Akbash Pyrenees

Akbash Pyrenees, also known as Pyrenean Akbash, is a large dog breed that originates from Turkey and France. They are crossbred between Akbash and Great Pyrenees breeds. They are loyal and protective dogs that excel in guarding livestock.

Akbash Pyrenees Breed overview

Akbash Pyrenees are large, independent dogs that were bred for guarding livestock and property. They have a strong protective instinct and require proper socialization and training to develop appropriate behaviors. They are intelligent dogs with moderate energy levels and require daily exercise to stay healthy. While they are not highly adapted to apartment living, they adapt well to new environments with proper training. They have a fairly long lifespan of 10-12 years and are prone to hip dysplasia and obesity if not properly cared for. Overall, they are an effective working breed that excels at jobs requiring physical strength and endurance.

Height:
28-34 inches
Weight:
80-120 lbs
Life expectancy:
8-12 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Akbash Pyrenees

Training

Akbash Pyrenees is an independent breed and can be challenging to train. They require an experienced owner who is firm, consistent, and patient with them. Early socialization and obedience training are necessary to prevent aggressive behaviors towards strangers. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods work best with this breed.

Grooming

Akbash Pyrenees have thick, long coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They should be bathed as needed. It is also necessary to trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and pain. Regular teeth brushing is necessary to prevent dental problems.

Nutrition

Akbash Pyrenees requires a balanced diet to maintain their health and well-being. It is recommended to feed them high-quality commercial dog food that is designed for large breeds. It is essential to read the labels and avoid foods that contain fillers, additives or preservatives. The amount of food they require depends on their age, size, and activity level.

Exercise

Akbash Pyrenees is an active breed that requires daily exercise to keep them in good physical shape. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and playing outdoors. They also love to run and swim. However, they should be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in area as they have a natural instinct to roam.

Health

Akbash Pyrenees is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to some health issues. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. It is important to have regular check-ups with a veterinarian and to keep up with their vaccinations and preventatives to avoid health problems.

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Akbash Pyrenees Traits & Characteristics

Akbash Pyrenees has a height of 28-32 inches and weighs between 80-130 pounds. They have a thick, shaggy coat that comes in colors of white or cream. Their coats require regular brushing to keep them clean and healthy. They have a broad head with a tapered muzzle and almond-shaped eyes. Their ears are triangular-shaped and drop down towards the sides of their head.

