The Turkish Boz Shepherd is an ancient breed that originated in the rugged terrain of Anatolia, where they worked tirelessly as guardian dogs for nomadic tribes. They're a testament to the region's rich history and culture.
These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them an excellent choice for active families or individuals who want a loyal companion. With proper socialization, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.
Their strong work ethic and protective instincts make them naturally suspicious of strangers, but with gentle training, they can learn to trust new people and environments.
Additional reading: Pictures of German Shepherd Dogs and Puppies
Breed Characteristics
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a massive breed, standing up to 36 inches in height and weighing in at up to 190 pounds.
Their solid build and muscular physique give them a boxy appearance, with a narrow muzzle and elegant head shape.
Their body has a substantial bone structure, with a deep chest and long straight legs that allow for speed and endurance.
Their paws are thickly padded, and they have webbed feet that help them traverse snow in the winter.
Their coat is dense but short, and they can adapt well to extreme temperatures.
Gait and Function
The Turkish Boz Shepherd's gait is a true marvel, exemplifying the perfect balance of speed, agility, and power.
They're able to reach speeds of 27-35 miles per hour on average, with some individuals reaching as fast as 40 miles per hour. This makes them a formidable opponent in defense situations.
Their agility is surprisingly high for their size, allowing them to pivot and change direction at rapid intervals at various speeds.
The Turkish Boz Shepherd's backline should remain nearly level with little rise or fall except at very high speeds, when they employ a double suspension gallop.
Pacing is not considered normal or desirable in the breed, so you won't see them walking or jogging around the farm.
Suggestion: The Kangal Shepherd
Height & Weight
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a massive dog, standing up to 36 inches in height.
Their weight can reach up to 190 pounds, making them a substantial presence.
Their muscular build and solid structure allow them to move with speed and endurance, thanks to their deep chest and long straight legs.
Their coat is dense but short, and they have a soft undercoat, which helps them adapt to extreme temperatures.
Their thickly padded paws and webbed feet are perfect for traversing snow in the winter.
Here are some notable height and weight comparisons among similar breeds:
- Havana Silk
- Welsh Sheepdog
- Deutsche Bracke
The Turkish Boz Shepherd's majestic appearance, with its gold coat and dark watchful eyes, is only matched by its gentle and loyal nature.
Malak Characteristics
The Malak is a distinct breed with some notable characteristics. It typically has an extremely heavy to excessive bone structure and skull with a strong stop.
The Malak's profile is rectangular, which is a notable difference from the Turkish Boz Shepherd's square profile. The skull is wide and the stop is very pronounced.
The Malak is often described temperamentally as harsh and stubborn, being a one-owner dog. It is substantially more dog aggressive than the Turkish Boz Shepherd.
Here are some key characteristics of the Malak:
- Extremely heavy-boned
- Rectangular profile
- Wide skull with a strong stop
- Harsh and stubborn temperament
- Substantially more dog aggressive
Health and Maintenance
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a robust breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia and bloat are two potential problems to watch out for.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to ensure your Turkish Boz Shepherd stays healthy. This includes ear examinations, regular full physical examinations, blood work, and X-rays to check for hip and elbow issues.
A weekly brushing is all that's needed to keep their short fur in good condition, although daily brushing may be necessary during shedding season. Daily walks or runs are also essential to keep them fit and active.
Recommended read: Turkish Shepherd Salad
Health
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a relatively healthy breed, with an average lifespan of 10-15 years. They tend to have fewer health issues due to their natural evolution over thousands of years.
Hip dysplasia and bloat are two health conditions that have been reported in the breed. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential to monitor their health.
A regular full physical examination by a veterinarian, ear examination, and blood work and serum chemistry tests are all important health checks for the Turkish Boz Shepherd. These tests can help detect any potential health issues early on.
Hip and elbow X-rays are also recommended to check for any joint issues.
Breed Maintenance
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but they still need a good brushing once a week to keep their fur from matting.
Their fur is thicker in winter, so they'll need brushing almost daily during that time. This will help prevent shedding and keep them looking their best.
A daily walk or run is essential to keep them fit, as they have great speed and stamina for their size.
If your dog is a working dog, they'll be happy to wander many miles with the stock, keeping a watchful eye on them.
Regular ear checks are necessary to prevent infections, and their teeth will need regular brushing to keep them clean.
Bathing is not usually necessary, but a good rub down with a damp cloth will keep them clean and smelling fresh.
Turkish Boz Shepherds often suffer from ear infections and bloat, so it's essential to secure pet health insurance to avoid high veterinary care costs.
Brushing them twice a week can easily control shedding, but daily brushing will keep it to a minimum.
Their shed fur is plentiful due to their giant size, so be prepared for a lot of loose hair.
House Training
House training a Turkish Boz Shepherd is a breeze, thanks to their intelligence and quick learning abilities. With verbal correction and positive reinforcement, you can accomplish house training within a few days.
Establishing a routine is key to success in the house training process. The Turkish Dog Federation recommends letting your puppy go outside after eating or drinking to urinate and defecate.
Broaden your view: Dutch Shepherd Training
Feeding
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a surprisingly efficient eater, consuming an average of 6-8 cups of food per day, despite weighing 180 pounds as an adult male.
In hot weather, they eat even less, which is impressive considering their size.
Their high metabolism means they do best on a large breed, slow-growth puppy dog food, and supplements like chicken, rice, and eggs are unnecessary.
Some foods are highly toxic and potentially lethal to dogs, so it's essential to be mindful of what you feed them.
