Turkish Boz Shepherd

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100-170 lbs
26-33"
Turkey
Guregh, Yoruk, Tuzkoy, Konya, Toros, or Urfa

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a large ancient dog from the Northern Urfa Mountains of Southern Turkey. Bred to withstand the extremes of either hot or freezing conditions, this mighty dog is an ideal guardian of livestock and has a low prey drive, which means they protect rather than attack other animals.

Loyal and devoted, this dog makes an ideal family companion and is extremely tolerant of young children, even as far as letting them ride them like a horse. They will protect your family with their own lives, but mostly their sheer size and weight are deterrent enough for any foolish intruder.

The Turkish Boz Shepherd has been employed as family guardians, as security dogs, and the police have utilized them in the forces. As a guardian and protector of stock, they are superbly suited for the task, and have the ability to take on any threat to their charges. They are calm and gentle with sheep and are often part of the flock, sleeping right beside them. As a companion, they are adorable and affectionate. But they are big, so you need more than an apartment to keep these gentle beasts.
purpose Purpose
Guardian, Working, Companion
history Date of Origin
Ancient Times
ancestry Ancestry
Variant of Livestock Guardian Dogs

Turkish Boz Shepherd Health

Average Size
Male Turkish Boz Shepherd size stats
Height: 28-35 inches Weight: 120-190 lbs
Female Turkish Boz Shepherd size stats
Height: 26-33 inches Weight: 100-170 lbs
Major Concerns
  • None Known
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
Occasional Tests
  • Ear Examination
  • Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
  • Blood Work and Serum Chemistry Tests
  • Blood Tests and Analysis
  • Hip and Elbow X-rays

Turkish Boz Shepherd Breed History

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a breed that evolved as a result of natural forces rather than by deliberate breeding. They are closely related to the Kangal, Anadolu, Kars and the Akbash breeds, but remain separate from them.

This canine is one of the oldest dogs found in the world, dating back thousands of years in history. They tend to have fewer health issues because of their natural evolution. Known for their strong need to bond closely whether to the animals they protect or their family, the Turkish Boz Shepherd is a strong, instinctive guardian of both. The ancient nomadic people known as Bozoklar (which means Brown Arrows) from the Boz Mountains area, herded with these shepherd dogs. The name 'Boz' means 'Big Strong Fighting Man'.

This dog was known for their ingrained and effective guardian temperament, their agility and endurance. As protectors of the nomad's flocks, there was no one better. For the past 8,000 years the Turkish Boz Shepherd has refined their breed, responding to natural causes and as a result, has developed a unique healthy physique and long lifespan for a giant breed.

With the development of many regional areas, the numbers of this gentle giant have decreased. But a Turkish native by the name of Akin Tulubas has a passion to preserve the Turkish Boz Shepherd and has worked tirelessly to reunite this great dog back to their native land and increase the awareness of the breed. He promotes responsible breeding and preservation practices of this amazing and awe-inspiring dog.

Turkish Boz Shepherd Breed Appearance

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is in a league of their own. Standing up to 36 inches in height, and weighing in at up to 190 pounds, that makes for a lot of dog. They are solid in build and muscular with an almost boxy look to them due to the fact that they are as high as they are wide. Their muzzle is narrow with an elegant head shape.

The body has a substantial bone structure, with a deep chest, and long straight legs — these characteristics give the Boz the speed and the endurance they require. Their paws are thickly padded and they have web feet which must allow for traversing snow in the winter.

Their coat is dense but short, possibly with a soft undercoat, and they adapt well to either hot or cold extremes in temperature. Dark watchful eyes, floppy ears that miss not a sound, and a quietly alert and watchful disposition make the look and the nature of the Turkish Boz Shepherd. Gold in color and often with a black mask, their appearance is majestic. With a heart of gold, these giants are natural born guardians driven to defend their home, family or stock as needed.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Turkish Boz Shepherd eyes
Brown
amber Turkish Boz Shepherd eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Turkish Boz Shepherd nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
fawn Turkish Boz Shepherd coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Turkish Boz Shepherd straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Turkish Boz Shepherd Breed Maintenance

While the Turkish Boz Shepherd has shorter fur, they still require a good brushing once a week. Like most dogs, their fur is thicker in winter, so when that starts to shed, they will need brushing almost on a daily basis. The Boz needs a daily walk or run to keep them fit, as they have great speed and stamina for such a large body. If your dog is a working dog, then that will be all they require as they can wander many miles with the stock, keeping a watchful eye on them.

Typically a healthy breed, they will just need their ears checked for infection and their teeth will require regular brushing. Bathing is not really needed, unless they happen to roll in something stinky. Generally, a good rub down with a damp cloth is all that is required. Easy to care for, easy going and totally devoted to their family, they are an impressive companion.

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Brushes for Turkish Boz Shepherd
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Turkish Boz Shepherd requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Turkish Boz Shepherd Temperament

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is an intelligent and loyal dog of giant proportions. They are gentle and dedicated to their family and to the stock they are protecting. When this dog detects a true threat, they will defend stock or their family members to ensure their safety and survival.

As you can well imagine, this dog has incredible power and strength that comes with their size. But normally the Turkish Boz Shepherd is a mellow, even-tempered dog. They tend to be relaxed in nature and have a lower energy or exercise requirement. The Turkish Boz Shepherd is content to prowl around open pasture, guarding their charges.

At home, they are a valuable addition to the family. They are not aggressive by nature, but their sheer size, their deep bark and their undeniable speed are enough to make any intruder reconsider promptly about invading this dog's territory.

