Posted on 01/30/2012 9:35:38 AM PST by Daffynition
SILVERTON — Turkish sheepdogs prized for their fierceness are raising concerns they may be a little too tough for the southwest Colorado communities where ranchers are using them.
The Akbash dogs weigh up to 120 pounds and are especially aggressive toward animals near the sheep they guard. But that can include hikers and other backcountry tourists, prompting debate about whether the breed should be regulated.
The Durango Herald reports that Silverton town trustees met last week to discuss Akbash conflictsU.S. Forest Service officials, sheepherders and outdoors enthusiasts have also entered the debate over regulations surrounding the use of the breed.
(Excerpt) Read more at gazette.com ...
“The land isn’t leased, the grazing rights are.”
then I guess no matter how cute the dogs are if they really are threatening tourists with aggressive behavior
instead of just barking as I suspect they are. barking to tell the ontruders to stay away from their flock
the dogs will lose.
Bery tough situation for the ownders who lose so much money everytime a sheep is killed.
If they have “ grtazing rights” is that confined to a particluar area? could they put up signs?
>Probably taken from the AKC standard, and he probably reads from that too, so yes, right on. :)<
The Akbash is neither in AKC recognized breeds nor in the Foundation Stock Service. Being a valuable working dog, I doubt the keepers of its pedigrees want to open up the Pandora’s box that is breeding for a physical standard.
Livestock guardians must possess certain behaviors. If the sire and dam are not specifically chosen for the characteristics that make the dog an effective LGD, it will become yet another big white breed of dog and nothing else.
Anatolian people are already seeing what happens when they do not work their breeding stock.
Lots of pertinent info at this Anatolian specialist’s website:
http://www.luckyhit.net/
Who would be reluctant to feed their sheep dog?
The pit bull itself should not be blamed. Go after the breeders. They are the ones that are messing up the breed by breeding too much aggression into the lines. They are the ones that should be held accountable along with people that don’t know how to handle them or shouldn’t have them.
The dog has a job. Let them do it. We have a Great Pyrenees down from us. He just plays and plays with my 27 lb dog. They have a lot of fun.
bfl
lmacc
LOL!!!
(what does THAT stand for???)
The kids were more interested in going to the lake, not for the swimming, boating, fishing, as they were to see Herbie and Jocko. Good memories. Beautiful animal.
You first,, what does your “bfl” mean?
Oh pardon me.
Stop now!
Put a pic of the muzzie Zer0 on the board to scare the animals.
Bump for later! (my abbreviation for, you know, “place mark”)
Your turn...
;)
Little is known about the ancient origins of the Turkish Akbash Dog or its white guarding cousins. There are, however, clear historical reasons to link the Turkish Akbash Dog to its Hungarian, Italian and other relatives. Cynologists argue over whether the Akbash Dog was the progenitor of the other white sheepguarding breeds of Europe and whether the Romans brought the Akbash Dog from Asia Minor to Italy. However, it s clear that the white sheep guardians have existed as distinct breeds in their own countries for many centuries.There is limited translated literature available that refers to the ancient dogs of Turkey. We do know that Evliya Celebi (1614-1682) recorded in his Seyahatname (Book of Travels) that the 17th century Ottomans recognized two distinct breeds of agricultural guard dogs. He briefly described both breeds and noted that they were used as livestock guardians.
Two distinct breeds of agricultural guard dogs still exist in Turkey today: the Akbash Dog and the Kangal Dog. While there is some controversy over whether these two dogs are separate breeds, history clearly shows that Turkey supported more than one breed of sheep-guarding dog for centuries. Some people believe that the Akbash Dog and the Kangal Dog are color or regional variants or one all-encompassing Turkish sheepdog breed. However, differences in conformation and temperament of the Akbash Dog and the Kangal Dog indicate that each deserves separate breed status. The Kangal Dog, esteemed as "the National Dog of Turkey," is supported by government breeding programs and export restrictions, and is considered by the Turkish people as an endangered species.
A KANGAL dog...
thnx for the link.
Now I have another breed for future acquisition.
The city who wants to prevent the sheep raiser from using dogs to protect his sheep.......Sorry, I thought I made that clear.
Sounds like a good dog to have around.
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livestock_guardian_dog"
How would you suggest this farmer protect his herd from grizzlies?
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