ALL of the Turkish Boz Shepherd dogs registered in the WAD Database are family and working-oriented dogs, and their diet reflects this purpose.
They don't need a lot of extra calories to maintain their energy levels, which makes their feeding schedule relatively simple.
Explore further: Dogs with Puppy Eyes
Breed History and Appearance
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years.
They originated from the nomadic people known as Bozoklar, who herded with these dogs in the Boz Mountains area. The name 'Boz' means 'Big Strong Fighting Man'.
A fresh viewpoint: Turkish Boz Dog
This ancient breed has refined itself over 8,000 years, developing a unique healthy physique and long lifespan for a giant breed.
They are known for their strong need to bond closely with their family and the animals they protect, making them strong and instinctive guardians.
Standing up to 36 inches in height and weighing up to 190 pounds, the Turkish Boz Shepherd is a massive dog with a solid build and muscular physique.
Their muzzle is narrow, with an elegant head shape, and their coat is dense but short, possibly with a soft undercoat.
Size, Proportion, Substance
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a breed that truly stands out in terms of size, with males averaging 31-38.5 inches in height and weighing 140-200 pounds.
Their massive size is a key characteristic of the breed, and it's essential to note that while dogs have been recorded at heights of 41 inches and weights of 256 pounds, this is considered extreme and should not be bred for.
Readers also liked: How Big Does a Caucasian Shepherd Get
The height to length ratio in males is 1:1 to 1:1.2, while a slightly higher ratio is acceptable for bitches, as long as they remain proportionate and balanced.
Bitches, on the other hand, typically weigh between 100-170 pounds and stand between 26.5-33 inches tall.
The breed's substance is also noteworthy, with a medium to slightly heavy build that's balanced by their muscling and bone structure.
Breed History
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is one of the oldest dogs in the world, dating back thousands of years in history.
They tend to have fewer health issues because of their natural evolution, which is quite impressive considering their age.
The breed has been refined over the past 8,000 years, responding to natural causes and developing a unique healthy physique and long lifespan for a giant breed.
A Turkish native named Akin Tulubas has been working tirelessly to preserve the breed and promote responsible breeding and preservation practices.
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is closely related to other breeds like the Kangal, Anadolu, Kars, and the Akbash breeds, but remains separate from them.
Their strong need to bond closely with the animals they protect or their family makes them a strong, instinctive guardian of both.
Living with a Boz Shepherd
They are naturally gentle and dedicated to their family, making them a valuable addition to any household.
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is highly adaptable to varied climates and changes in setting, but they do need a loving owner and family to thrive.
A soft hand in correction is essential, as harsh treatment or correction can create long-term insecurity and behavioral issues.
They will remain devoted, loyal, and submissive to their owner and family, but may be wary of strangers if not properly socialized.
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is extremely versatile in function, working in both rural and suburban applications within a range of settings and performance expectations.
Interacting with Family and Friends
The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a loyal and gentle giant, dedicated to their family and the stock they protect. They are naturally suspicious of unfamiliar strangers and will deny entry without reassurance from their owner.
Formal introductions are key to helping your Boz Shepherd feel comfortable around new people. With proper socialization, they'll readily accept change and enjoy interaction with others, human and animal alike.
Their territory is their top priority, and they'll instinctively guard it. However, with consistent training, they can learn to accept family friends who visit regularly.
The Boz Shepherd's response to strangers outside their territory is vastly different from their behavior at home. If socialized from a young age, they'll often be more accepting of strangers and allow them to pet and love on them.
A nervous handler can create nervousness in the dog, so it's essential to remain calm and assured when introducing new situations. By doing so, your Boz Shepherd will sense your comfort level and adapt accordingly.
They're highly intelligent and perceptive dogs that learn the expectations of their owner and adapt accordingly. With gentle methods and plenty of praise and affection, they'll thrive in their training.
Owner Experiences
Living with a Boz Shepherd can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to find a reputable breeder. You can find a legitimate Boz Shepherd breeder by doing your research.
Finding the right breeder can make all the difference in the life of your new furry friend. A Turkish Boz Shepherd owner's experience can vary, but it's clear that these dogs are intelligent and trainable.
One of the benefits of owning a Boz Shepherd is their ability to learn and adapt. A Turkishboz/anitolian shepherd can be trained to be a pointer/retriever, making them a versatile companion for outdoor enthusiasts.
Their intelligence and trainability also make them a great choice for active families. With proper training and socialization, a Boz Shepherd can thrive in a variety of living situations.
Barking
Living with a Boz Shepherd can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the unique characteristics of this breed.
Their deep bark can carry over great distances, which may be a concern for residential owners who live in close proximity to their neighbors.
One way to mitigate this issue is to have your Boz Shepherd sleep indoors, especially if you're concerned about disturbing the peace.
Their deep bark is typically a sign that something is amiss, so it's not necessarily a cause for concern.
However, if you do live in a residential area, it's worth considering the potential impact on your neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Turkish Boz and a Kangal?
Differences between Turkish Boz Shepherds and Kangals include bone structure, foot size, and body shape, with Turkish Boz Shepherds having a heavier build and rounder bones compared to Kangals' more elliptical bones
Sources
- Turkish Boz Shepherds (urbanprimitive.com)
- Turkish Boz Shepherd | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Boz Temperament - Turkish Boz Shepherd (turkishboz.com)
- What makes a "Boz" a Boz - Turkish Boz Shepherd (turkishboz.com)
- BozKennel-USA (bozkennel-usa.com)
- BozKennel-USA (bozkennel-usa.com)
- Turkish Dog Federation (turkishdog.com)
- Is the Boz a Breed? (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com