Their high intelligence and extraordinary ability to make judgment on the severity of any situation makes this dog stand out from the crowd. Their affection and need to be a loving part of the family keep this dog grounded. The relationship between the Turkish Boz Shepherd and their humans is one of trust and mutual respect.

Turkish Boz Shepherd Activity Requirements

While the Turkish Boz Shepherd can wander over a large area of land looking to care for the stock entrusted to them, they don't have a high energy level. They are more consistent movers, wandering here, or strolling over there to check on the layout of the land.

If they are a companion dog in a city environment, then they will need a walk each day to keep them fit. They are not runners, but can reach impressive speeds when they have to. Everything is quite refined with the Turkish Boz Shepherd.

This is one dog who likes to be with the family and will check out each member constantly, or to be with a herd or flock to protect. During training, they respond to gentle methods with plenty of praise and affection. They can become emotionally crushed if treated harshly, and they will not forget it.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
20 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
70 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Turkish Boz Shepherd

Similarly Sized Breeds to Turkish Boz Shepherd

Turkish Boz Shepherd Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.75 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

Turkish Boz Shepherd Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Turkish Boz Shepherd size stats at six months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs
Female Turkish Boz Shepherd size stats at six months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 32.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Turkish Boz Shepherd size stats at 12 months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 82.5 lbs
Female Turkish Boz Shepherd size stats at 12 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 70.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Turkish Boz Shepherd size stats at 18 months
Height: 31.5 inches Weight: 165.0 lbs
Female Turkish Boz Shepherd size stats at 18 months
Height: 29.5 inches Weight: 135.0 lbs
author-img

Written by a Golden Labrador Retriever lover Jean Brewer

Published: 08/15/2018, edited: 12/16/2021

Turkish Boz Shepherd Owner Experiences

Lady,Tiny,Boss
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
we have 3 Boz, they are awesome dogs. the two males are brothers. My boys are all mommas boys. they love their kids, we have 3 kids and they love them.
1 year, 12 months ago
Hirco
7 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is really loving and playful he is still a puppy and doesn't understand his size at 100 lbs often clumsly running full speed into fences, walls and legs. He really loved the snow and would stay out even when called in to the house. His recall is at 20% he understands commands but thinks on whether he wants to follow them, so a stubborn breed but if you have treats he listens (independent thinker).So far he is not aggressive to new people or dogs, he licks strangers and wants to play with other dogs. He barks when in the yard and hears things nearby (guarding the house), but on walks he does not bark at other people or dogs that yelp at him.
2 years, 9 months ago
Titus
3 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Amazing sight dogs, will spot a predator across the field that the human eye would never see.. Hawks and bats are not even allowed to fly the air above the. Highly intelligent and lovable.
2 years, 10 months ago
Samson
Thousand and One Month
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing and walking.
playing in the yard
Excellent temperament. He is a few days shy of 6 months but is the bigger than most dogs. The weight charts seem to be completely off since Samson is already close to 110 pounds. Will keep updating as he progresses.
2 years, 11 months ago
Kahn
11 Weeks
8 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
running after balls and watchnig chickens
amazing... ive finally found my breed
5 years, 10 months ago
Gaia
9 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Road trip
Hike
Swim
Tug-of-war
toys
Water play
Dog Parks
Driving
Trips
I would say the weight estimate is a little off here - the female adult estimate is right - up to 170lbs. But for males it's up to 250lbs. the monthly weight estimate is also definitely off - Our girl is 9 months and weighs above 100 lbs - so 70lbs is way low. And she's not even giant for her breed. Our puppy is super energetic and has some puppy crazy, but usually manageable with 1-2 walks. She loves everyone, but definitely keeps an eye on us and the house too. They are trainable and learns quick - but are also stubborn, so you will need to modify for their current mood now and again. You are probably better off not getting a Boz shepherd as your first dog - they are definitely more work, than say a lab or other super mellow breeds. Food estimate is also low for the puppy stage I would say - we free feed her due to the rate of their growth and she eats up to 7 cups a day. But a daily average at 5 cups is probably right.
5 years, 3 months ago
Precious
18 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Tug-of-war
Jogging
18 months of owing a Boz. Bread for aggression & farm work, Precious came to us after an injury & sickness as a puppy. Good management & owner responsibility have made it work.
4 years, 3 months ago
Bozley
11 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Long walks,
cuddle
Tug-of-war
Boz, I know very original, is a massive baby. They weights mentioned are definitely off, he is 140lbs at 11 months. He enjoys play time in short bursts then likes a long nap. He is mouthy still but getting better as he gets older. He never bites and if I yelp he stops. I’ve never had such a large dog want to cuddle as much as Big Boz. He truly doesn’t understand his size. He is amazing with kids, and will check his size with them being extra gentle and I’ve seen him all but tip toe around a baby. Great breed but definitely a challenge because of their enormous size.
4 years ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Where can I find a legitimate Boz Shepherd breeder?

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

Could a Turkishboz/anitolian shepherd be trained to be a pointer/retriever?

Answer
Both parent breeds are guard dogs who have traditionally been used to protect livestock from predators. They are instinctively loyal and territorial. They would make poor retrievers and/or pointers as they have neither the physique nor the temperament for this job. While they could likely be trained to e.g. fetch and retrieve (like any dog) they wouldn't be able to compete on the same level as naturally born pointers and retrievers (e.g. the Golden Retriever) and things would not come naturally to them.
3 years, 8 months ago
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