Breed Comparison: Afghan Hound Versus Akbash

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Afghan Hound Versus Akbash: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Afghan Hound and the Akbash? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Afghan Hound and the Akbash better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Afghan Hound and the Akbash is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Afghan Hound and for the Akbash. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Afghan Hound and the Akbash.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Afghan Hound or the Akbash.

Afghan Hound versus Akbash: Overview

Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash are similar in size. The Afghan Hound and the Akbash are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Afghan Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Akbash belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Afghan Hound versus Akbash: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Afghan Hound to the Akbash based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Afghan Hound and the Akbash

Factor Afghan Hound Akbash
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 27 to 34 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 60 pounds 75 to 140 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2290 $610
Price Range $1912 – $2500 $500 – $800
Temperament Score 72.7 percent 87.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Afghan Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Akbash. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Afghan Hound is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the Afghan Hound. So, you should get the Akbash!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Afghan Hound and the Akbash

    Below is a list of where the Afghan Hound and the Akbash are most different:

    • Afghan Hounds are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Akbashs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Afghan Hounds adapt well to apartment living. However, Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather. However, Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Afghan Hounds have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Akbashs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    The Similarities Between the Afghan Hound and the Akbash

    The Afghan Hound and the Akbash are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Afghan Hound and the Akbash are most similar:

    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash are very playful.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Akbash get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Size Comparison of Afghan Hound versus Akbash

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Afghan Hound and the Akbash.

    Afghan Hounds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Afghan Hounds are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Afghan Hound versus Akbash

    The lifespan of Afghan Hounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Afghan Hounds is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

    Temperament of the Akbash Versus the Afghan Hound

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the Afghan Hound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Afghan Hound is 72.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 72.7 percent, the Afghan Hound has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Afghan Hound and the Akbash by measuring the temperaments of 165 Afghan Hounds and 16 Akbashs.

    Price of Afghan Hound versus Price of Akbash

    The average price of the Afghan Hound puppy is $2290. The price of the Afghan Hound typically ranges from $1912 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Afghan Hound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Afghan Hound is more expensive than the Akbash.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Afghan Hound and Akbash. For different price points, the charts show how many Afghan Hound puppies or how many Akbash puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Afghan Hound puppy or the Akbash puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Afghan Hound versus Akbash

    Afghan Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Afghan Hounds shed more than Akbashs?

    Afghan Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Afghan Hound or the Akbash

    Afghan Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Afghan Hound or the Akbash?

    Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Afghan Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Akbash?

    Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Afghan Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Akbashs?

    Afghan Hounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Afghan Hound vs. Akbash

    Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Afghan Hound or the Akbash?

    Afghan Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs? What about Akbashs?

    Afghan Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Afghan Hounds and Akbashs?

    Afghan Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Afghan Hound Easier to Train than the Akbash?

    Afghan Hounds are not easy to train.

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Afghan Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Akbash?

    Afghan Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Afghan Hound or the Akbash?

    Afghan Hounds are OK for new dog owners.

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Afghan Hound versus Akbash. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Afghan Hound and the Akbash better suits you and your family.