This site is collection of photographs, videos, stories and general observations about Akbash dogs and specifically my Akbash Dogs. The site is dedicated to Whisper and Baron, two amazing Akbash dogs that I've had the pleasure of knowing and sharing my home with for the past several years.

How I discovered the Akbash Dog.
I'd been thinking about a new dog for some time. One day while out for a walk, I noticed a man walking a very large white dog. I had to find out the breed of this beautiful animal. As I approached, the dog immediately stepped forward and placed herself between the owner and I. No growls or barks but a very clear signal that I should be careful.We spent some time chatting while I asked many questions and eventually the dog relaxed but never stopped pressing herself against the legs of her owner.

Turkish Origins.
I learned the dog was an Akbash Dog and that the breed originated from Turkey. Thus began my Akbash education. My neighbor was babysitting the dog for his daughter who happened to be a Vet from Philadelphia home for a visit. It turns out this particular Akbash was a rescue dog. I decided right then and there I had found the breed of dog I was looking for. As soon as I got home I logged on to the net to begin researching the Akbash Dog and find out if this breed was right for me. Everything I read said no.

The Campaign Begins
I spent a great deal of time researching the breed and discovered a consistent theme running through most all of the research. An Akbash Dog may not be the best choice for a companion pet considering where I lived and the amount of time it would take to socialize this breed. There was also a strong bias by ranchers and breeders against raising an Akbash as a pet, in any environment. These are working dogs bred to guard livestock. I wasn't deterred and continued seeking people who had adopted an Akbash as a companion and protector.

Imagine That.
One day while looking for more Akbash information I stumbled upon an Internet ad for the sale of the last puppy from a recent litter of Akbash Dogs. What caught my eye immediately was the location of the breeder. I couldn't believe it. The breeder was located a mere 25-miles or so away.
A quick phone call and arrangements were made to visit the breeder and see first-hand how an Akbash Dog looked and behaved. It was just a Saturday drive and an inspection of the breed. Besides, the initial phone call was not encouraging as the puppy was probably the runt and older than usual as no one had claimed her at this late date.

I found the ranch easily and turned onto a long narrow drive. Ostriches and Emmues were trotting along an enclosure keeping pace as we slowly advanced up the lane. What a beautiful ranch and a surprise to see Ostriches and Emus.
Halfway up the drive out of the corner of my eye I see two flashes of white. Running across an open field are two huge Akbash dogs determined to make it to the ranch house before we did. It was a beautiful thing to see as these two dogs galloped across a large field. In my excitement to see the puppy I had completely overlooked the fact that we would also see the parents.

It was meant to be.
As we rounded a bend and approached the breeder's house, tethered to a long leash in front of a garage was a beautiful, rather large Akbash puppy. The poor dog looked stressed and a little worried as we approached. I had imagined that my first Akbash would be a very small pup and not the size of this older dog. It only took a few moments for me to fall for those big eyes and gentle disposition. She was shy and very concerned that a lamb was crying in the barn. There is more to the story of our first meeting but for now I will shorten it by saying, our visit ended about an hour later and we were on our way home with... you guessed it, an Akbash puppy.

(To be continued)

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