THE AKBASH

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT

The part of the world currently occupied by Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Iran is believed to be where humans first lived in sufficient numbers to form civilizations. The fossil record shows that large dogs (large for their time, anyway) appeared almost concurrently with domesticated flocks of animals, suggesting that livestock protection dogs were among the first types of dogs. A reasonable hypothesis would be that early shepherds crossed guarding or war dogs, which were probably similar to the mastiffs of today, with a sight hound-like ancestor, something like today's whippet or greyhound, to produce a fleet-footed, strong, protection dog. With centuries of selection for a strong maternal/paternal instinct, which we now call bondability, the shepherds created a breed (or breeds) of livestock protection dog that would bond to livestock, be territorial around the village, be calm for the most part, but aroused by strange or unusual activity.

Akbash is a Turkish word meaning white head. In contrast, you may have heard the name Karabash. It means black head. The Akbash Dog is found today in rural Turkey, and, as far as can be determined, the Akbash Dog has been serving as a livestock protection dog in Turkey for millennia. A visit to Turkey in the 2000's provides a North American with a glimpse of living history. Turkey is a rapidly modernizing country, but the pockets of left over' or undisturbed country are where sheep herders and livestock protection dogs can be found. The lifestyles of Turkish rural villagers has not been influenced to a great extent by modernization. The villagers still need to dig wells, herd their sheep, protect the flock from wolves and bears, remove wool with hand-held, non-electrical shears, bake bread in an open hearth, and prepare food without refrigeration or electric stoves. In many ways, the style and pace of life are similar to what must have taken place hundreds or even thousands of years ago. The dogs we see in this rural setting have many of the ideal characteristics of a North American Akbash Dog. They are usually calm dogs, with a keen protective instinct for flock and property. However, Akbash Dogs in Turkey are never allowed in the house as pets, and are usually smaller than we are used to. Lacking the nutritional and veterinary benefits we offer our North American dogs, Akbash Dogs in Turkey are more likely to be shorter, lighter, parasite-infested, and prone to degenerative diseases. Their lifespan is likely reduced.

Catherine de la Cruz, a Great Pyrenees owner and rescue coordinator, has an intriguing and plausible theory about the evolution of livestock protection dog coat color. She believes that shepherds probably tried to match the color of their dogs to the color of wool on their sheep. This would allow them to blend in, offering less of a scare or threat to the sheep, and making identification of dogs more difficult for predators. If, for example, all-brown dogs were protecting a flock of white sheep, a wolf would know if all the dogs were at the front of the flock, and would attack a lamb at the rear of the flock. In turn, the color of the wool on the sheep was determined by the abundance of water in any given place. If there was a lot of water, white wool would be preferred, because dyes could be dissolved in water, and used to create colorful garments. If water was scarce, it would be too valuable for use in dying wool, so naturally colored wool would be preferred.

Within Turkey, there are large expanses of countryside suitable for little other than nomadic or semi-nomadic tending of sheep or goats. There are regions with little water, and other parts with many rivers, springs and lakes. Eastern Turkey, where many Kangal or Karabash-type dogs can be found, is quite dry. The Anatolian Plateau has alternating areas of abundant water and arid, semi-desert conditions. No surprise, therefore, that in modern Turkey you can find villages with Karabash-type dogs, and other villages (sometimes strings of villages) with all white Akbash-type dogs. Some North Americans have chosen to import livestock protection dogs from Turkey, lump them together, and give them the geographically-based name of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. The Anatolian Plateau or region, is the most accessible part of Turkey, and hence is where most North Americans have been (its within a days drive of Ankara, the capital city). Others have chosen to separate the white heads from the black heads, and call them Karabash (or Kangal) and Akbash Dogs.

More than color separates Akbash Dogs from karabash-type dogs. Akbash Dogs tend to be smaller, and more variable in size. The sight hound side of their ancestry shows more readily. Karabash-type dogs have more of the mastiff influence, and hence are usually larger. However, with the introduction of trucks and telephones and tourists to Turkey, there is more mixing of the population. Sharing of dogs between villages and regions is more likely. Today, you can find all sorts of hybrid sheep protection dogs, lending some justification to the Anatolian' approach to classification.

