Herders

Sunday, October 01, 2023

In the header photo and in a Home Depot aisle, I’m saying hello to an Akbash. The Akbash is a Turkish-originated herding dog known for intelligence, loyalty, bravery, and independence. This fellow is the first Akbash I’ve met in person. He’s totally sweet and about five years old. His person said he’s not a working herder but has every “good” attributed to his breed.

I’ve been interested in the Akbash since learning that they’re known to be absolutely great herding dogs. Most breeders let only those needing herding dogs have their Akbash puppies, as an Akbash isn’t a particularly good couch potato. The breed has a very strong herding instinct and a highly independent streak.

Years ago, I adopted a Kuvasz, a Hungarian-originated breed known for intelligence, protectiveness, clownishness, loyalty, patience, and independence. The Kuvasz looks much like a Great Pyrenees, which originated in France, but a Kuvasz lacks the extra rear toes.

I can’t speak to my dog’s clownishness, but she had everything else. It was tough living with a highly focused herding dog who was nonworking and experiencing her high independence. She could not be off-leash in an unconfined area unless I was willing to let her go off and on her own way, leaving me behind. Early on, and more than once, I climbed into my Jeep to follow her and worked hard to entice her to load up to come home.

She was an amazing dog, and I can tell stories explaining how great she was. Nonetheless, my experience with such an independent herding dog has prevented me from exploring the possibility of acquiring an Akbash. But I sure fell in love with that guy in the aisle.

For the record, here’s my fabulous, challenging “Alpine.”

Dear Friends: Outside it’s sunny and warm, have a great day. Diana