Why you Should Get the Collie Instead of the Akbash.

Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022

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Collie Versus Akbash: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie and the Akbash.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie or the Akbash.

Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Akbash.

Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Collie versus Akbash

Collie versus Akbash: Overview

A very important difference between the Collie and the Akbash is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Akbash is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Collie versus Akbash: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Akbash

FactorCollieAkbash
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/55/5
Life Span10 to 14 years10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/54/5
Easy To Groom2/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/54/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder27 to 34 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
General Health3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/54/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/52/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/53/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/52/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds75 to 140 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$1480$750
Price Range$1000 – $1800$400 – $800
Temperament Score80.8 percent87.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125.

    Despite the equal Better-Pet score of the Collie and the Akbash, we still think that the Collie is a better pet than the Akbash.

    This is because Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Collie :-). We are for the Collie. So get a Collie!

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Akbash

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

  • Collies 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Akbash

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

  • Both the Collie and the Akbash do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash are very playful.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Collie and the Akbash shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Size Comparison of the Collie versus Akbash

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

    The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Akbash weighs 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. The Akbash is 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Collie versus Size of Akbash

    Lifespan of Collie versus Akbash

    The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 years.

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

    The Collie live longer than the Akbash.

    Temperament of the Collie Versus the Akbash

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the Collie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 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 80.8 percent, the Collie 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 Collie and the Akbash by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 16 Akbashs.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Akbash

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $750. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of the Akbash can be as low as $150 and as high as $2300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 38 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Collie is more expensive than the Akbash.

    Collie Akbash
    Average Price $1480 $750
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $400 to $800

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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.

    Check out our list of best Collie breeders here

    Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the Akbash

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Collies and many Akbashs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Collie named Marty that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Collies like Marty on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Collies, Akbashs are also available for adoption. For example, U-Marty is a Male Akbash that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Akbashs like U-Marty that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Collie and the Akbash can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Truman (Courtesy) is an adorable Male Akbash on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Collies and Akbashs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Akbash

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Collies shed more than Akbashs?

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

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Akbash?

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

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Akbashs?

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

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

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Akbash?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Akbash

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Collies and Akbashs?

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

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

    Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Akbash?

    Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Akbashs?

    Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Akbash

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

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

    Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Akbash?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Akbash. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:

    Collie versus Bernedoodle     Collie versus Gordon Setter     Collie versus Vizsla     Collie versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Collie versus Whoodle     Collie versus German Pinscher     Collie versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Collie versus American Bulldog     Collie versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Collie versus Bulldog     Collie versus Japanese Spitz     Collie versus Pomchi     Collie versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Collie versus Clumber Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Collie 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 Collie and the Akbash better suits you and your family.