If a study were to be conducted today, to determine if white dogs prevail in those regions of Turkey with an abundance of water, it would likely fail. Recent government-assisted irrigation projects have brought an abundance of water to regions that were traditionally arid. Greater movement between villages has undoubtably mixed the canine populations. Will we ever be able to determine if white and black dogs in Turkey are more than just a curiosity? In the next few years, the science and art of genetic 'fingerprinting', i.e., DNA typing, will become more reliable and economically feasible. An exciting opportunity will arise for some enterprising person or group to examine the DNA of modern protection dog breeds (Kuvasz, Maremma, Great Pyrenees, Komodorok, Akbash Dog, Kangal Dog and Anatolian Shepherd Dog), to determine an ancestral tree of breed derivation. Then, we won't have to speculate any longer. For now, however, we are left with the representation of Turkish livestock protection dogs by separate groups bearing different names.

DIVERSITY OF CONFORMATION AND TEMPERAMENT IN THE AKBASH DOG - by Orysia Dawydiak

One of more interesting features of a rare breed like the Akbash Dog is the diversity of type. What this means is that Akbash Dogs exhibit a variety of physical features and temperaments. Too much deviation is considered a fault. After all, we need to be able to define an Akbash Dog and differentiate this breed from others. However, some deviation is desirable, because it reflects a broader genetic base that provides useful traits to select from and combine in our breeding programs. A breed that is extremely uniform, sometimes referred to as 'cookie-cutter' dogs, results from a very narrow genetic base and can lead to serious problems as inbreeding continues to fix those traits. Highly inbred dogs tend to be less robust and are riddled with more health problems than dogs with a more varied genetic makeup.

VARIATIONS IN CONFORMATION

In this article I'd like to describe the variations in both conformation and temperament that we find in Akbash Dogs in North America today, and discuss how such diversity relates to their function. We'll look at conformation first because this is what most people notice right away when they see this spectacularly beautiful breed. Akbash Dogs are tall, elegant, all-white dogs weighing between 75 and 125 pounds. They are slightly longer than they are tall. They can be smooth-coated or long-haired. (For more details please refer to the breed standard.)

Now for the variations. It is believed that there is both gazehound and mastiff in the ancestry of this breed. As a result, we have dogs that can resemble either extreme, or have combinations of both. The gazehound variety has a narrower skull, longer face, is often narrower through the chest, has a high tuck-up in the waist and appears longer-legged and more refined. This type seems to suit bitches better than males since it gives a more feminine appearance overall. If the coat is smooth, laying flat along the body, the gazehound appearance is further reinforced. If the coat is long and rough, it will soften and thicken the outline and the head may appear out of balance with the body. Think of a collie with the refined head on a thick, heavily coated body.

The opposite type is the mastiff. The head is much more coarse, broad across the skull, wider through the muzzle, with more dewlap, possibly sagging eyelids. There is a less pronounced tuck up or none at all, they appear to be heavier in bone and perhaps not as leggy. To those unfamiliar with the breed, this type of dog can confused with a very large, pale blonde Labrador retriever or perhaps a cross with a Lab and Great Dane. The tail is usually a giveaway since it tends to be curled over the back when alert, or in some dogs, curled permanently, not a retriever trait at all. The long-haired mastiff type may resemble the Great Pyrenees or Polish Tatra. In fact, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate long-haired Akbash Dogs from the other white livestock protection breeds such as Maremma and Kuvasz. The smooth-coated types are most distinctive and are usually preferred in warmer climates.

Other features that offer variety within the breed are tails, feet, leg angulation, coat, pigmentation and height. Tails can vary from double curls to single curls to a sickle or very loose curve over the back. They can be long, hanging well below the hocks, or short to just above the hocks. They tend to be uncurled when the dog is relaxed, although some dogs have permanent curls.

Feet can be large and broad (hare foot) to small and compact (cat foot). Rear legs can be nearly straight up and down will little angulation (post-legged) to extremely angulated at the stifle, though not usually as exaggerated as we see in German Shepherd dogs. To date there has been no correlation between leg conformation and hip dysplasia, although there may be some additional stress on cruciate ligaments in dogs with little angulation.

Coats may be long, slightly wavy and bushy, or shorter and still bushy, or smooth, laying flat along the dog's body. Long-haired dogs tend to have more back leg and tail feathering and a larger mane around the neck. In the summer long-haired dogs may appear to be short haired after they have shed. Every combination of coat length and bushiness has been observed.

