About Turkish Boz Shepherds
The Boz Shepherd is one of several livestock guardian breeds originating from Turkey. Most shepherd dogs from Turkey are landrace breeds, meaning they have distinct characteristics that have developed over time as adaptations to localized geographic regions and also that they have greater genetic diversity than dogs that have been subjected to formal breeding practices. Landrace breeds are often healthier and lack the genetic issues that other types of dogs have, and they can live longer because of it. Boz Shepherds can live up to 15 years, which is remarkable for a large breed dog.
There are many different types of shepherds that have come from the various regions of Turkey besides the Boz – the Akbash, Kars, Kangal, and Anatolian. In America, we tend to refer to all Turkish shepherds as Anatolians or Kangals, but there are very distinct differences between these landrace breeds.
Characteristic Differences Between a Boz and Anatolian
Size – Boz males average 120-190 lbs and females average 100-170 lbs, whereas Anatolian males average 110-145 lbs and females average 90-120 lbs.
Bones – Boz have a heavier bone structure and round shape, whereas Anatolians have an elliptical shape.
Profile – Boz have a square shape, where they tend to be as tall as they are long. Anatolians have a rectangular shape.
Tail – Boz have less curl than a Kangal, whereas Anatolians have more curl.
Temperament – Boz have lower energy and aggression, making them more suited to family life. These characteristics combined make it an ideal working dog both as a livestock guardian and family guardian.
About Livestock Guardians
What separates a livestock guardian from other types of dogs is their innate desire to protect their people and animals. These aren’t skills that need to be taught – these dogs are born with an ability to sense and detect threats, and respond accordingly. Because of this, they bark a lot. This is the primary way a livestock guardian defends his animals. If the dog hears coyotes in the distance, he or she will bark in order to send a warning. Since the coyotes want an easy meal, they tend to stay away from what they hear as a protective threat. If someone lives an area where barking could be a problem, a livestock guardian is not a good dog to have.
If by some chance, the predators were desperate for food and didn’t take the barking threat seriously, the next line of defense for a livestock guardian is its size and strength. Turkish shepherds are some of the only livestock guardians who are able to take down a single wolf on their own – however, wolves tend to work in packs and a single livestock guardian would likely fight to its death and lose in that situation. This is why livestock guardians work best in pairs, especially in areas with high predator loads. Not only do two dogs have a better chance in a fight, but these dogs need to be on guard all night, so they tend to take “shifts” on patrol.
Livestock guardians also are known to roam. This is part of their desire to protect their animals. If they hear a threat in the distance, they are known to move closer to it in order to ensure the predator hears the warning. It is best to have secure fencing in the area where your livestock guardian will be patrolling. This will not only help to protect the dog and livestock from predators, but will also prevent the dog from roaming onto area property to do what it feels like is its job.
Common Questions about Boz Shepherds
Can a Boz Shepherd be happy as an indoor dog? Yes! A Boz could definitely thrive in the right indoor environment. Without livestock the dog would view its people as its job and you might find the dog staring out windows and barking at the things passing by in order to fulfill its innate desire to protect. A Boz is not, however, suited for apartment life. These dogs need a yard and space to exercise and play. They are a highly athletic breed.
Can a Boz Shepherd handle extreme heat or cold? Yes! As a landrace breed in Turkey, these dogs have adapted to handle both the snowy temperatures of the mountains and hot, desert-like temperatures of other areas. They have a double coat to protect them in winter, which they shed in the summer to keep cool.
Does a Boz Shepherd require any training? While the instinct to deter predators and guard people and livestock is innate, there is some training that is necessary. A Boz needs to be introduced to other dogs and animals carefully and with consideration. The Boz needs to be trained to understand property boundaries. And as with any breed, some dogs do not innately view chickens like they do other larger livestock. Many owners need to monitor some puppies around poultry until the age of 2.
Can a Boz be aggressive? Any dog can be aggressive under the right circumstances. A Boz is definitely not a breed for a novice owner or a submissive personality. With the proper dominant human owner, the dog will learn to protect whatever is important to that human – animals, children, and any guests that come over. A Boz will see most strangers or stray dogs as a threat and may bark at them to keep them away until you signal that they welcome the guest. If strangers were to approach animals or children the dog is in charge of protecting, they could be aggressive toward them. It is best to keep guests and strange dogs away from your Boz unless you will be there to signal to them.
About Our Dogs
Our dogs are working livestock guardians, protecting our cattle and poultry, as well as our nine children from threats on the homestead.
Leela – Her mother was Sultan, daughter of Mouse, from Brian Peckinpaugh of Natural Born Guardians in Palestine, Texas. Her father was Ronin also via Brian Peckinpaugh. Leela is a wonderful example of the athletic side of the breed. She is fast and always on alert, and weighs 125 lbs.
Tom Baker – Tom was bred in Turkey by Akin Tulubas. His parents were working dogs and his mother traveled to America during the pregnancy. He was born in Palestine, Texas and came to us via Brian Peckinpaugh of Natural Born Guardians. Tom is a wonderful example of the size of the breed. He weighs 180 pounds.
Harry Sullivan – Harry is the son of Leela and Tom Baker. He is a beautiful blending of the two different dogs, possessing the athleticism of his mother and the size of his father. Harry weighs 175 pounds.
Sarah Jane – Sarah Jane came to us from Catguare Boz in Wisconsin. Her mother was Princess Urfali von BozKennel and her father was Majestic Chieftain TNT. She weighs 130 pounds.
How to Purchase a Puppy
We care very much about the placement of our puppies. We want to make sure that any potential owners understand the needs of this wonderful breed so the dogs can live safely and happily. We are requesting that any interested buyers contact us to fill out an application. We are not expecting our next litter until Spring/Summer 2026.
Contact us for more information