Livestock Guardian Dog

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.

This stunning white dog is as beautiful as their mountainous homeland. Great Pyrenees are loving, large, and in charge. They’re a gentle, family-oriented dog most of the time, but will step in to protect their “flock” if danger is near. Full-grown, they typically weigh 85-115 pounds and stand 25-32 inches tall.

Great Pyreneess are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. This breed can be a good friend to any dog, animal, child, or visitor. Great Pyrenees may be initially uncomfortable with unknown people and pets, but they become more comfortable over time, especially if they’re socialized early. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Great Pyrenees need a fair amount of daily exercise, including at least a leashed walk or playtime in a large yard. This breed is known for running away when off-leash, so make sure all play areas are fenced and secured. Many Great Pyrenees also like swimming and hiking, particularly in cold weather. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Great Pyrenees have a double coat of weather-resistant hair. Their outer coat is long, flat, and thick, with coarse hairs that are straight or slightly wavy. The undercoat is dense, fine, and wooly. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Great Pyreneess are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. The heat may irritate their skin, so they’re better suited for cold climates or indoor spaces. Great Pyrenees are big dogs that enjoy moderate amounts of activity, so they prefer homes over apartments or small spaces. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.