Pigmentation is often a source of much discussion because it is so visible, especially against the white coat. Dark pigmentation is considered ideal - it gives a more pleasing appearance and it does offer protection against sunburn, especially in hotter climates or at higher elevations. However, Akbash Dogs display a wide range of pigmentation, from all pink noses and lips, through spotting to solid dark coloration. Beneath the coat there is also a wide range of skin pigmentation, with dark skin being considered desirable. Eyes can range from golden yellow to dark brown. Occasionally there are multi-colored eyes with the iris rimmed in a different color from the interior. Blue eyes are considered a fault, likely due to the link between blue eyes and deafness in other breeds and species. Although blue eyes are rare, there does not seem to be any correlation with hearing ability in the Akbash Dog. In fact, the only deaf dog on record has beautiful dark brown eyes. Darker eyes also have a protective function in areas with strong sunlight.

Perhaps even more controversial than degree of pigmentation is height. This trait is often focused on because of it's visibility. People tend to be impressed with extremes in size and height. No question that Akbash Dogs are a tall breed, however, they are not meant to be as tall as Great Danes or Irish Wolfhounds. In their native country Turkey they are not particularly tall, averaging only 24 to 26 inches. In North America, with improved health care and nutrition, the average jumps to just under 28 inches for bitches and under 30 inches for males. There are individuals and lines of dogs that exceed these heights, but they are the exceptions. A breeder could select for extremely tall or indeed very short Akbash Dogs, and produce a more consistent height. However, whenever any extremes in ranges are selected for, there is a greater probability that other traits will suffer.

For the same reasons, highly refined heads or overly coarse heads are considered undesirable. Still, there is room for a variety of shapes and it is preferable that the head match the body when these traits are expressed. It is already apparent that some breeders prefer and produce certain types of Akbash Dogs. They become the 'trademark' of particular lines and breeders. Other breeders enjoy maintaining diversity in conformation or a perfect blend of the two extremes. Either way, the appearance is not nearly as important as the temperament in defining the function and success of this breed in the working or companion arenas.

VARIATIONS IN TEMPERAMENT

The breed standard defines the ideal temperament of an Akbash Dog as being intelligent, courageous, independent and loyal with a strong maternal instinct toward any animals in its charge. The latter trait distinguishes this breed from most other non-livestock guardian breeds. Over the years we have learned that many Akbash Dogs come short of the ideal temperament. Even breeders often do not recognize unstable dogs, especially when they live in a protected, non-challenging environment. What then constitutes a poor temperament?

The breed standard lists the non-ideal temperament as cowardly or inappropriately aggressive. From the genetic standpoint, these two traits are linked. Most dogs that are inappropriately aggressive are cowards. They are defensive biters, attacking in the mistaken belief that they are protecting themselves. These dogs lack self confidence. Some people call them shy or fearful or shy-sharp.

All guard dogs display some degree of suspicion about anything new or unusual in their environment. They alert to new stimuli. How they react further is determined by their genetic makeup and their experience. A pup can be expected to be somewhat cautious and even fearful of anything new. An older dog should have learned what can be ignored as non threatening, what needs to be investigated further, and what needs to be actively defended against. A dog with an overly sensitive temperament will react inappropriately to non threatening stimuli. This type of dog does best in a stable, non-challenging environment. When threatened, the fearful dog will either run off, possibly barking as he does so, or may bite, especially in close quarters or when the intruder turns away and breaks eye contact.

There are also so-called 'dominant' dogs who may feel particularly threatened when stared at or pushed around by individuals they consider beneath them in hierarchical order. It is believed that this dominance is learned in that the dog's handlers have not maintained their positions as leaders over the dog. This seems to be the default condition of many Akbash Dogs which means that they naturally gravitate to the top of the pecking order if there is a vacuum. It also suggests a genetic component to this trait. This is why Akbash Dogs are not recommended for first-time dog owners, or owners who are ineffectual leaders or disciplinarians or who may undersocialize their dog.

