Why the Yorkshire Terrier is Better than the Akbash as a Pet

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Yorkshire Terrier Versus Akbash: Introduction

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

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

Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash

Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash

FactorYorkshire TerrierAkbash
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Kid-Friendly2/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/52/5
Easy To Groom2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Low Prey Drive4/55/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Easy To Train3/53/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/55/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
General Health4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/54/5
Weight4 to 6 pounds75 to 140 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Easygoing1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/53/5
Height8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder27 to 34 inches
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$2420$750
Price Range$1600 – $2950$400 – $800
Temperament Score83.7 percent87.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Akbash, we still believe that the Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Akbash.

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

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

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash

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

  • Yorkshire Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Yorkshire Terriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Akbashs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash

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

  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash

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

    The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 inches tall 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 Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Akbash

    Appearance (Colors) of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash

    Yorkshire Terrier Colors

    The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Bicolor
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Golden
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige
    • White / Cream
    • Sable

    The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Black
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Golden
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Sable
    • Bicolor

    Akbash Colors

    The Akbash comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • White / Cream

    The Akbash comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

      Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash

      The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 years.

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

      The Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Akbash.

      Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash

      Temperament of the Yorkshire Terrier Versus the Akbash

      The Akbash has a better temperament than the Yorkshire Terrier.

      This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 83.7 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 83.7 percent, the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash by measuring the temperaments of 43 Yorkshire Terriers and 16 Akbashs.

      Price of Yorkshire Terrier versus Price of Akbash

      The average price of the Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of a Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is more expensive than the Akbash.

      `
      Yorkshire Terrier Akbash
      Average Price $2420 $750
      Price Range $1600 to $2950 $400 to $800

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

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

      A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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.

      Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash

      Adopting the Yorkshire Terrier versus Adopting the Akbash

      You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier named Donatello that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Yorkshire Terriers like Donatello on pefinder.com.

      Also, like Yorkshire Terriers, Akbashs are also available for adoption. For example, Dog is a Male Akbash that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Akbashs like Dog that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

      The Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terriers and Akbashs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

      Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash

      Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

      Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

      Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Akbashs?

      Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

      Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Akbash?

      Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Akbash?

      Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

      Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

      Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Akbashs?

      Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

      Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Akbash?

      Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

      Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

      Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Akbash

      Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

      Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

      How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Akbashs?

      Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

      Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Akbash?

      Yorkshire Terriers 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.

      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 Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Akbashs?

      Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

      Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

      Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather?

      Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

      Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

      Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Akbash

      Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

      Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather?

      Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

      Is the Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Akbash?

      Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

      Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

      Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

      Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

      Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

      Yorkshire Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kai Ken     Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pomsky     Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Yorkshire Terrier versus Mastiff     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Yorkshire Terrier versus Whoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Yorkshire Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Yorkshire Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Yorkshire Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Yorkshire Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     

      Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Akbash better suits you and your family.