These dogs are mostly white with perhaps a touch of "biscuit" color, especially on the head. Livestock guarding dogs have been chosen for their white color to match the flock so they are not mistaken by the shepherds for predators, most of which are dark.
Coats can be short or long, but are double coated and therefore heavy on the shedding side. The coat may have a wave to it and longer hair is on the backs of the legs and the tail. Natural ears hang down, though in some countries they are cropped. Despite being white, these dogs are not albinos, and they have dark pigment around the eyes, nose and mouth. Many of the Akbash dogs are born with double dewclaws on the rear legs, similar to Great Pyrenees and Briards. While these are big dogs, they are surprisingly agile and quick for their size. A slight arch in their back gives some indication of their running speed.