Akbash - a fairly large breed of dogs with a white coat color. The breed is of two varieties: in the first the wool is medium, smooth and shiny along the length, while the second has a longer, dense and wavy hair. The long-haired Akbash dog, as a rule, lives in areas with a cold climate, and the short-haired dog is suitable for living in areas with a warm mild climate.
The main features of the exterior of the akbash:
- head large, massive;
- ears hanging, in the shape of V;
- tail is long, not dive;
- brown eyes.
The akbash has a dense undercoat, consisting of soft hairs, well adjacent to the body. This feature of the coat protects the dog from frequent temperature fluctuations.
History of the breed
The breed of Akbash dogs appeared many hundreds of years ago, but the history of its occurrence is rather mysterious. According to one version, the breed is a direct descendant of the most ancient breed of dogs. From Turkish "akbash" translates as "white head". Therefore, a dog is often called a Turkish akbash.
Scientists believe that the dog Akbash has a white camouflage color in order to merge with snow and sheep, while becoming invisible to predators, now and then hunting for herds, protected by this dog. This theory explains the origin of Karabash ("karabash" - "black head"), a close relative of the Akbash.
In 1999, the Akbash received official recognition and the status of a separate breed at the conclusion of the United Kennel Club (United Kennel Club). However, all other clubs at the moment did not recognize the new breed. But the popularity of the breed is growing rapidly. There was even established an official international club for breeding and breeding Akbash, as a separate breed (Akbash Dogs International), strictly monitoring the maintenance of the main breed standards outside of Turkey.
Behavior and character
Despite the beauty and external pacification of the breed, the character of this dog is full of leadership inclinations. Such a pet can be a leader of a pack not only among its relatives, but also among animals of other species. This quality is extremely useful for protecting herds from numerous predators.
Akbash is inclined to dominate and with its owner, which is why you should not give slack in dealing with the dog. After a long training and a cycle of training, the desire to dominate is still preserved, so the owner must constantly show the pet that the situation is under control.
Akbash is a watchdog, able to perfectly find a common language in dealing with other animals. When learning from an early age, communication with other people's dogs will not cause any problems.
Akbash remarkably gets on well with children, including gentle with infants. In the first years of his life he will try to show his wild desire to dominate. Therefore, limit and keep under your control during this time the communication of your dog with young children, since it is with them that he will necessarily show dominant behavior. Training and training of the akbash should start as early as possible.
This is not the most energetic and moving breed. At the age of 1 year, he is very active, mobile and curious. The owner at this time must have patience and attention.
Also, do not forget that the breed was specially bred for grazing large herds. Regular intensive jogging and training are just necessary to maintain the akbash in tonus.
This breed likes to spend all free time in the open air, so try to walk your pet as often as possible. He can easily become depressed, inactive and sluggish
Akbash boasts excellent health. However, he is prone to dysplasia of the hip joint, which is observed among large breeds of dogs.
Proceeding from the fact that this watchdog is an akbash, nursing first of all will require her wool. Weekly combing of a hairbrush with a rare tooth is enough. Such care will help to cope with hair loss (annual molting), characteristic of all long-haired dogs of this breed. Usually they molt 1-2 times a year, from the seasonal fluctuations in the weather in which the akbash resides.