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| Akbash Dog |
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Protective, maternal, intelligent, easily bored all describe the Akbash dog. Bred as livestock guardians for centuries, those same traits are appreciated as a companion today. As with any large, independently minded dog, however, care must be taken in proper handling. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Working, Guardian |
Height: 27 - 31 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight: 75-130 pounds |
Longevity: low teens |
| Colors: white... only white |
Coat type: double coated as medium (2-3 inches) or long 96-8 inches) |
| Recognized Registries: UKC, ADI |
| Overall Appearance: Powerful, but relatively low key, the Akbash dog is notable for its working ability, size and intelligence. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: low to moderate |
| General Nature: |
good and rather maternal |
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with Children: very good especially if familiar with them |
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with other pets: generally good if raised with them |
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with dogs: good if raised with them |
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| Socialization requirements: relatively high as they will see those that are not familiar as suspicious at best |
| Ideal home characteristics: one that is highly experienced preferably with Guardian Dogs, the Akbash dog has the potential of being a great companion or a serious liability |
| Temperament Notes: power, protective combined with independent attitude must be tempered for the environment it lives in |
| Training requirement: moderate during youth as the dog learns to assess situations |
| Trainer notes: The Akbash Dog was developed for work that requires action first and questions later. This perspective, while very effective can be compromising in a more urban environment where such responses are potentially dangerous for others and the dog (since incidents can lead to a dog being declared vicious). A wonderful dog in the right hands, training must be appropriately fair and firm this is best accomplished with an experienced owner and trainer. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: ancient |
| Country of Origin: Turkey |
| Original Function: Livestock Guardian |
| History: Too old to have anything specific but appear to have sighthound and Mastiff ancestry sharing genealogy with the Kuvasz and other guardian breeds. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: |
| Health Notes: canine hip dysplasia, prone to bloat, seizuring, hypothyroidism, umbilical hernias, cardiomyeopathy, cancer and kidney failure |
| Health Testing: OFA or Penn Hip, OFA cardiac, Thyroid panel; |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
- How long have you had Akbash Dogs?
- Why did you breed this particular pair?
- What health clearances do you get on your breeding stock?
- What health problems are in the breed?
- What accomplishments or titles do you look for in your breeding stock?
- Do you plan to keep a puppy?
- Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
- Do you have any training or socializing advice to offer?
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| Web Sites: http://www.whitelands.com/akbash/sub.cfm?source=Rescue - Akbash Dogs International Rescue |
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| Other Resources |
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