Turkish Boz Shepherd

		Turkish Boz Shepherd
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Turkey
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Guregh Yoruk Tuzkoy Konya Toros Urfa

A brief presentation of the Turkish Boz Shepherd

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a large, ancient dog from the mountains of Urfa in southern Turkey. Bred to withstand extremes of heat or cold, this powerful dog is an ideal guardian of livestock and has a low propensity for hunting, which means it protects other animals rather than attacking them. Loyal and devoted, this dog makes an ideal family companion and is extremely tolerant of young children, even letting them ride him like a horse. He'll protect your family at the risk of his life, but above all his size and weight are enough to deter any foolish intruder. The Turkish Boz Shepherd has been used as a family guard, a security dog, and by the police in the armed forces. As guardians and protectors of livestock, they are perfectly suited to this task and are capable of dealing with any threat to their charges. They are calm and gentle with sheep and are often part of the flock, sleeping right next to them. As a companion, they are adorable and affectionate. But they're big, so you need more than an apartment to keep these gentle beasts.

History of the Turkish Boz Shepherd

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a breed that has evolved through natural forces rather than deliberate selection. It is closely related to, but separate from, the Kangal, Anadolu, Kars and Akbash breeds. This canine is one of the oldest dogs in the world, dating back thousands of years. They tend to have fewer health problems due to their natural evolution. Known for its strong need to bond closely to the animals it protects or to its family, the Turkish Boz Shepherd is an instinctive and powerful guardian of both. The ancient nomadic peoples known as the Bozoklar, meaning Brown Arrows, of the Boz Mountains region, led their flocks with these shepherd dogs. The name Boz means big, strong fighter. These dogs were known for their innate, efficient guarding temperament, agility and endurance. As protectors of the nomads' herds, there was no one better. Over the past 8,000 years, the Turkish Boz Shepherd has refined its breed, responding to natural causes to develop a uniquely healthy physique and long lifespan for a giant breed. With the development of many regions, the numbers of this gentle giant declined. But a Turkish man by the name of Akin Tulubas is passionate about preserving the Turkish Boz Shepherd and is working tirelessly to bring this big dog back to his native land and raise awareness of the breed. He promotes responsible breeding and preservation practices for this amazing and impressive dog.

Appearance of the Turkish Boz Shepherd

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a breed apart. With a height of 91.5 centimeters and a weight of 86 kilos, this is one big dog. He is solidly built and muscular, with an almost square appearance due to the fact that he is as tall as he is wide. His muzzle is narrow and the shape of his head elegant. The body is substantially boned, with a deep chest and long, straight legs, giving Boz the speed and endurance it needs. His legs are well padded and his feet are webbed, which should enable him to get through the snow in winter. His coat is dense but short, perhaps with a soft undercoat, and he adapts well to extreme temperatures, hot or cold. Dark, watchful eyes, floppy ears that don't let any sound get through, and a calm, alert, vigilant temperament characterize the appearance and nature of the Turkish Boz Shepherd. Golden in color and often with a black mask, their appearance is majestic. With a heart of gold, these giants are born guardians, ready to defend their home, family or livestock if necessary.

Temperament of the Turkish Boz Shepherd

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is an intelligent, loyal dog of gigantic proportions. He is gentle and devoted to his family and the livestock he protects. When this dog detects a real threat, it defends livestock or family members to ensure their safety and survival. As you can imagine, this dog has incredible power and strength to match its size. But normally, the Turkish Boz Shepherd is a gentle, even-tempered dog. He tends to be relaxed by nature and needs less energy or exercise. The Turkish Boz Shepherd is content to prowl open pastures, guarding his charges. At home, he's a valuable asset to the family. He's not aggressive by nature, but his size, deep bark and undeniable speed are enough to give pause to any intruder trying to invade his territory. Their great intelligence and extraordinary ability to judge the seriousness of any situation make this dog stand out from the rest. His affection and need to be an integral part of the family keep him grounded. The relationship between the Turkish Boz Shepherd and its owners is one of trust and mutual respect.

Needs and activities of the Turkish Boz Shepherd

Although the Turkish Boz Shepherd can roam a vast territory looking after the livestock in its care, it is not a high energy dog. Rather, they're dogs that move around regularly, wandering here and there to check the lay of the land. If he's a companion dog in an urban environment, he'll need a daily walk to stay in shape. He's not a runner, but he can reach impressive speeds when he needs to. Everything about the Turkish Boz Shepherd is quite refined. This is a dog that likes to be with the family and will constantly check on every member, or be with a herd to protect. During training, they respond to gentle methods with lots of praise and affection. They can be emotionally crushed if treated harshly, and they won't forget it.

Maintenance of the Turkish Boz Shepherd

Although the Turkish Boz Shepherd has a shorter coat, it still needs a good brushing once a week. As with most dogs, his coat is thickest in winter, and when it starts to fall out, he needs brushing almost daily. The Boz needs a daily walk or run to stay in shape, as he's very fast and enduring for such a large body. If your dog is a working dog, that's all he needs, as he can cover many miles with cattle, keeping a watchful eye on them. Generally speaking, this is a breed in good health. Just check his ears for infection and brush his teeth regularly. A bath isn't really necessary, unless he rolls in something foul-smelling. A good rub down with a damp cloth is usually all that's needed. Easy to care for, easy to live with and totally devoted to his family, he's an impressive companion.