All Akbash Dog pups should be well socialized, even those guarding livestock. Why? Because whether they are the insecure, shy type or the dominant type, or your confident, people-submissive type, there will be occasions in the dog's life where they must be handled by their owners or strangers, and these people should be able to do this safely without trauma or stress to the dog. All Akbash Dogs are born with some sense of suspicion of the unknown, and they must be taught from very early on what is routine, who is trustworthy, and what is out of the ordinary and must be guarded against. Some of this happens with maturation, but much of it must be guided by their owners because dogs live in our artificially created worlds of domesticated herds, fences, neighbors and a host of dangers like traffic, traps, guns and poisons. The confidence that comes with maturity can be nurtured or destroyed by how we raise our dogs.

What we cannot teach an Akbash Dog is true intelligence and bravery. Whether a dog will stand up and face down a pack of wolves or a lone bear, using his natural wits and courage to keep his flock and himself safe from harm, is something he is born with. These are the traits that are most valued in this fine working breed, and must be preserved above all else. This is why our breed club is so concerned about recognition of Akbash Dogs and the effects of breeders selecting for the show ring on the basis of conformation alone. An Akbash Dog raised in a kennel or a companion home cannot have his temperament properly assessed for intelligence and courage, two vital traits that make this breed stand out in the world of exceptional livestock guarding dogs. The dilution of these traits would not necessarily come about in a generation or two or even three, but it would happen over time.

THE FUTURE

At the moment we have a wide spectrum of physical types and temperaments in Akbash Dogs. This is, in my opinion, an attribute of the breed, not a problem. Breeders must be knowledgeable and diligent in only breeding the most stable, confident and physically sound dogs to preserve the working ability of this breed. Today we can only test for a few physical traits, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and retinal atrophy. The only way to test for truly stable temperament is to maintain working environments where dogs can prove themselves. Then, only the proven working dogs with sound conformation should be bred. There is room for a diversity in type, in fact it should be encouraged. What must always be kept in mind, however, is the function of this breed, and the rest will fall into place.

THE AKC BREED DESCRIPTION ADDS:

Energy: (Medium, Low) Akbash Dogs tend to be calm, with a low rate of metabolism. A quiet temperament makes this breed acceptable to the stock they guard. As pups they are more active and do require daily exercise. If they have no outlet for physical exercise, they will channel their energy into destructive behavior such as barking, digging, pacing, chewing, escaping. They must be well fenced or they will leave the property to guard or investigate other animals, people, activities. They should never be chained for any length of time.

Behavior: Males and females alike possess a strong maternal instinct, especially with respect to small and young animals and children. They bond to whatever they are raised with, which is why it is suggested that as pups they be placed with the livestock they will eventually be expected to protect. A pup will not usually be dependable until it is about twelve to eighteen months of age or older, although some exceptional dogs are working seriously at six months.

Akbash Dogs have also fulfilled the role of companion dogs, although that is not usually advised unless owners have had previous experience with a large breed, particularly of the guard dog variety. Livestock protection breeds are noted for their independence, which necessitates firm, consistent handling and discipline from a very young age. They love to work, however, and as long as they understand what is required of them, they will perform with great dedication. They must be kept in a well-fenced area, especially in areas with other dogs, people and vehicular traffic. They tend to be aggressive towards strange canines and sometimes other species such as stray cats or trespassing strangers. Companion Akbash Dogs must be thoroughly socialized from a very early age, and continually socialized throughout their lives.

Common Ailments: Generally a healthy breed, the following conditions can occur: hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, epilepsy, cruciate ligament injuries, hypothyroidism, umbilical hernias, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, lymphoma and other cancers, kidney failure. Some of these conditions can be influenced by environmental (and nutritional) factors. All breeding stock should have hips certified free of hip dysplasia.

Buyers should investigate the health and temperamental soundness of parents and ask for a guarantee of sound temperament and working ability. Reputable breeders will provide their buyers with accurate and complete information before the sale, and will support them throughout the life of the dogs they sell.

IS THE AKBASH DOG IDEAL FOR YOU?

Akbash Dogs are found throughout the world. They live in suburbia, as members of families, and on farms and ranches, as protectors of sheep, goats, ratites, llamas, and chickens. Akbash Dogs are almost always selected for their protective instincts. They don't retrieve frisbees, excel in obedience training, or sit quietly in your lap. Akbash Dogs International, the parent club, does not encourage or recognize show results. Thus, the main reason for having an Akbash Dog is and should be protection. The fact is, along with protection comes a gorgeous dog that is a lot of fun to be with. But these should not be the main reasons for getting an Akbash Dog. Consider them incidental freebies.

