reflist|45em|refs=


<ref name=agr>Seyrani Koncagül, Canan Demiralp, Nermin Aksümer, A. Oya Akın, Mehmet Ertuğrul (2012). . General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policy, Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock, Republic of Turkey. Published as: ''Animal Genetic Resources/Ressources Génétiques Animales/Recursos Genéticos Animales''. '''50''' (111–11). {{doi|10.1017/S2078633612000240}}. Archived 29 May 2012.</ref>
It is legal to export Akbash dogs from Turkey. It is illegal to export Kangal dogs from Turkey. Kangals are the national dog breed of Turkey.


<ref name=bitlis>Orhan Yılmaz, Mehmet Ertuğrul (2012). . ''Bitlis Eren University Journal of Science & Technology''. '''2''' (1): 6–9.</ref>
The Akbash breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) but is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). Akbash dogs may be shown in American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) shows, and in International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA) shows.


<ref name=dic>] - ''TDK Online Dictionary''. {{dead link|date=September 2017 | bot=InternetArchiveBot | fix-attempted=yes }} , {{dead link|date=August 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} </ref>
==Temperament==
]
]
The Akbash personality tends to be calm and aware. As a breed, it is not shy, nor is it aggressive. When used as a protection dog, it is suspicious of strangers in its territory, and unusual sounds and changes in its environment. The breed is not naturally hostile, and is, instead, naturally discerning, bred to think independently. The Akbash can be powerful against ]s, yet, when properly exposed, be gentle with newborn ]s and ] kids. The usual first means of protection by an Akbash is prudently warning potential threats by barking or growling. The Akbash will chase away a predator, or physically protect against it, only if it deems that wise and necessary.


<ref name=dk> (2013). ''The Dog Encyclopedia''. London; New York: Dorling Kindersley. {{isbn|9781465408440}}.</ref>
The Akbash is frequently mistakenly referred to as a herding dog, but are actually working dogs bred to live with and protect ], usually goats and/or sheep, and should not chase their charges, (although in some rare cases they may move their charges away from danger). Akbash is one of the more popular of about 30 breeds worldwide under the heading of Flock Guardians, Livestock Protection Dogs, or Livestock Guardian Dogs (more commonly: LGDs).


<ref name=eaap>Orhan Yılmaz, Mehmet Ertuğrul, R. Trevor Wilson (2012). . In: ''63rd Annual Meeting of the EAAP'', pages 27–31.</ref>
In their roles as livestock guardian dogs, Akbash dogs frequently spend long hours lying with flocks or herds. The Akbash is a relatively low energy breed, although they are said to always be thinking and taking in what is happening around them (and that they "sleep with one eye open"). They regularly patrol the perimeters of their territories, and listen and smell beyond any fence lines. They reserve much of their physical energy for emergencies when they may encounter a predator.


<ref name=fci>. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed February 2020.</ref>
When protecting their charges, they appear to have tremendous power, focus, endurance and perseverance. Their great speed, loose neck skin, flexible bodies and bounding athleticism give them the physical edge they need to continue surviving as livestock protection dogs. Most predators will not openly confront a working Akbash, but a few may try it. To avoid having an injured livestock protection dog, and to better protect flocks and herds, it is common to use more than one dog in working situations. Predators are less likely to take on more than one livestock protection dog so neither working dog is likely to get injured.


<ref name=gaz> (2006). (in Turkish). ''Resmi Gazete'' 9 July 2006, number 26223.</ref>
The Akbash is uncommon as a companion dog. When trained appropriately from puppyhood on, it will get along with other domestic species. Since the Akbash has been bred to think on its own, dogs of this breed might be reluctant to adapt to obedience exercises. They have been bred not to chase their charges, so tend not to be interested in chasing balls or in games of fetch. They prefer large areas and may become discontent and exhibit problem behaviors, like escaping or being destructive, if relegated to a pen or small yard. Akbash dogs require tall secure fencing for best containment. The Akbash is not a dog for everyone. It is a working breed and is happiest when given a job compatible to its breeding, or at the least, when kept mentally engaged. These dogs are known for their ], bravery, independence and loyalty.


<ref name=hancock>David Hancock (2014). . Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wiltshire: The Crowood Press. {{isbn|9781847978080}}.</ref>
==Health==
<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
Akbash dogs, like many large breeds, can be expected to live 10 to 11 years on average, with some living much longer. Akbash dogs are capable of bonding very closely with their owners and other animals and can display a range of emotion and sensitivity unlike many other breeds.


