Akbash (Turkish Shepherd)
Calm, courageous, and fiercely loyal, this breed is renowned for its natural protective instincts and gentle nature with family. Ideal for those seeking a steadfast guardian and affectionate companion.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
74–86 cm (male)
71–79 cm (female)
WEIGHT
50–64 kg (male)
40–55 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
Akbash (Turkish Shepherd): Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Akbash (Turkish Shepherd) isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Akbash (Turkish Shepherd)'s temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Akbash is calm, independent, and protective, often displaying strong loyalty to its family while remaining reserved with strangers. This breed is known for its gentle nature with children.
Key Personality Traits
Reserved with strangers, affectionate with family
Quick to learn, independent problem solver
Moderate stamina, active when working
Not overly playful, prefers purposeful activity
Adapts to rural life, less suited for cities
Strengths
- Strong livestock guardian instincts
- Independent decision-making skills
- Loyal and protective with family
- Low grooming needs for coat type
- Adaptable to harsh weather conditions
Challenges
- Can be wary of strangers
- Needs extensive daily exercise
- May challenge authority if untrained
- Tends to roam without secure fencing
- Not well-suited for urban living
Protect your Akbash (Turkish Shepherd)
Akbash (Turkish Shepherd) can develop hip dysplasia and entropion. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Akbash (Turkish Shepherd)s are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
The Akbash is intelligent and capable of independent decision-making, but may be stubborn and requires consistent, patient training. Early socialization and clear leadership improve responsiveness to commands.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
The Akbash has moderate to high energy levels and needs daily exercise, including long walks and secure off-leash time. Mental stimulation is important to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Akbash (Turkish Shepherd)s are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Akbash (Turkish Shepherd) would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Akbash dogs need experienced handlers due to their independence and strong guarding instincts.
Apartment Living
They are large, active, and require outdoor space to thrive.
Active Lifestyle
They enjoy physical activity and excel in energetic environments.
Kids
Their size and guarding nature require supervision around small children.
Multiple Pets
They can be protective and sometimes aggressive toward unfamiliar pets.
Being Left Alone
They dislike being left alone and may develop behavioral issues if isolated.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Akbash (Turkish Shepherd)s compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Akbash (Turkish Shepherd)
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more dog breeds
Discover other popular dog breeds and find your perfect canine companion
