AKBASH

The Akbash, also known as the Coban Kopegi, Akbas, or Aky, is a huge to
enormous dog breed that originated in Turkey around 3,000 years ago. In
1970, it was introduced to North America. It is a member of the Working
Group of Livestock Guardian Dogs and one of Turkey's national dog breeds,
making it one of the best watchdogs. Its name translates to "white head," as its
white fur sets it out from predators. It resembles the Great Pyrenees and is
frequently compared to them. Akbash are powerful against predators and
make an excellent guardian dog, which they still are in Turkey, thanks to their
calm, independent, and vigilant demeanor, outstanding sight, and lean,
muscular build.

The Akbash is a large to giant-sized short, medium, or long-haired dog that

stands 30 inches tall for males and 28.5 inches tall for females. Males weigh
around 120 pounds when fully mature, while females average around 90
pounds. Akbash puppies weigh an average of 13 pounds at 7 weeks of age and
are fully developed between the ages of 24 and 36 months. Certain health
problems are frequent in working breeds, and the purebred Akbash is no
exception. Hip dysplasia, which affects the ball and socket joint in their hips
and can limit their range of motion and movement later in life, especially
when arthritic, is the most frequent.