One or two pages of text on your computer screen cannot adequately convey the character of a breed. Based solely on this kind of information, you might select a breed in one week, and regret that choice for many years. Therefore, it is most important in selecting a breeder so that you can learn in detail what this breed is about, from the most knowledgable people.

Akbash Dogs are not for everyone. Their attributes include a strong protective instinct, loyalty to owner, intelligence, good health, and striking beauty. In the right settings, they will protect livestock or children, farm or home. On the other hand, they shed copious amounts of fur, wander if given a chance, and compete with back hoes as excavators. The most serious draw-back (which is also their strength) is behavioral. Akbash Dogs have been selected for millenia to act independently. They protect their property and charges without commands from people. Therefore, if they don't respect the people they live with, or have reason to believe the children in their family (translate family = pack) might be in danger, Akbash Dogs may bite. Any dog that will weigh over 100 pounds at maturity is likely to present behavioral problems to those who don't know how to raise and train a dog, maintaining firm discipline. This is true of all breeds, just amplified in protection breeds. The bottom line is, you've got to know what you are doing when you select a livestock protection breed for your home.

For starters, do you have a large, well-fenced yard for a big dog to exercise in? Do you know how to recognize early dominance displays, prior to outright aggression? If not, then you either need some thorough doggie education, or should consider another breed of dog.

If you, the adult choosing a breed, lacks the experience of raising and training a more malleable breed of dog, maybe its time to look elsewhere for a suitable companion dog. There are many fine choices available, some of them being linked to this Akbash Dog site on the WWW. Return to the home page, and look at the bottom of the screen for links. Otherwise, continue reading, to learn about ways to evaluate breeders.

SELECTING A BREEDER

Many people are not certain how to evaluate puppies and breeders. This is not surprising when you consider that the average dog owner will select only a few puppies in their adult lives. Taking a few minutes to learn the basics will help you to make better choices. You may save some money as a result, but more likely, you'll gain the peace of mind that comes from having selected a breeder who is likely to provide top quality puppies.
Selection Is A Two-Way Street. Some breeders may try to create an impression that they are in control, deciding who is worthy of their puppies. You are entitled to ask questions of breeders, as well. Don't be afraid to ask for references. Ask the breeder's opinion about preserving the working qualities of the breed. Ask which breed club she/he belongs to and endorses. Request back copies of the breed club's newsjournal. Its contents may tell you something about the person. You can only benefit from taking a while to learn as much as possible about the breeders you are considering buying a puppy from.

Expect a written guarantee. And more. It is your right to expect a written guarantee with a puppy. The ideal guarantee will provide for a healthy puppy at the time of sale, that never in its life will it develop a major inherited disease or condition, and, in the case of Akbash Dogs, assurance of a guarding instinct. The breeder should be happy to provide you with photocopies of the hip evaluations of the parents of the litter, and phone numbers of owners of previous puppies from the sire and dam, if there have been any. In short, a good breeder will not keep secrets or leave you in doubt. If a breeder ever uses 'high pressure' sales tactics, or suggests that Akbash Dogs (or any other breed, for that matter) are perfect for all situations, look for another breeder.

Look for a breeder who will help you to select the correct puppy. The personalities of the sire and dam of a litter are probably the best predictors of puppies' personalities. A good breeder will enable you an opportunity to watch the sire and dam, to get to know them. If you live too far away, the breeder should be asking a lot of questions about your lifestyle, preferences, etc., in order to be able to match the ideal puppy personality to you and your family. Expect a breeder to use a quantitative puppy aptitude test (PAT). If you know anything about PATs, offer to pay for a copy of a video tape of the PAT, if the breeder is able to film them, or ask for a photocopy of the written scores. At any rate, don't select a puppy just because its the cutest one in the bunch. At the very least, watch the litter for a half hour or so, to discern the different personalities.

