Choosing a Livestock Guard Dog Breed, Part Three

Reader Contribution by Jan Dohner
Published on January 14, 2014
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Before we continue with our quick survey of the most common LGD breeds here in North America, we need to recall a few very important points. As these dogs were developed over centuries to do this work, these breeds were landrace rather than standardized. This means that pedigrees were often informal and without an official registry. Landrace breeds often have a greater diversity of appearance because the conformation and appearance requirements of a show ring did not exist. Dogs and breeds also flowed back and forth over shifting political borders. Most of these breeds are now making the journey to standardized breeds – complete with breed clubs and registries – here as well as in their homelands. This is usually a tumultuous process. Breed owners and admirers are passionate and argumentative as a consensus is worked out. There is often disagreement between breeders in the home country and the new adoptive home. Breeds and names change in their new homes. As you begin to contact breeders in your search for the perfect LGD, be prepared to hear conflicting opinions and beliefs. While all of this can be fascinating and involving for some of us, you may just want to focus on finding the best breed for your needs and situation.

Finally, individual differences between dogs within the same breed can be significant.  Please take these descriptions as generalizations. Take the time to learn more about these breeds before making your choice. Meet the dogs in person. Breeders and bred clubs can be wonderful sources of information and mentorship.

Akbash (Turkey)

As early as the 17th century, the historian Evliya Celebi, explained that the Ottomans had two kinds of livestock guard dogs – karabas (black heads) and akbas (white heads). The white Akbash was generally found in the area of Ankara and towards the west. Imported by ranchers in the western states of the U.S., today the Akbash has a much stronger population here than in its native Turkey. Weighing 90 – 130 pounds, with females slighter smaller, the Akbash is a somewhat leaner dog and longer in the leg than its ancient counterpart, the Kangal Dog. The Akbash has a medium coat. The Akbash often shows some sighthound influence in appearance and speed. Quick to sound an alarm, the serious-minded, aloof and active Akbash has demonstrated success with tough ranch land predators. Some breeders will not sell their pups to folks in city or suburban situations, believing the breed’s personality is best suited to a working life.

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