Contents
History of origin
Akbasha, or Turkish Shepherd, can be safely called one of the oldest breeds of dogs that have lived side by side with humans for thousands of years. Today it is even difficult to say exactly when it appeared, since there are no written references to Akbash. It is only known that for many centuries BC, the west of Turkey was inhabited by peoples engaged in cattle breeding. They bred mainly goats and sheep, and to guard the herds they needed a strong and large dog that would be smart enough to perform its tasks on its own, with little or no human intervention. This is how Akbash appeared.
Cynologists suggest that he was bred by crossing the shepherd dogs and greyhounds that already existed at that time, which awarded the Turkish Shepherd with a strong, but at the same time quite light and lean body, as well as long legs. The white color also appeared not by chance – so the dog was more noticeable to the shepherd, who would never, even at night, confuse it with a wolf.
It should be noted that Akbashi did not graze cattle, but guarded it from the attack of wolves, which is why these dogs are also called Turkish wolfhounds. Strength, large growth and courage helped them cope with even the most ferocious predators.
For a long time, nothing was known about Akbash outside of Turkey, but recently the dogs have been exported to other countries, and today Americans are willing to start them as companions. But in our country, the breed is still almost unknown.
Breed description
Akbash is a very large dog, exceeding 80 cm at the withers, but it does not give the impression of being massive and heavy, like its close relative, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Akbash has a slender, toned body, which at the same time personifies power and speed. The head is medium or large, the ears are small hanging, the nose is black. On the neck, the skin hangs freely, which saves the dog’s throat during a fight with a wolf. The paws are long, high, the tail is set low, with a beautiful dewlap, often bent at the end. The back is straight, the chest is wide.
The coat is rough, thick, can be either of medium length in dogs of the flat type, or forming a rich fur coat in the mountain variety. Often wavy. The color is exclusively white, light spots on the head near the ears are acceptable.
Character
Akbash is a person. Possessing great self-respect, this noble dog will never stoop to slavishly serve his master. Historically, these dogs coexisted with people, cooperated, but did not serve in any way, and this greatly affected their character.
Akbash is always calm, balanced and focused. He never loses vigilance, but also does not show aggression. This is a real leader who has been trying to prove this to his owner since childhood, so if you are not sure of the strength of your character, then it is better not to get such a dog. Akbash will respect and obey only the one whose will he recognizes is stronger than his own, who always treats him nobly and honestly – these dogs do not forgive meanness, weakness and betrayal. But if you managed to win the trust of the akbash, then you simply cannot find a more devoted and faithful friend.
Care and maintenance
Since the Akbash lived for centuries, practically independent of man, in rather difficult conditions of the highlands, through natural selection they became very resilient and unpretentious. These dogs are not afraid of either cold or heat, they are able to get their own food and be content with little. The only thing they really need is exercise.
Ideally, such a dog should be started if you have your own house with a yard where it can run in the fresh air and protect the territory (and Akbashi are terrible owners). At the same time, in no case should they be put on a chain (as, indeed, any dog) – this will make the akbash a closed, depressive misanthrope.
However, they can also exist in an apartment (subject to daily long walks, of course) and usually they just sleep most of the time, without getting in the way and without disturbing the owners.
Their thick coat needs to be combed out or you will constantly find white patches all over the house. Bathing your dog, at least often, is optional.
Education and training
As mentioned earlier, Akbash is a dog for strong-willed people. And not because they are evil or aggressive. The fact is that each such dog is a bright individuality, it is a self-confident leader who, if he gives up his pedestal, only to someone he considers worthy and whom he recognizes as better, stronger and smarter than himself. If you need a campaigner who brings slippers and runs after a stick, then it is better to think about another breed. Akbash is a friend, partner, comrade, but not a servant.
And you will have to achieve friendship from the first minutes of acquaintance. Be patient, calm, consistent and confident with your puppy. Do not lose your temper, do not resort to violence, but do not feel sorry for him (that is, do not follow the puppy’s whims and whims) – all this will be regarded by the akbash as an unworthy weakness. Show yourself as the leader of the pack – and your dog will recognize your leadership.
Also be sure to start socializing your puppy from an early age. Take him for walks with other dogs and people, let the children pet him and play with him. Then the dog will understand that you need to be loyal not only to the owner and his family, but also to other people and animals.
Health and disease
Akbashi are quite healthy dogs that do not have any specific breed diseases. Unless they may have a tendency to allergies, like many animals with a white coat color.
However, good health and good immunity does not guarantee that your four-legged friend will not become infected with such common diseases as distemper or enteritis, so do not neglect annual vaccinations. It is also necessary to treat the dog for parasites, as fleas and ticks can easily appear in their thick, coarse coat.
And be sure to watch the diet and the amount of food.
Word to the breeder
Unfortunately, there are no nurseries or breeders of this rare breed in our country, so we asked to tell about Akbash cynologist, handler from Crimea Vita Shestak: “Akbash is a Turkish wolfhound (Ak is white, bash is a head.). The breed was bred for grazing, but later it was used to guard houses.
According to one version, the dog has always lived in Turkey. It was originally used by the Greeks, later by the Byzantines and Turks. And the breed received its modern name only in the XI century.
This is one of the few breeds in which education differs depending on gender and the main qualities are laid up to 6 months.
The breed is not recognized by the International Cynological Federation, it belongs to the list of dangerous breeds in the Federation, and there are very few individuals in our country.
Akbash is not a dog for beginners. Even having a calm disposition, she will always insist on her own.
Popular questions and answers
We talked about the content of Akbashev with zoo engineer, veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina.