Akbash vs Anatolian Shepherd: Comparison of Two Popular Breeds

The Akbash and Anatolian Shepherd are two popular breeds that have been used for centuries to guard livestock and protect families. They are both known for their loyalty and protective nature.

The Akbash is a smaller breed, weighing between 80-120 pounds, while the Anatolian Shepherd is larger, weighing between 110-150 pounds. This size difference can affect their energy levels and exercise needs.

Akbash dogs are generally more energetic and require more exercise than Anatolian Shepherds, who are happy with shorter, more gentle walks. Regular exercise is essential for both breeds, but it's crucial to consider their individual needs.

Despite their differences, both breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a great choice for experienced dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train them.

The Akbash breed has a rich history that dates back to between 750 BC and 300 BC, making it one of the oldest dog breeds.

It originated in what is now known as Turkey, where ancient people domesticated cattle and bred dogs to protect them from predators.

The Akbash was first used to guard cattle from native wolves, and it's considered the oldest of the Turkish guardian dogs, along with the Anatolian Shepherd and the Kangal.

The Anatolian Shepherd is similar to the Akbash and the Kangal, and some people believe that Akbashs and Kangals were used in the development of the Anatolian Shepherd breed.

The Akbash arrived in the United States in the 1970s and is now recognized by organizations such as the American Rare Breed Association (ABRA) and the International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA).

For your interest: Difference between Male and Female German Shepherds

The Akbash and Anatolian Shepherd are both large and powerful breeds, but they have some notable differences in terms of their physical characteristics.

The Akbash has a tall, alert build with a large white head and a strong jaw. It has a beautiful, friendly muzzle like a retriever but a much larger frame and higher stature like a Mastiff.

Its double coat is white, medium, or long, and may have grey or biscuit colorings on the head around the ears. This coat is weather-resistant and helps the Akbash survive in cold weather.

The Akbash is a large dog, with males weighing between 90-140 pounds and females weighing between 75-105 pounds. Males are 28-32 inches tall, while females are 27-30 inches tall.

Here's a comparison of the height and weight of Akbash males and females:

Akbash puppies weigh around 13 pounds at 7 weeks of age, and reach full maturity between the ages of 24 and 36 months.

The Akbash Dog and Anatolian Shepherd Dog share some similarities in temperament, but they also have some key differences. Both breeds are independent and intelligent, but the Akbash Dog is more alert and courageous.

The Akbash Dog is generally more social and can be devoted to its human family, cats, and other pets. They are also obedient, but strong-willed, making them best suited for experienced owners. In contrast, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog can be unfriendly and antisocial, and may not get along well with other pets.

Here's a quick comparison of their temperament traits:

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Akbash Dog are both known for their independent personalities. They are intelligent and confident, but can be a bit stubborn at times.

Both breeds have a strong instinct to protect their territory and their loved ones, making them excellent guard dogs. However, they can be wary of strangers and may not make friends easily.

The Akbash Dog is generally more affectionate than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, but still values its independence. They can be devoted to their family and gentle with pets, but may not be the best fit for inexperienced dog owners.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds' personalities:

It's worth noting that the Akbash Dog is generally more adaptable to lifestyle changes and different living environments, making it a better fit for families who may need to move around.

When evaluating the bite characteristics of two dog breeds, it's essential to consider their biting potential and mouthiness. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a high chance of biting somebody, making it a breed to handle with caution.

In terms of bite force, both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Akbash Dog have an ordinary bite force of between 200 and 400 PSI.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds' biting potential:

The Akbash Dog, on the other hand, has a low chance of biting somebody, making it a more suitable breed for families with children.

The energy and activity level of a dog is crucial to consider when deciding whether to bring one home. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have an average energy level, making them a good fit for a semi-active lifestyle.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance exercise routine, the Akbash Dog might be a better choice, with a minimal exercise need. They're not the most playful breed, so they won't require as much physical activity.

Anatolian Shepherd Dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day, which is average for a dog. In contrast, Akbash Dogs like to sleep a lot, so they're definitely the laziest of the two breeds.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' energy levels:

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Akbash Dog are both robust breeds, but they have some differences when it comes to health and care. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are commonly healthy dogs, while Akbash Dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.

If you're considering bringing one of these breeds into your family, it's essential to be aware of the potential health problems that can arise. Akbash Dogs are prone to conditions such as Hip Dysplasia, Luxating Patella, Hypothyroidism, Umbilical Hernias, Bloat, Epilepsy, and Heart Problems.

Regular veterinary visits are crucial to maintaining the health of both breeds. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs require a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months, while Akbash Dogs need more frequent visits, at least once (but preferably twice) per year.

Related reading: Are Anatolian Shepherds Good Guard Dogs

The Akbash's double coat requires regular brushing, with weekly brushing necessary year-round, and more frequent brushing during seasonal shedding times.

