Dog Breeds A kbash Dog

Dog Breeds  { A kbash Dog }

Dog Breeds  { A kbash Dog }

A kbash Dog

(Medium Coat and Long Coat)

The white Akbash Dog is from

Turkey and claims both sighthounds and Mastiffs as ancestors. The breed

was imported into the U.S. in the late 1970s

as a livestock guardian, and by 1986, had

established itself as one of the most successful

livestock guardian breeds, protecting livestock

from predators, including coyotes and bears.

The Akbash Dog stands 27 to 32 inches

tall and weighs 75 to 140 pounds. It is white

with a double coat. The undercoat is dense

and soft. The outer coat comes in two

lengths: either a medium coat that lies flat or

a long coat that has a distinct ruff and profuse feathering. The Akbash Dog should show features of both the sighthound, with his long legs

and deep chest, and the Mastiff, with his broad head, height, and weight.

Grooming the Akbash is not difficult; the breed is not prone to matting. However, the coat sheds

a little all the time and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing can reduce the hair in the house.

The Akbash is a calm dog in the house but is an athletic breed. Walks alone are not enough; a

daily run is necessary to use up excess energy. Although puppies and young Akbash like to play,

this is a serious breed; adult Akbash usually forego games.

Early and continuing socialization is very important, especially for those kept as family pets. Bred to be protective and

Breed in Brief

wary, the Akbash does not like strangers. Training can be chalRegistries: Akbash Dogs

lenging because as a livestock guardian, he is supposed to think

International, UKC

for himself. With motivation, the Akbash can be trained, but

Occupation: Livestock guardian

he will question each command and respond as he wishes.

Size: 27 to 32 in tall; 75 to

This is a loyal breed, one that would give his life for his fam140 lbs

ily, but he can be a difficult dog for a first-time dog owner.

Longevity: 9 to 10 years

Because he can be opinionated and pushy, he’s best with kids

Exercise: Daily run

Training: Challenge

over 8 to 10 years of age. Bred to ward off predators, the

Grooming: Easy

Akbash can be dog-aggressive. Health concerns are few but

include cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia.

A kita

The Akita was bred as a versatile hunting

dog in Japan and, over the years, has

assumed a place of honor in the hearts of the

Japanese people. When a child is born, the parents

are often given a small statue of an Akita as a symbol of happiness, health, and longevity.

The Akita stands 24 to 28 inches tall and weighs

between 65 and 115 pounds, with females smaller

than males. The head is broad, with a deep muzzle,

upright ears, and small, dark eyes. The body is

longer than the dog is tall at the shoulder, the chest

is deep, and the tail is large, full, and carried over

the back with a curl. The coat is double, with the

undercoat soft and dense. The outer coat is straight and stands out from the body. Colors include

white, pinto, or brindle.

During most of the year, the Akita can be brushed twice a week. During spring and fall when

shedding is heaviest, daily brushing is needed. Akitas do not have a doggy odor and are catlike in

their ability to help keep themselves clean.

Akitas are not an overly active breed. A couple of long walks each day plus a quick jog alongside

a bicycle will satisfy the needs of most. Puppies can be bouncy, silly, and like to play games, but

adult Akitas can be quite serious.

Akitas have strong guardian instincts. To grow up confident

and well-adjusted, they must meet a variety of people early in

Breed in Brief

life. Training is also important; the Akita is a powerful dog who

Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC

could take advantage of his owner. Training should be firm, yet

Occupation: Hunter,

fair and fun.

guardian

Akitas can be a difficult dog for a first-time dog owner.

Size: 24 to 28 in tall; 65 to

Loyal and devoted to a fault, they can also be stubborn and

115 lbs

dominant. Although good with children who respect them,

Longevity: 9 to 11 years

they are intolerant of teasing. They are not always good with

Exercise: Active puppies;

visiting children or rough kid’s play; it may be misinterpreted

calm adults

as something harmful. As hunters, they are not good with small

Training: Difficult; can be

stubborn

pets. Health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, knee

Grooming:

Lots of brushing

and eye problems, and canc

A lapaha Blue

Blood Bulldog

Although often confused with the American Bulldog,

this is a separate breed. The breed originated in the

American south in the 1800s as a plantation dog. As the large plantations disappeared, so did the breed. Ms. Lana Lou Lane, a thirdgeneration owner of the breed, has worked with the Animal

Research Foundation to save the breed from extinction.

Alapahas have definite bulldog characteristics and should convey

an aura of nobility and pride, hence the “blue blood” name. They

stand 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 65 to 110 pounds,

with females smaller than males. The head is broad and flat across

the top, and the jaws are heavily muscled. The eyes are prominent

and the ears folded. The coat is short and stiff. Colors include white

with patches of color, including brindle, blue merle, or chocolate.

This breed is easy to groom. Twice a week the coat can be

brushed with a soft bristle brush or curry comb.

The breed needs vigorous daily exercise. A long walk mornBreed in Brief

ing and evening plus a couple of good games of fetch will keep

most happy. Puppies are very silly but both puppies and adults

Registries: Alapaha Blue

enjoy games. Adults can enjoy carting and weight pulling.

Blood Bulldog Club

The breed is protective of both property and people. Early

Occupation: Guardian

and ongoing socialization is needed to ensure the dog grows up

Size: 20 to 25 in tall; 65 to

well-adjusted. Training is also important, not just because this

110 lbs

Longevity: 10 to 13 years

is a powerful dog but also to give the dog a job. These are

Exercise: Vigorous daily

bright, inquisitive dogs, and if they don’t have something to

exercise

keep them busy, they will get into trouble.

Training:

Moderate

These dogs are protective and devoted; they will give their

Grooming: Easy

lives to protect their owners. This, as well as the breed’s size and

power, makes them a difficult dog for first-time dog owners.

They usually love children and are willing playmates. Although they won’t start fights with other

dogs, they won’t back away from a fight, either. The biggest health concerns today are the problems associated with the breed’s very small gene pool.