Aksaray Malaklisi
Also called Aksaray Malaklısı, Malaklı Karabaş, Turkish Mastiff, Anatolian Lion
From Turkey, from Aksaray Province in central Anatolia.1
At a glance the quick version
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
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
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Aksaray Malaklisi. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
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.2 Furry Diary 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?
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.14 Furry Diary 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.14 Furry Diary 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.4 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.4 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Aksaray Malaklisi en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary; cites Turkish breed federation and press sources)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.