This dog can lose a lot of hair during shedding season, so it's essential to invest in a powerful vacuum cleaner to keep up with the shedding.

Explore further: Caucasian Shepherd Shedding

The good news is that the Akbash's fur doesn't mat, which makes grooming a bit easier.

Since the Akbash's coat doesn't have a strong odor, it only needs to be bathed when necessary, and over-bathing should be avoided to prevent removing its natural coat oil.

Keep in mind that this dog's low-maintenance coat is a big plus for busy owners.

When caring for your Anatolian Shepherd Dog or Akbash Dog, it's essential to consider their health and lifespan. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are commonly healthy dogs, but Akbash Dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.

Regular veterinary visits are crucial to ensure your dog stays healthy. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months, while the Akbash Dog should have a check-up at least once per year, but preferably twice.

Both breeds can adapt to harsh weather conditions, but the Anatolian Shepherd Dog prefers cold weather, making it a good mountain dog. The Akbash Dog can also adapt to cold weather conditions, but some dogs may prefer average to cold weather.

The average lifespan of both breeds is around 11 years, with the Anatolian Shepherd Dog living between 9-13 years and the Akbash Dog living between 10-12 years.

Suggestion: Anatolian Shepherd Dog Lifespan

When it comes to managing your Anatolian Shepherd Dog or Akbash Dog's weight, it's essential to understand their dietary needs. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog requires 4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

To prevent obesity, both breeds should be fed a balanced diet. The Akbash Dog, however, requires only 3-4 cups of high-quality commercial dog food a day, divided into two meals.

Both breeds have an average risk for obesity, so it's crucial to monitor their food intake and ensure they get regular exercise. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

To help you manage your dog's weight, here's a comparison of their dietary needs:

By following these guidelines and monitoring your dog's food intake, you can help prevent obesity and ensure a long, healthy life for your Anatolian Shepherd Dog or Akbash Dog.

Livestock guardian dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years to possess specific traits. They have a very low "prey drive", meaning they have virtually no instinct to hunt or consume prey.

Their protective nature is one of their most distinctive traits. They bond strongly with their herd, living with them and protecting them from predators.

Most livestock guardian breeds are very independent, not needing much human instruction. They often prefer to make their own decisions regarding their herd and how they respond to threats.

Livestock guardian dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years to possess specific traits. They have a very low "prey drive", meaning they have virtually no instinct to hunt or consume prey.

Most livestock guardian breeds are incredibly protective of their herd, bonding with the animals and living with them to protect them from predators. They're able to fight against wolves, large cats, and even bears.

These dogs are very independent, not needing much human instruction. They often prefer to make their own decisions regarding their herd and how they respond to threats.

All but one of the livestock guardian dog breeds possess a double coat of hair, providing excellent insulation against extreme weather.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Anatolian Shepherd Livestock Guardian Dog

As a livestock guardian dog owner, you'll want to consider the grooming needs of your new furry friend. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a fine coat that requires minimal grooming, while the Akbash Dog has a thick, smooth coat that needs average grooming effort.

Both breeds are considered average droolers, so be prepared for some slobbering. However, neither breed is particularly high maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' grooming needs:

If you're looking for a low-shedding breed, the Akbash Dog might be a better choice, as they shed moderately compared to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog's heavy shedding. However, both breeds will still require regular bathing, with the Anatolian Shepherd Dog needing a bath every 3-4 weeks and the Akbash Dog needing one every 6-8 weeks.

Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Akbash Dog have a similar gestation period, lasting around 60-64 days. This means that breeding decisions should be made with careful consideration, as frequent breeding can be detrimental to the health of the dogs.

The American Kennel Club recognizes the Anatolian Shepherd Dog as a Working breed, but does not recognize the Akbash Dog. This could impact the availability of breeding stock and the ability to register puppies with the AKC.

Here are the key differences in recognition and reproducibility between the two breeds:

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Akbash Dog are two distinct breeds with varying levels of recognition.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Anatolian Shepherd Dog as a Working breed, having done so in 1996.

The AKC does not recognize the Akbash Dog.

Only the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is recognized by the AKC.

The FCI does not recognize either breed.

Here's a list of organizations that recognize the Akbash Dog:

Reproducibility is a crucial aspect of breeding dogs, and it's essential to understand the characteristics of the breeds you're working with. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Akbash Dog are two breeds that share some similarities in their reproducibility.

Both breeds have a gestation length of 60-64 days. This is a relatively standard range for many dog breeds.

The frequency of breeding is also an important consideration. Both breeds should be bred only once a year, as more frequent breeding can be detrimental to their health.

Here's a comparison of the litter sizes for these breeds:

As you can see, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog tends to have a slightly larger litter size than the Akbash Dog.