Akbash

The Akbash is an ancient breed of shepherd dog, used in Anatolia to protect flocks against attacks by predators (wolves and bears). It thus joins the family of Anatolian shepherd dogs, of which the Karabash (black head in Turkish) is the best known. The Akbash is also related to similar dogs such as the Aïdi or the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. According to the Akbash Dogs International canine association, the physical and behavioral attributes of the Akbash suggest that it would be an ancient cross between the Mastiff and the Greyhound giving an imposing, powerful but fast dog. Since two American researchers, David and Judy Nelson, went to Turkey in the 1970s to study the Akbash and brought 40 of these dogs to the United States to create an American herd, the Akbash has become world-renowned among pastoral actors. It is thus recognized as a homogeneous breed by the Turkish Canine Federation (KIF), an associate member of the International Cynological Federation (FCI), and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) of the United States. In Turkey, its full name is Akbaş Çoban Köpeği, meaning white-headed shepherd dog, or simply Akbaş. It is also nicknamed the white bear of Turkey.

The Akbash is courageous, intelligent, very independent, close to its masters and suspicious of strangers. The Akbash is first and foremost a working dog and therefore cannot be used as a companion dog except exceptions. In the United States, this dog is preferred to the Karabash because it is an "ecological" dog, that is to say it does not pursue predators to kill them but prefers to stay with the herd to protect it by frightening intruders.

The Akbash is of large size, well planted, tall (less than the Anatolian Shepherd), powerful in construction. It is a livestock guard dog, with a large and strong head, equipped with double and dense hair. It must be both tall and vigorous. It is very fast. It is characterized by its white coat.