BUDDY

The Akbash makes the perfect protector for you and your family. They’re big, powerful, and determined to keep an eye on everyone around them. This breed needs training and socialization to play nicely with others, but once they grow up and learn the rules, they're a delightful, watchful companion. Full-grown, they typically weigh 75-140 pounds and stand 28-34 inches tall.

Akbashs are generally good with kids, especially when raised together. Their territorial personality makes them great watchdogs but not a great match for families with young kids or other animals. Like most dogs, the younger they are when they join your family, the easier they are to train and socialize. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Mature Akbash dogs have a lower activity level, but puppies are playful and need room to roam freely. Bored puppies are known for chewing and getting into trouble, so be prepared to keep them busy and active. Whether young or old, they require at least one long walk every day, along with a big yard to play and run on their own. Overall, their exercise needs are low.

“Akbash” is Turkish for “white head,” which is a reflection of their coat. The breed is known for having a thick, coarse double coat of hair that is medium or long in length. The Akbash coat naturally repels odor and dirt, which leads to frequent shedding. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Akbashs are best suited for a rural property or home with a large yard. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.

Maremma Sheepdogs are herding dogs who are fierce enough to fend off nearly any predator. They like to make their own decisions and are very protective of their human and animal friends. This breed is not for beginners, and although they are sometimes kept as a pet, they're best suited to a family who will let them fulfill their intended purpose of guarding a flock. Full-grown, they typically weigh 65-100 pounds and stand 23-29 inches tall.

Maremma Sheepdogs are generally good with kids, especially when raised together. Maremma Sheepdogs fit best in rural homes where they are allowed to guard a flock in a rural area where no one will mind their excessive barking. Maremma Sheepdogs are protective of the children in their owner's family, but they do not enjoy being poked and prodded by toddlers, so supervision is suggested. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Maremma sheepdogs thrive when they are tending to their flock, and they need time to run free in open space to be happy. A simple walk once a day will not do; they need lots of stimulation - both mental and physical. You must always make sure your Maremma Sheepdog understands that you are in charge during exercise time, otherwise they will think they’re the boss. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

Maremma Sheepdogs have a dense coat that sheds once in the spring and once in the fall. If your Maremma Sheepdog is not exposed to the weather every day, you’ll want to brush them once or twice a week and more often when they’re shedding. Dogs that are used as livestock guardians do not require extensive care for their coats. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Maremma Sheepdogs are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Maremma Sheepdogs fit best in rural homes where they are allowed to guard a flock in a rural area where no one will mind their excessive barking. If you do not keep other animals, this breed requires a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are fairly easy to train.