Akbash Pyrenees has a thick, muscular neck that supports their massive head. They have a large chest, a broad back, and a long, thick tail that curls over their back. They have strong, straight legs that end with large, round paws. They are a well-proportioned breed that moves with agility and grace.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Akbash Pyrenees are independent dogs that will show love and affection towards their family members, but prefer to not be smothered with attention. They enjoy spending time with their owners and will show their affection by following them around the house and keeping them company. They are not typically lap dogs and prefer to spend their downtime lounging nearby.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Akbash Pyrenees are known to be great with kids. They are gentle giants who enjoy playful interactions with children. However, due to their large size, they can accidentally knock over small children, so supervision is advised.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Akbash Pyrenees can be reserved with unfamiliar dogs as they were bred to work independently. Proper socialization is important to ensure they get along well with other dogs. Early exposure to other dogs and frequent interaction can help prevent aggression towards other canines.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Akbash Pyrenees can be wary of strangers due to their protective nature. They will not typically show aggression towards unfamiliar people but can be aloof or reserved. They need to be socialized at an early age to develop appropriate social skills.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Akbash Pyrenees have a moderate energy level and enjoy playtime with their owners. While not excessively playful, they will engage in games and interactions with their owners.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Akbash Pyrenees are highly alert dogs that were bred for guarding livestock. They have a strong protective instinct and will be vigilant around their home and family. They are known to be very effective guard dogs.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Akbash Pyrenees are adaptable dogs but require plenty of socialization and training to adjust to new environments. They do well in homes with a yard and enjoy being outside. They are not recommended for apartment living.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Akbash Pyrenees have a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. During these periods, daily brushing is needed to manage shedding. The breed is considered moderate to high shedding and is not recommended for those with allergies.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Akbash Pyrenees have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and prevent tangling. They should be brushed weekly and more frequently during shedding season. Regular baths are not necessary and can actually remove natural oils from the coat.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Akbash Pyrenees are known to drool, especially after eating or drinking. Drool towels and regular face cleaning can help manage the drooling. This attribute should be considered before deciding to adopt the breed.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Akbash Pyrenees are large dogs with males weighing between 90-130 lbs and females weighing between 65-90 lbs. They have a strong build and are well-suited for guarding livestock and property.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Akbash Pyrenees have a moderate energy level and require daily exercise to maintain their health. They enjoy walks and playtime but do not have excessive exercise needs.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Akbash Pyrenees require daily exercise to maintain their health and prevent problem behaviors. They enjoy walks, playtime, and other physical activities. They have moderate exercise needs and do not require excessive activity.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Akbash Pyrenees are highly effective working dogs and have been used for centuries as livestock guardians. They are well-suited for jobs that require high levels of physical strength and endurance.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Akbash Pyrenees are not hunting dogs and do not have strong hunting instincts. They were bred for guarding livestock and property.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Akbash Pyrenees have a strong and muscular build and are known for their physical stamina and endurance. They can perform strenuous activities for long periods of time without becoming fatigued.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Akbash Pyrenees have a predisposition to hip dysplasia and should have their hips evaluated by a veterinarian. They are also prone to obesity if they are not provided with adequate exercise and a healthy diet. Overall, they are a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 10-12 years.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Akbash Pyrenees are prone to obesity if they are not provided with sufficient exercise and a healthy diet. It is important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake and exercise as needed.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Akbash Pyrenees have a thick double coat that provides insulation and protection from cold weather. They are well-suited to colder climates and can tolerate low temperatures well.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Akbash Pyrenees are not highly tolerant of heat and should be provided with plenty of water and shade in warmer weather. They have a thick double coat that can cause them to overheat in high temperatures.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Akbash Pyrenees are not recommended for apartment living due to their large size and energy requirements. They do best in a home with a yard or in rural environments where they have plenty of space to move around.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Akbash Pyrenees are not highly prone to wander but require proper fencing and supervision to prevent them from roaming. They were bred to work in the fields alongside their owners and enjoy having a job or purpose.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Akbash Pyrenees can be sensitive dogs and should be trained with positive reinforcement techniques. They can become anxious or stressed with harsh training methods or criticism.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Akbash Pyrenees can become restless and destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and separation anxiety.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Akbash Pyrenees are not excessive barkers but will raise an alarm when they perceive a threat. They were bred as livestock guardians to protect their flock from predators. Training and socialization can help manage their barking.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Akbash Pyrenees are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their minds and keep them entertained. Interactive toys and puzzles can help keep them mentally stimulated.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Akbash Pyrenees are intelligent dogs that require firm and consistent training. First-time dog owners may find the breed challenging to train due to their independent nature. They require early socialization and obedience training to prevent problem behaviors.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Akbash Pyrenees are intelligent dogs but can be independent when it comes to training. They need a firm hand and consistent training to develop appropriate behaviors. Positive reinforcement techniques and plenty of socialization work best with this breed.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Akbash Pyrenees are independent dogs that will show love and affection towards their family members, but prefer to not be smothered with attention. They enjoy spending time with their owners and will show their affection by following them around the house and keeping them company. They are not typically lap dogs and prefer to spend their downtime lounging nearby.