Akbash Dog
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| Other names |
Akbaş Çoban Köpeği |
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| Origin | Turkey | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Notes |
Recognized by the Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu (Turkish Kennel Club) |
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| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Traits | |||
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| Weight | Male | 90–140 lb (41–64 kg) | |
| Female | 75–105 lb (34–48 kg) | ||
| Height | Male | 28–32 in (71–81 cm) | |
| Female | 27–30 in (69–76 cm) | ||
| Coat | Medium or long double coat | ||
| Color | White | ||
| Litter size | 8 pups | ||
| Life span | 11 years | ||
| Classification / standards | |||
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| FCI | Group KIF group 2 | ||
| UKC | Guardian Dog | standard | |
Recognized by the Köpek Irkları ve Kinoloji Federasyonu (Turkish Kennel Club)
National dog of Turkey
The Akbash Dog (from Turkish: Akbaş 'white head' ) is native to western Turkey and it is primarily used as a or shepherd dog. It is officially recognized by the KIF, a.k.a. the Turkish Kennel Club. This dog is one of the national dog breeds of Turkey.
This breed was introduced to North America in the 1970s by Americans Judith and David Nelson who had been conducting research on white coloured dogs in Turkey.
Archeological evidence suggests that the earliest civilizations arose in this region of the world where plants were first cultivated and the first livestock were domesticated. In short order there would have been a need for livestock protection dogs to care for the livestock.
Other white breeds of livestock protection dogs from around the world include, but may not be limited to:
The Akbash is a large dog, weighing from 75 to 140 pounds (34 to 64 kg), averaging 90 pounds for the female, and 120 pounds for the male. Akbash dogs range from about 27 to 32 inches (69 to 81 cm) tall. The Akbash tends to be leaner than other Turkish livestock guardian dog breeds (Kangal and Anatolian Shepherd), and some Akbash dogs may also be taller.
The Akbash has a smooth-short to medium-full white double coat (sometimes with light biscuit coloring at the ears). The dogs have long legs, a tail that curls and is frequently feathered, and pink skin blotched with black or blackish-brown under the white coat. Eye rims, nose and lips should be completely black or blackish-brown, but they may also be lighter, especially during cold winter months.
Akbash Dog genetics may derive from a combination of molosser and sighthound breeds since they possess characteristics of both types. Although there is a great deal of variation in size and height of individuals, Akbash Dogs have a reputation for being tall with long, strong, flexible bodies. They have loose skin around their necks to help protect them from predators during fights. Heads can range from medium to heavy, though medium is preferred. Purebred Akbash Dogs may or may not be born with rear double dewclaws. Lack of, or possession of rear double dewclaws in an Akbash is no indication of recent interbreeding with other livestock guardian breeds nor any other breeds.
Some people suggest that the Akbash and the Kangal Dog were originally distinct, pure Turkish breeds, and that they were combined to create the Anatolian Shepherd Dog. There still exists controversy on this subject. Akbash Dogs should be easy to recognize next to Kangals and Anatolian Shepherds because of their white appearance, although some Anatolian Shepherds may resemble the Akbash or the Kangal.
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Wikipedia