Livestock Guardian Dogs Save Livestock. Humans have been using dogs to guard their precious livestock for thousands of years. Each region seems to have bred their own particular type of dog for the purpose of defending their livestock against the local predators. These dogs live with their flocks 24/7/365. They can detect danger long before a human has any indication of its presence. These dogs can position themselves between the predator and the flock much faster than any human and have been known to defend their flock to the death. They do not herd livestock. They act as body guards.
The Akbash Dog
The Akbash Dog originated in western Turkey and is still found there today, guarding flocks of sheep and goats. Akbash is a Turkish word meaning white head.
Since first introduced into the United States in 1978, Akbash Dogs have proven their worth many times over. They are one of three breeds recommended by the USDA Animal Damage Control, as they are less aggressive to people but very aggressive to wild predators, including mountain lions and bears. They are equally adept at working rangelands or fenced pastures. Their natural dog-aggression makes them a good choice for livestock vulnerable to domestic dog attacks.
Courage, intelligence and a tendency to nuture help make the Akbash Dog a natural guardian. The ability to think and act independently is essential to the guard work for which the Akbash was bred. However, it can lead to serious problems if not properly channeled. The owner must establish her/himself as the "alpha dog" and pack leader. The Akbash Dog's instinctive behaviors cannot be eliminated. They bark while on patrol, wander, defend their territory and show aggression toward perceived threats. This is not a breed for a first-time dog owner or someone looking for a friendly housepet.
Our dogs spend all night patrolling the pastures and will bark to alert us if they believe there is a threat. This can be at any time, so this breed, like other livestock guardian breeds, should work on farms where neighbors are either understanding or relatively far away. Akbash Dogs are thought to be less vocal than some other guardian breeds, but do not get any breed of livestock guardian dog if barking is going to be a problem. On the other hand, many neighbors of livestock guard dogs appreciate the fact these dogs will guard neighboring property as well as their own. Akbash Dogs have a strong sight hound ancestry and tend to regard their territory to extend as far as they can see.
Adult Akbash Dogs usually develop a nurturing bond with their livestock. They are rarely out of sight or hearing of the flock and move in a calm, deliberate manner so as not to startle them. They will move to keep themselves between people or other animals and their livestock. In order to have that behavior in an adult dog, the groundwork must be laid while the dog is young. It should be reared with the animals it will live with under supervision to prevent bad habits. The dogs are born with natural ability. It is up to the humans in their lives to help them reach their potential.