Take advantage of breed clubs. Most breeds are represented by at least one breed club. If you talk to its leaders, you'll learn about the backgrounds of breeders. Many clubs have a code of ethics, maybe even a specific code of proper conduct for breeders. If you learn about these from the breed club, you'll have useful information about the breed when you begin to evaluate breeders. Don't worry if a club representative doesn't personally know the breeder you are investigating. Be more concerned with an endorsement of proper breeding ethics, and some form of indication that the breeder has good quality, registered dogs. Breed clubs know which genetic problems are important to their breed, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their breed. They are the best source of this information.

Be suspicious of breeders who 'push' the breed standard to extremes. If a breeder emphasizes exceptionally large or small or white or colored or whatever puppies, you should wonder why. Extremes of size may predispose bone and joint problems. Too much emphasis on appearance may be at the expense of the puppy's personality, which is far more important. There is something in our human nature that makes us want to have the best of everything, but don't confuse best with biggest when a puppy is being considered.

Don't be in a hurry. Some people buy a puppy on a whim, having put no more than a weekend or two in the selection process. Others invest up to eighteen months or even longer, to optimize their selection of breed, breeder, litter and specific puppy. If you know what breed of dog you would like to acquire, and have selected a breeder, what are the odds that the breeder will have a litter of seven week old puppies just then? Not great. Even after all the selection process is over, you may have to settle into a waiting period. Breeders cannot predict with certainty when their females will cycle again, or whelp. The ideal timing of a puppy purchase is one that leaves no questions unanswered, and the needs of the puppy, the breeder and the buyer satisfied. Please don't ask a breeder to sell a puppy at four weeks of age, just because your son is going to have his birthday next week. Instead, give your son a card with a gift certificate redeemable for one puppy in three weeks. There is one instance when a breeder may ask you to make a decision in a hurry. When puppies have reached eight weeks of age, they should ideally be placed in their new homes. (They are also growing rapidly, and with each additional week, could cost more to ship by air freight.) If a breeder has, say, a litter of eight puppies, and six firm reservations, you might be told that the remaining puppies will be sold to the first two people who send in deposits. This is an understandable position from the breeder's point of view. However, do not let this kind of time pressure influence the important decisions about choosing a breed and breeder. There will always be another litter to choose from.

Read ahead. There are many sources of information about selecting puppies. A few are listed below. They have been written by experienced dog enthusiasts who know what is reasonable to expect from a well prepared puppy breeder and buyer.

Reasonable expenses. In addition to the fee charged for a puppy, there will be other costs involved. A breeder ought to have begun a series of inoculations for the puppy; they should be included in the cost of the puppy. The breeder should pay for a medical certificate if the puppy is to be air-freighted. The buyer usually pays for the air freight bill and for the kennel the puppy is shipped in. Most breeders have small operations. They may have fancy letterhead and an answering machine, but they probably are not making a lot of money on their breeding activities. Therefore, it is not reasonable to expect them to pay for very many long distance phone calls, or to supply glossy photos of all sorts of breeding pairs. If you are going to request documentary materials, please offer to pay for them. Some breeders may provide an unofficial pedigree with a puppy. Official registration papers and a certified pedigree are usually obtained at the buyer's expense, not from the breeder, but from the breed club registrar. Some breeders may provide new customers with an official registration, or a certified pedigree, or a subscription to a newsjournal or membership to a breed club for a year. These are discretionary items, however, and should not be assumed.

Understanding Breeders. Breeders are humans. After investing hundreds of hours in the planning and raising of a litter, they care about their puppies. They would appreciate hearing good news about the arrival and settling in of your new puppy, not just the problems. If breeders appear to be prying into your motivations and qualifications for having a puppy, please consider that they have your interests, the puppy's, and their own in mind, and are trying to create a win-win-win situation. Responsible breeders who are in the business for the long haul don't want to sell a puppy if there appears to be a good chance the person-dog combination is going to create problems. Try to work with, not around, the breeder, in your selection of the best puppy for you. After a puppy has been with you for a few weeks, and has become a member of the family or farm, you may feel there is no need to keep that slip of paper with the breeder's phone number. Not so! The breeder should be the first person to call if you have questions about training or behavioral matters. The breeder's phone number belongs in your personal phone number directory. Some breeders will take the initiative and call after a few months, to see how you and the puppy are getting along. Breeders thrive on feedback from customers, as they attempt to find the optimal combinations of breeding pairs for future litters.