Pet Wiki

Aksaray Malaklisi

Also called Aksaray Malaklısı, Malaklı Karabaş, Turkish Mastiff, Anatolian Lion

Rare breedShort profile

From Turkey, from Aksaray Province in central Anatolia.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male65 to 85 kg1
Weight, female60 to 70 kg1
Height, male75 to 85 cm1
Height, female70 to 80 cm1
Lifespan13 to 15 years1
Sizegiant
powerful, dedicated flock guardian
strongly devoted to its owner
impressive size and presence
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

Coloursgrey with black maskpintogrizzlebrindle1

Personality what they are like

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

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat is low maintenance.1

Home where they are happiest

A rural working dog suited to farms and flocks with plenty of space.1

Company who they like around

Bonds to one master and works well in male-female pairs guarding livestock.1

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name Malaklı refers to the dog's heavy, hanging jowls.1

  2. 2

    A working pair is said to be able to guard a flock of around 700-800 sheep.1

  3. 3

    Its nickname is the Anatolian Lion.1

  4. 4

    Litters are large, often around ten puppies.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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.2

Name ideas for your new friend

MalakKarabaşAslanTitanGoliathBozKralBüyükCeyhanMertDumanKaya

A day in the life told by an Aksaray Malaklisi

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.

Recognised by the official bits

Turkish Dog Federation (KIF)
Recognised as a Turkish breed; genetic study shows it is distinct from the Kangal, Akbash and Kars dogs (per Wikipedia). Not an FCI breed.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Aksaray Malaklisi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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. Furry Diary'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.3 Pet 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.43

How often should I bathe an Aksaray Malaklisi?

Furry Diary'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.15 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Aksaray Malaklisi need brushing?

Brush your Aksaray Malaklisi weekly to keep its short coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days.15 Pet 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.5 Pet 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. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily exercise, but the exact amount varies, so ask your vet for guidance.1 Pet 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.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Aksaray Malaklisi live?

The Aksaray Malaklisi typically lives between 13 and 15 years, which is a good lifespan for a large breed. Senior years usually start around age 6, so regular vet checkups are important.1 Pet 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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Aksaray Malaklisi en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary; cites Turkish breed federation and press sources)
  2. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.