Temperament of the Breed

Abakash Dogs are intelligent, courageous and loyal animals. They have a primitive guarding dog breed temperament. Hence it is important that the owner of Akbash dogs has some prior understanding of canine behavior. While on the one hand they show a 'submissive disposition' towards livestock on the other hand they also display 'dominance aggression' against predators of livestock.

A constant socialization on the part of their owner(s) is what these dogs ask for. It is advisable for first time dog owners or owners of pets who may not have too much time to devote for their dogs to avoid choosing an Akbash as a pet. By becoming the owner of an Akbash one needs to give it a lot of attention.

It must be remembered that Akbash Dogs are serious working breeds. Hence they would always love to be at places where they get some engaged in some work.

Better suited to outdoor or indoor lifestyle?

It may be noted that the Akbash dogs are not recommended as pets to be kept in apartments even though they may get lot of exercise daily. These dogs stay pretty inactive indoors and it is best to set for them a quarter acre plot for them together with a 5 inches tall fence in some semi-rural or rural setting. These are quiet dogs and stay clean at home.

Are they suited to homes with children?

They are well suited for taking care of children over 8 years of age wherein the children can participate in submission exercises holding the dog as an adult. The Akbash has strong maternal instincts and it takes good care of the young of humans and other species of animals that are placed under its supervision. It has also got an independent nature and ability to swiftly respond in case of some emergency. Both the males and the females of the breed are equally good at guarding and caring.

Owners of Abkash dogs need be careful to ensure that someone known to the dogs always accompanies visitors to their homes. The dogs perceive unsupervised new people coming in as suspicious.