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Akbash Pyrenees are known to be great with kids. They are gentle giants who enjoy playful interactions with children. However, due to their large size, they can accidentally knock over small children, so supervision is advised.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Akbash Pyrenees can be reserved with unfamiliar dogs as they were bred to work independently. Proper socialization is important to ensure they get along well with other dogs. Early exposure to other dogs and frequent interaction can help prevent aggression towards other canines.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Akbash Pyrenees can be wary of strangers due to their protective nature. They will not typically show aggression towards unfamiliar people but can be aloof or reserved. They need to be socialized at an early age to develop appropriate social skills.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Akbash Pyrenees have a moderate energy level and enjoy playtime with their owners. While not excessively playful, they will engage in games and interactions with their owners.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Akbash Pyrenees are highly alert dogs that were bred for guarding livestock. They have a strong protective instinct and will be vigilant around their home and family. They are known to be very effective guard dogs.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Akbash Pyrenees are adaptable dogs but require plenty of socialization and training to adjust to new environments. They do well in homes with a yard and enjoy being outside. They are not recommended for apartment living.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Akbash Pyrenees have a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. During these periods, daily brushing is needed to manage shedding. The breed is considered moderate to high shedding and is not recommended for those with allergies.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Akbash Pyrenees have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and prevent tangling. They should be brushed weekly and more frequently during shedding season. Regular baths are not necessary and can actually remove natural oils from the coat.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Akbash Pyrenees are known to drool, especially after eating or drinking. Drool towels and regular face cleaning can help manage the drooling. This attribute should be considered before deciding to adopt the breed.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Akbash Pyrenees are large dogs with males weighing between 90-130 lbs and females weighing between 65-90 lbs. They have a strong build and are well-suited for guarding livestock and property.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Akbash Pyrenees have a moderate energy level and require daily exercise to maintain their health. They enjoy walks and playtime but do not have excessive exercise needs.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Akbash Pyrenees require daily exercise to maintain their health and prevent problem behaviors. They enjoy walks, playtime, and other physical activities. They have moderate exercise needs and do not require excessive activity.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Akbash Pyrenees are highly effective working dogs and have been used for centuries as livestock guardians. They are well-suited for jobs that require high levels of physical strength and endurance.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Akbash Pyrenees are not hunting dogs and do not have strong hunting instincts. They were bred for guarding livestock and property.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Akbash Pyrenees have a strong and muscular build and are known for their physical stamina and endurance. They can perform strenuous activities for long periods of time without becoming fatigued.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Akbash Pyrenees have a predisposition to hip dysplasia and should have their hips evaluated by a veterinarian. They are also prone to obesity if they are not provided with adequate exercise and a healthy diet. Overall, they are a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 10-12 years.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Akbash Pyrenees are prone to obesity if they are not provided with sufficient exercise and a healthy diet. It is important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake and exercise as needed.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Akbash Pyrenees have a thick double coat that provides insulation and protection from cold weather. They are well-suited to colder climates and can tolerate low temperatures well.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Akbash Pyrenees are not highly tolerant of heat and should be provided with plenty of water and shade in warmer weather. They have a thick double coat that can cause them to overheat in high temperatures.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Akbash Pyrenees are not recommended for apartment living due to their large size and energy requirements. They do best in a home with a yard or in rural environments where they have plenty of space to move around.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Akbash Pyrenees are not highly prone to wander but require proper fencing and supervision to prevent them from roaming. They were bred to work in the fields alongside their owners and enjoy having a job or purpose.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Akbash Pyrenees can be sensitive dogs and should be trained with positive reinforcement techniques. They can become anxious or stressed with harsh training methods or criticism.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Akbash Pyrenees can become restless and destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and separation anxiety.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Akbash Pyrenees are not excessive barkers but will raise an alarm when they perceive a threat. They were bred as livestock guardians to protect their flock from predators. Training and socialization can help manage their barking.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Akbash Pyrenees are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their minds and keep them entertained. Interactive toys and puzzles can help keep them mentally stimulated.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Akbash Pyrenees are intelligent dogs that require firm and consistent training. First-time dog owners may find the breed challenging to train due to their independent nature. They require early socialization and obedience training to prevent problem behaviors.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Akbash Pyrenees are intelligent dogs but can be independent when it comes to training. They need a firm hand and consistent training to develop appropriate behaviors. Positive reinforcement techniques and plenty of socialization work best with this breed.

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History of the Akbash Pyrenees

Akbash Pyrenees has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. They were originally bred in Turkey to guard livestock and were later introduced to France. The breed is believed to be a cross between Akbash and Great Pyrenees breeds. Akbash Pyrenees is still primarily used in Turkey as a livestock guardian dog and is known for its exceptional guarding abilities.

In France, Akbash Pyrenees is used for herding, search and rescue, and as a police dog. They are valued for their calm nature, loyalty, and protective instincts.

Akbash Pyrenees Puppies

Akbash Pyrenees is a large breed, and their puppies require proper nutrition, exercise, and socialization to grow into healthy and well-rounded dogs. It is essential to choose a reputable breeder who performs health checks to ensure that the puppies are free from genetic diseases. Puppy socialization is crucial to develop their social skills and prevent aggression issues later in life.