Also known as the Coban Kopegi and the Akbas, the Akbash is an intelligent and loyal breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Akbash can be traced back over 3,000 years to ancient Turkey. Enthusiasts believe the Akbash to be related to such breeds as the Kuvazs, Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, and the Komondor, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Akbash has been most commonly used for herding and driving cattle and as a watch and guard dog, proving its superior abilities to work in most any terrain while providing companionship.
Today, the Akbash remains very rare outside of its native Turkey.
Personality Traits
Best know for its gentle and maternal nature, the Akbash is a caring breed that thrives on strong and dependable relationships with humans. These dogs are highly intelligent, yet stubborn, independent, and overly confident in their abilities, creating difficulty in training. The Akbash is alert, protective, and dominant. As a pet, these dogs are loyal, loving, and affectionate. This breed enjoys spending time outdoors.
Train-ability
Due to its stubborn, independent, and overly confident attitude, the Akbash can prove challenging to train. These dogs are known for being know-it-alls and growing bored and even irritated with repetitive tasks and exercises.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Akbash. This breed requires a patient, experienced, confident, and strong handler with a stern yet gentle approach.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning an Akbash, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. When properly socialized from a young age, the Akbash gets along well with children and other pets, known for its maternal nature and gentle approach to small children. These dogs are very protective and dominant, making effective watch and guard dogs, announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors, and serving as a deterrent to would-be intruders. The Akbash is loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent family pet and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning an Akbash. While this breed only requires moderate amounts of daily exercise, the Akbash does require room to run and play on a daily basis. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. An Akbash not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Akbash has a strong instinct to herd and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these large dogs are surprisingly quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Akbash must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
While the Akbash is generally very gentle and sweet with children, these dogs can sometimes become overly attached and protective, and may show aggression towards adults.
As previously mentioned, the Akbash remains rare outside of its native Turkey and can prove difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
Though the Akbash is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation -dislocation of the knee, cryptorchidism – failure of one or both testicles to fully descend, obesity, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own an Akbash? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/a/akbash-dog.html
http://www.trainpetdog.com/akbash.html
