Hidden Springs Akbash Dogs

We are located in the northeast corner of Oregon in Wallowa County. Our first litter of Akbash puppies was born on March 04, 2009. This very special breed of dog has proved to be invaluable to our farm animals, which includes Tennessee Walker horses, dairy cows, 200 free range laying hens and assorted ducks, turkeys and cats. Our female, Sasha, is 2 and a half years old and has been a working Akbash virtually since we got her at the age of 6 months. Our male, Khan, is currently 18 months old and is also shaping up beautifully as a guardian dog. Both dogs are registered with Akbash Dogs International, Sasha's paperwork is underway.

About the breed:

The Akbash Dog is one of the oldest of the flock-guarding group. The breed is the counterpart of the French Great Pyrenees, the Hungarian Kuvasz, the Italian Maremma and other white sheep guarding breeds. The Akbash Dog still carries the same mental and physical traits that characterized it thousands of year ago. Akbash Dogs are large, lean, muscular and powerful with an elegant, racy appearance. Akbash Dogs characteristics are a combination of the Mastiff and Gazehound. They are powerful dogs with medium to long white fur, bred specifically to distinguish them from wolves. They have been bred as a guardian dog whose primary function is to protect sheep from predators.

Akbash Dogs are calm, quiet, independent, protective, brave, and affectionate. They will be aggressive toward strangers and strange animals if they aren't properly socialized and trained. Akbash Dogs are steady and peaceful, but watchful at the same time. With owners they are friendly. They are extremely loyal dogs. They are also very intelligent, independent, and make an excellent pet and guardian. They are naturally very protective and are bred to think for themselves.

Please contact us at hiddensprings@dishmail.net or feel free to call us at 541-569-2452 if you are interested in a puppy.

PLACEMENT QUESTIONAIRE

Which types of livestock will the dog be guarding?

Will the dog also be a companion dog?

Children (Ages), adults, elderly in the home.

Other companion animals in the home? Dogs, cats, birds, other.

Will the dog be with the stock or in a perimeter fence?

Will the dog be only outside, or both in and out?

Will there be a lot of visitors to your home/farm, or only occasional?

Have you ever owned a large working breed of dog before? Which breeds?

Have you ever obedience trained a dog before?

Do you have nearby neighbors?

Are you aware of the laws governing dogs and owner responsibilities in your area?

Are you prepared to keep your dog indoors if it becomes a nuisance barker?

Are there puppy socialization classes in your area for ups 3 to 6 months? You might want to look into this as early socialization classes are highly recommended for urban Akbash dogs.

For air shipping, what is your closest large airport?

We appreciate your taking the time to answer these questions in order for us to select a pup that is most compatible with you and your family.