Akbash for Hunting?

Hi there. I'm currently fostering an Akbash who is undergoing treatment for heart worm. Once he is all healed up I am hoping to keep him however ultimately I was hoping to get a hunting dog and I'm just not sure this guy will fit the bill. I'm told he may have some golden retriever in him (his face certainly looks like a golden) so I'm hoping that part of him will be more dominant. But I haven't been able to find anything about people using Akbash for hunting, just as sheep dogs. I'm mainly looking for a dog that will retrieve ducks or doves, not protecting live stock.

If anyone has any experience or information about them I'd love to hear it.

I have only had dealings with one Akbash. He was very dominant and needed a great deal of exercise. Unfortunately he became aggressive especially with the youngest member of the family and had to be put down. From his actions I would say that he would have made a great protector of livestock but I did not see any traits that would lead me to believe that he would have been a retriever. Herding breeds do not usually like to pick up feathers. I have dealt with German Shepherds that would retrieve a ball, stick, plastic dummy like a champion but would not pick up anything with feathers. Don't know if they could be conditioned to do it through a force fetch.
Where did this dog come from and what makes you think he may have golden retriever in him? Is there anyway that you could trace his beginnings?

If there is any Golden retriever in him, there is no guarantee it's from hunting lines.
Take the hint, all the info about Akbash dogs is on one subject for a reason.
Do what you can to help this dog, and find him a home where he can be happy doing what Akbash do.
Keep talking to the gang on here who hunt ducks and doves mainly, so you can find the perfect dog for you. One that is bred to retrieve birds, not guard livestock.

Adding--
Maybe look into adopting an older trained dog from an established kennel. Those dogs need love too!

Not a hunting dog

There are so many people who come to this forum and ask if they can train their dog ( Collie , Chihuahua, Akita or whatever) to hunt birds and retrieve. I'm not saying that once in a blue moon a non sporting dog won't hunt .(Even a blind pig will stubble across an acorn .... BUT if you want a bird dog buy a dog with the years of breeding behind it. The same for a good tracking hound no bird dog will replace a well bred hound for coyotes or deer. A farmer who wants a herding dog should look at the herding breeds.
If people would only research the breed of dog they intend to purchase it wouls save them a lot of grief.

Upland hunters let these people know the traits that pointer must have and the time that has to be spent on training. Same goes for retrievers. Don't give them false hope that their Dalmation might make a good hunting dog.

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Originally Posted by Wood Witch

There are so many people who come to this forum and ask if they can train their dog ( Collie , Chihuahua, Akita or whatever) to hunt birds and retrieve. I'm not saying that once in a blue moon a non sporting dog won't hunt .(Even a blind pig will stubble across an acorn .... BUT if you want a bird dog buy a dog with the years of breeding behind it. The same for a good tracking hound no bird dog will replace a well bred hound for coyotes or deer. A farmer who wants a herding dog should look at the herding breeds.
If people would only research the breed of dog they intend to purchase it wouls save them a lot of grief.

Upland hunters let these people know the traits that pointer must have and the time that has to be spent on training. Same goes for retrievers. Don't give them false hope that their Dalmation might make a good hunting dog.

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Well said!

Dick

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Originally Posted by ebenezer

I have only had dealings with one Akbash. He was very dominant and needed a great deal of exercise.

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I've heard this can be an issue with the breed as they were bred to be independant thinkers. So far I've found him to be quite obedient.

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Originally Posted by ebenezer

Where did this dog come from and what makes you think he may have golden retriever in him? Is there anyway that you could trace his beginnings?

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He's from an organization partnered with the humane society, and the vet working with him said he had some golden in him. He was found abandoned so I have no information on his lineage. When a dog with heart worm is brought in they pay for all the treatments but since the dog needs a quiet place without stimulation during the healing process they ask for volunteers to house the dog during their treatment. Since I have never owned a dog before this seemed like a great trial experience for me since at the end of the treatment there is no obligation for me to adopt the dog permanently.

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Originally Posted by Wood Witch

If people would only research the breed of dog they intend to purchase it wouls save them a lot of grief.

