A serious working guardian that is devoted to its own master and reserved with people it does not know. It prefers the company of dogs of the opposite sex when working in a team.1
how to spot oneAksaray Malaklisi coat and colours
short coat
A massive, mastiff-type flock guardian with a big head, large ears, loose hanging jowls and a straight tail, covered by a short coat.1
How often should I feed my Aksaray Malaklisi, and at what times?
Adult Aksaray Malaklisi should be fed at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding at consistent times each day, and you can ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity level.2Pet Wiki plan
What should an Aksaray Malaklisi eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for large breeds, and always follow the label for amounts. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these away from your dog.32
How often should I bathe an Aksaray Malaklisi?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The short coat is low maintenance, so bathing once every three months is usually enough.14Pet Wiki plan
How often does an Aksaray Malaklisi need brushing?
Brush your Aksaray Malaklisi weekly to keep its short coat healthy and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days.14Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an Aksaray Malaklisi's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you if you're unsure.4Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does an Aksaray Malaklisi need?
This breed needs daily walks and play, as it is a working dog suited to farms with plenty of space. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily exercise, but the exact amount varies, so ask your vet for guidance.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an Aksaray Malaklisi's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental care routine.4Pet Wiki plan
How long does an Aksaray Malaklisi live?
Reliable lifespan figures for the Aksaray Malaklisi are scarce, and the often quoted 13 to 15 years has not been verified. Large breeds tend to age sooner than small ones, so regular vet checkups are important, especially from middle age. Ask your vet what to expect for your dog.1Pet Wiki plan
Is an Aksaray Malaklisi good with children and other pets?
This breed is a serious working guardian that bonds closely to its owner and is reserved with strangers. It prefers the company of dogs of the opposite sex when working, so early socialization and supervision with children and other pets are essential.1
Can an Aksaray Malaklisi be left alone?
This breed is devoted to its owner and may not do well when left alone for long periods, as it is a working dog that needs purpose and company. The best environment is a rural farm with space and a job to do.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat an Aksaray Malaklisi costs
Running costs for an Aksaray Malaklisi, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Aksaray Malaklisi legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Aksaray Malaklisi in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The name Malaklı refers to the dog's heavy, hanging jowls.1
2
A working pair is said to be able to guard a flock of around 700-800 sheep.1
The breed is named after the Aksaray Province in central Anatolia, Turkey, where it originates. The 'malakli' part of the name refers to their pendulous jowls.5
I spent the morning patrolling the farm's perimeter, my ears swiveling at every rustle. The master's wife brought water, and I gave her a soft nuzzle. My partner, a male dog, worked the other side, we ignored each other, as is proper. A stray cat crossed the path, and I simply watched; it was no threat. At noon, I lay under the oak, keeping one eye on the goats. In the evening, I greeted the master with a deep, rumbling bark. He smiled and said, "Good boy." That's all I need.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganAksaray Malaklisi history
This giant guardian comes from the Aksaray region of central Turkey, where shepherds have long relied on it to keep wolves away from their sheep. Local breeders say its ancestors served as war dogs for the Assyrians some 2,500 years ago.1
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