The Aksaray Malaklısı is named for the Aksaray Province in Central Anatolia, where oral tradition reports it was brought by Sumerians 3,500 years ago.[4] The Aksaray Malaklısı Breed Improvement Association claims that the breed is one of the oldest in the world, with a 3,500 year history in Anatolia.[4] According to oral tradition, the Aksaray Malaklisi was used as a war dog by the Assyrians 2500 years ago.[4]
Genetic analysis has shown it to be a distinct breed from other Turkish livestock guardian dog breeds, including the Kangal, Akbash and Kars.[3][6]
The "malakli" part of the breed name is said to be due to their pendulous jowls.[2][3]
The Aksaray Malaklısı usually stands between 70 and 85 centimetres (28 and 33 in) at the withers and weighs between 60 and 85 kilograms (132 and 187 lb),[6] with a body length of some 79 and 83 centimetres (31 and 33 in).[1] It is typically grey in colour with a black mask; the coat is short. The head and ears are large, the jowls are pendulous, and the tail is straight.[1][2][3]
The dogs only obey commands from the master, and can be aggressive with other people. They typically do not tolerate working with other dogs of the same sex.[3]
The Aksaray Malaklısı is used in its homeland to protect flocks of sheep from predators, especially wolves. A pair of Aksaray Malaklısı, always a male and a female, can protect some 700-800 sheep.[3]
They have also gained worldwide popularity as home guard dogs.[7]
The Aksaray Malaklısı Breed Improvement Association (AKMID) has claimed the breed was used as a war dog by the Assyrians over 2500 years ago.[4]