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I really don't see the need to talk down to me. What exactly do you think I'm doing right now, if not researching this breed? There is surprisingly little information available on this breed, hence the reason I've come here looking for information.


When you act all high and mighty and talk down to people who are trying to find answers you only discourage people from asking questions the next time.


Thanks for all the answers none the less guys. I will take all of this under consideration when making my decision.

I doubt an Akbash would be a good dog for a first time dog owner. Stranger thing have happened though.
I am still of the opinion, do the best you can to help this dog get better. Then either look into herding activities, or agility obedience stuff with it. For a first time dog owner, who wants to get into bird hunting, I would suggest a lab from a hunting kennel who hunts like you want to (I can't believe I typed that! Lol). They are easy going and biddable. Who knows, you may end up with two dogs, a fluffy mutt, and a hunting lab.

I don't think anyone was trying to talk down to you, just pointing out that in general we all need to do some research into the breeds we are considering. As stated I have only experienced one Akbash in my obedience class. They were first time dog owners like you and the dog was just too much for them. The lack of information on this breed of dog would concern me. Perhaps going directly to the AKC or CKC, if they are a recognized breed may be a source.
This dog maybe of mixed parentage and therefore be calmer in nature. The illness may take its toll on him as well. Only time will tell. I have read that the treatment and recovery from heartworm is a slow and sometimes painful process. Hope all goes well for you and that you have the time to get to really know the personality of this dog. I would not get my hopes too high that it will be a successful bird hunter. You also have to consider the water aspect of duck hunting. Do Akbash take to the water?

Wonder if an Akbash would be a good catch dog on coyotes?

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Originally Posted by psilokan

Hi there. I'm currently fostering an Akbash who is undergoing treatment for heart worm. Once he is all healed up I am hoping to keep him however ultimately I was hoping to get a hunting dog and I'm just not sure this guy will fit the bill. I'm told he may have some golden retriever in him (his face certainly looks like a golden) so I'm hoping that part of him will be more dominant. But I haven't been able to find anything about people using Akbash for hunting, just as sheep dogs. I'm mainly looking for a dog that will retrieve ducks or doves, not protecting live stock.

If anyone has any experience or information about them I'd love to hear it.

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Good for you for fostering. I've thought of doing that . but would get too attached I think.
I think the underlined part is what you really want. The Albash would be happier in a farm situation, although I know little about an Akbash.
The decision is whether to go with your heart or your head. :)

There is an excellent breeder of hunting field setters near you. I would suggest you visit there before making your decision. PM sent

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Originally Posted by Sharon

Good for you for fostering. I've thought of doing that . but would get too attached I think.
I think the underlined part is what you really want. The Albash would be happier in a farm situation, although I know little about an Akbash.
The decision is whether to go with your heart or your head. :)

There is an excellent breeder of hunting field setters near you. I would suggest you visit there before making your decision. PM sent

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He also provides game farm hunts. Strongly suggest you try one.

Want to know about "Akbash" dogs , go to this link;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akbash_dog

There are a few guys who say they trained herding dogs for hunting and that they were satisfied with the results. I have neither seen one of these dogs hunting nor have I dealt with an Akbash ever. Besides, nearly all the dogs of herding heritage, I had something to do with, were NOT successful working dogs...
On the other hand, I don't want to discourage you either, because with enough training you might get to usable results - the question is just if you need to quit your job to have sufficient time for that! Not many seem to have dealt with this breed at all. Some breeds focused on specific tasks and others on trainability. You certainly won't have the pleasure of training a natural retriever/pointer/hound etc. Therefore, the part I would be most concerned about is how much training this breed and also this individual will accept and up to what age.
You should be able to find that out by yourself based on how easy it is to teach him (stupid) tricks or basic obedience. If he's doing well, you know at least that with little bit of effort he will be usable for something.
Then, if he's healthy you can start introducing him to birds (you might need to do that more than once) or whatever you plan on using him for. Even if it all works out, it will be a long way - certainly a more rewarding experience than buying a started/finished dog as long as you are able to finish what you are about to get into.