Akbash

The Akbash (from Turkish: Akbaş 'white head' [2]) is native to Turkey, and it is primarily used as a livestock guardian dog or shepherd dog. It is officially recognized by the KIF, the Turkish dog breed society,[3] but not by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.[4]

Akbash
Other names	Akbaş Çoban Köpeği
Origin	Turkey
Traits Weight 34–57 kg (75–125 lb)[1]^:90 Height 69–81 cm (27–32 in)[1]^:90 Coat double coat[1]^:90 Color white[1]^:90 Life span 10–12 years[1]^:90
Notes	Recognized by the Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu (Turkish Kennel Club)
Dog (domestic dog)

History

Turkish Akbash

The Akbash is a old traditional breed of livestock guardian dog, used to protect herds from predators in the rugged terrain of inland Turkey.[1]^:90

References

1. Tamsin Pickeral (2014). Dogs Unleashed. San Diego: Thunder Bay Press. ISBN 9781626860681.
2. Turkish Language Association - TDK Online Dictionary. ak , baş
3. Akbaş Shepherd Dog Archived 2013-12-06 at the Wayback Machine. Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu (KIF). Accessed May 10th 2014.
4. FCI breeds nomenclature. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed February 2020.

Further reading

• The Mini-Atlas of Dog Breeds by Andrew DePrisco and James B. Johnson
• Livestock Protection Dogs by Orysia Dawydiak and David E. Sims, 2nd edition, 2004.
• Hancock, David (August 31, 2014). Dogs of the Shepherds: A Review of the Pastoral Breeds. ISBN 9781847978097.
• Kojima, Toyoharu (August 28, 2005). Legacy of the Dog: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide (Revised and Updated, 2nd ed.). Chronicle Books LLC. ISBN 9780811851138.
• The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM, and Chris Walkowicz