Akbash
About the Akbash
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Giant (100+ lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 27-34" |
| Weight | 80-140 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $700-$1,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,400/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Akbashs may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Working Professionals
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
Guides for your Akbash
The story behind the Akbash
Guardian dogs of Akbash type have worked western Anatolia for a very long time, protecting sheep and goats from wolves and other predators across open grazing country. White coats were reportedly favoured so shepherds could tell dog from predator at a distance and so the dogs blended into the flock. The type combines mastiff substance with sighthound-like leg and agility, an unusual mixture among livestock guardians. Turkish shepherds bred for working ability rather than appearance, and no formal standard existed through most of that history. American researchers imported Akbash dogs in the 1970s and promoted them for predator control on ranches, with dedicated registries following. Recognition sits with working-dog organisations rather than the mainstream show world, and the breed remains uncommon, kept chiefly by livestock producers needing a dog that works alone.
Originally bred for: Livestock guardian, Guarding. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Akbash
Giant-breed puppies need a large-breed growth formula with controlled calcium and energy so the skeleton develops slowly, since overfeeding a fast-growing guardian carries real consequences. Adults are surprisingly economical eaters for their size, and keeping them lean protects joints across a long working life.
Watch for: Deep-chested giants belong to the group where bloat-aware habits are advised: divided servings, calm eating and quiet time either side of meals rather than one rushed bowl. No distinct ingredient pattern is documented for the breed. Involve a veterinarian in any dietary change.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Akbash
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.