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About Akbash Dogs International Akbash Dogs International was founded in 1987 to promote and preserve the working qualities of Akbash Dogs. Association philosophies include placing the needs of Akbash Dogs before the needs (or desires) of breeders and owners, and striving to provide a framework for ethical selection, evaluation and breeding of Akbash Dogs. Education is a top priority for ADI, because knowledge of canine ways in general, and livestock protection dogs in specific is a major contributor to success with Akbash Dogs. The paragraphs that follow describe how Akbash Dogs International evolved in this direction, and where it is going. In 1987, an interim executive was formed to begin the association, advertise its existence, and seek participation from dog owners as well as breeders. A registry of Akbash Dogs was begun, and a newsjournal, the Akbash Sentinel was established. By 1990, membership had grown to the point where elections could be held. The first fully elected board served until the end of 1994. In 1991, shortly after assuming their executive positions, board members formed several ad hoc committees to solicit members' wishes with regard to conformation showing, working certification, and obedience titles. Since the Akbash Dog is not recognized by the Canadian and American Kennel Clubs, the committees were also indirectly asking what members thought about the philosophies and directions of those national organizations. Results of the polling, which took almost 18 months, and involved continuous dialogue in the Sentinel, indicated that we were not inclined to align with the national kennel clubs, and were not interested in conformation competitions. Since the working aptitudes of Akbash Dogs could be unduly influenced by generations of selection for conformation or obedience, these were not accepted as desirable programs for ADI to encourage and/or administer. Last, ADI members were not interested in having a working certification program. They reasoned that genuine working dogs usually live in out-of-the-way places, and are harder to assess due to their remote locations, while breeders could use such a program to unfair advantage. Keeping these findings in mind, the membership then carefully examined the constitution, by-laws, and breed description. These were extensively revised, published in draft form, voted upon, and ratified. A code of ethics was written, discussed, ratified, and adopted. Akbash Dogs International has emerged as an organization with its constitution and all major policies ratified through free vote by its members. Subsequent projects, which are still ongoing, include developing better liaison with other livestock protection breed clubs, sharing newsletters with many of the LPD breed clubs, and maintaining an effective rescue service. This web site is a vital part of our ongoing educational and rescue programs. If we could have our way, no Akbash Dog would ever need to enter a humane society kennel. We strive to educate all potential owners of LPDs of their natures, and we work with our member-breeders to establish the highest standards of ethical breeding practices. Unfortunately, there are other breeders, not affiliated with ADI, who don't share our perspective. Too many of their dogs end up in our rescue service. The good news is that for a small, mainly rural organization, we do a pretty good job of taking care of abandoned Akbash Dogs. The newsjournal is ADI's principal means of communication, with a high degree of membership participation. The Akbash Sentinel does not promote show results. Instead, there are ADI-related columns, articles on health, behavior and research results, book reviews, new product announcements, and lots of photos. There is a fun factor in the Sentinel too. We celebrate the lighter sides of owning an Akbash Dog, not just the serious bits. Two annual photography contests promote friendly competition between members, and provide an incentive to submit numerous pictures. In 1997 we developed a mechanism for peer reviewing original scientific manuscripts. With this policy in place, we are more likely to attract researchers and clinicians to our growing list of authors. ADI published volume 75 of the Akbash Sentinel in October of 2007, an accomplishment we are proud of. Members have worked very hard to develop our association. Today ADI offers all services required to represent the Akbash Dog. Akbash Dogs have been ranked at or near the top in major evaluations of livestock protection dogs. Akbash Dogs International, through its policies and programs, hopes to keep it that way. The current board of directors, representing four countries, was elected to office in January 2008. This is ADI's 7th board of directors. Members are as follows: president Huub Hendrix hendrixhuub@hetnet.nl; vice-president Sharon Hoyt hawley@peak.org; treasurer Barb Lehmann lehgregg@earthlink.net; secretary Volkan Arslan volkan_arslan@gmx.net; Turkish representative Ilker Unlu bullterrierturk@yahoo.com; member-at-large Lana Steeneken ronlana@verizon.net and past-president David Sims sims@upei.ca. For Additional Information: - O. Dawydiak and D.E. Sims Livestock Protection Dogs - Selection, Care and Training, 2nd Edition, 2004, available from Alpine Publications, 1-800-777-7257 or www.alpinepub.com. In Canada, the book is available from the University of Prince Edward Island Bookstore, 1-866-873-4786.
- Andelt, W.F. Effectiveness of livestock guarding dogs for reducing predation on domestic sheep. Wildlife Society Bulletin 20:55-62, 1992.
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