<ref name=kif> (in Turkish). Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu. Archived 6 December 2013.</ref>
== See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


<ref name=mini>Andrew De Prisco, James B. Johnson, Kerry V. Donnelly, Paquita Kriens (translator) (1992). (in Spanish). Barcelona: Hispano Europea. {{isbn|8425509181}}.</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}


<ref name=tam>Tamsin Pickeral (2014). ''Dogs Unleashed''. San Diego: Thunder Bay Press. {{isbn|9781626860681}}.</ref>
==Further reading==
*''The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World'' by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM, and Chris Walkowicz
*''The Mini-Atlas of Dog Breeds'' by Andrew DePrisco and James B. Johnson
*''Livestock Protection Dogs by David E. Sims & Orysia Dawydiak


<ref name=tsi> (2002). ''Akbaş Turk Coban Kopegi Standardi, TS 12891''(=''Turkish Akbash Shepherd Dog Standard, number 12891''). Turk Standartlari Enstitusu/Turkish Standards Institution. Ankara: TSE Matbaasi.</ref>
==External links==
{{Commons|Akbash|Akbash dog}}


===Clubs, Associations, and Societies===
*
*
*


}}
===Directories and Informational Pages===
<!--Editors: breed registry, club, rescue, and kennel information links are placed on DMOZ, not here-->
* ]
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{{Pastoral dogs}} {{Turkish dogs}}
{{Livestock guardians}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Akbash Dog}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Akbash}}
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Latest revision as of 06:57, 1 December 2024

Turkish breed of dog For the village in Iran, see Akbash, Iran. Dog breed
Akbash
a large white dog sitting
Other namesAkbaş Çoban Köpeği
OriginTurkey
Traits
Height Males 60–85 cm (24–33 in)
Females 50–75 cm (20–30 in)
Weight Males 45–65 kg (99–143 lb)
Females 35–55 kg (77–121 lb)
Coat double coat
Colour white
Notesrecognised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Turkey
Dog (domestic dog)
a large white dog sitting among a flock of sheep
Guarding sheep in California

The Akbash (Turkish: Akbaş) is a traditional Turkish breed or type of flock guardian dog from western Anatolia. The word akbaş means 'white head', and thus distinguishes this dog from the Karabaş, or 'black head'. It was recognised by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in 2006; it is under the tutelage of the Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu, the Turkish dog breed society, but is not recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

History

The Akbash is a traditional breed of livestock guardian dog, used to protect flocks from predators in the rugged terrain of western Anatolia. It is distributed mainly in the provinces of Afyon, Ankara, Eskişehir and Manisa; some are present in the provinces of Ağrı, Konya, Sivas and Tunceli.

A standard was published by the Turkish Standards Institution in 2002, and in 2006 the Akbash was recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; it was added to the list of recognised native breeds and types, and the breed standard was published in the Resmi Gazete, the official government gazette.

Characteristics

The Akbash is a flock guardian dog, providing protection from predators to shepherds and to their sheep; it does not have any herding ability. It is a large and powerful dog: mean body weight is approximately 45 kg (99 lb), and mean height at the withers just over 75 cm (30 in).

The coat may be either long or of medium length; it is always double, and is usually white, though there may be some shading towards a biscuit colour. As with other white-coated flock guardian dogs, the white coat makes it easy for the shepherd to distinguish between the dog and a predator, even in the dark. There is considerable feathering behind the legs, and the tail is heavily feathered.

References

  1. ^ Orhan Yılmaz, Mehmet Ertuğrul (2012). Determination of Akbash Shepherd Dog Raised in Turkey. Bitlis Eren University Journal of Science & Technology. 2 (1): 6–9.
  2. ^ Tamsin Pickeral (2014). Dogs Unleashed. San Diego: Thunder Bay Press. ISBN 9781626860681.
  3. ^ Akbaş Shepherd Dog (in Turkish). Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu. Archived 6 December 2013.
  4. Turkish Language Association - TDK Online Dictionary. ak , baş
  5. David Hancock (2014). Dogs of the Shepherds: A Review of the Pastoral Breeds. Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wiltshire: The Crowood Press. ISBN 9781847978080.
  6. FCI breeds nomenclature. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed February 2020.
  7. ^ Orhan Yılmaz, Mehmet Ertuğrul, R. Trevor Wilson (2012). The domestic livestock resources of Turkey: breed descriptions and status of guard and hunting dogs. In: 63rd Annual Meeting of the EAAP, pages 27–31.
  8. (2002). Akbaş Turk Coban Kopegi Standardi, TS 12891(=Turkish Akbash Shepherd Dog Standard, number 12891). Turk Standartlari Enstitusu/Turkish Standards Institution. Ankara: TSE Matbaasi.
  9. Seyrani Koncagül, Canan Demiralp, Nermin Aksümer, A. Oya Akın, Mehmet Ertuğrul (2012). Domestic Animal Genetic Resources in Turkey. General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policy, Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock, Republic of Turkey. Published as: Animal Genetic Resources/Ressources Génétiques Animales/Recursos Genéticos Animales. 50 (111–11). doi:10.1017/S2078633612000240. Archived 29 May 2012.
  10. (2006). Yerli Hayvan Irk ve Hatlarının Tescili Hakkında 2004/39 No’lu Tebliğde Değişiklik Yapılmasına Dair Tebliğ (Tebliğ No: 2006/32) (in Turkish). Resmi Gazete 9 July 2006, number 26223.
  11. ^ Andrew De Prisco, James B. Johnson, Kerry V. Donnelly, Paquita Kriens (translator) (1992). Mini-atlas de las razas caninas: más de 400 razas ilustradas y detalladas (in Spanish). Barcelona: Hispano Europea. ISBN 8425509181.
  12. ^ (2013). The Dog Encyclopedia. London; New York: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 9781465408440.
Dogs originating in Turkey
Turkey
Livestock guardian dogs
  • † = Descended from and closely related to livestock guardian dogs, but traditionally used in other roles
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