What Makes a "Boz" a Boz

All dogs on earth are interrelated at a fundamental level; certain breeds naturally share more genetic material than others, which explains why some breeds may resemble others more closely.  Most Shepherd dogs originating from Turkey and the surrounding areas share a broad genetic base of the çoban köpeği landrace, which includes the Yörük regional variants of the Akbash and Turkish Boz Shepherd, as well as the Kars, Kangal, and Anadolu.  While there are many traits that these Shepherds share, each landrace variant has been specialized by its people, and differences in size, coat, build, strength, structure, and agility do exist to the extent that they are considered separate breeds.  

As explained on the Breed History page, the Turkish Boz Shepherd is a dog that has developed throughout history as a regional variant of the çoban köpeği landrace and in no way is a new dog or mix of any other modern or aggressive fighting breeds.  Anyone claiming this is urged to visit the Breed History page to educate themselves better.

Each of these landrace breeds and their organizations, breeders, and members are fully respected by the TDF and our Membership.  The TDF would like to highlight some key differences between the Turkish Boz Shepherd and the Kangal because these two regional variants are often confused and are closely related yet separate breeds.  Additionally, the Turkish Boz Shepherd is not considered a Malak dog and differs greatly in build, temperament, and function as described below.    

The TDF intends the following list to be an EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY and provides the information for the general public and the TDF Membership.  If any organizations, breeders, or knowledgeable members of the Kangal or Turkish Boz have constructive input to help educate the public regarding this list, please get in touch with the TDF so that we may work together professionally for this purpose.

CHARACTERISTIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TURKISH BOZ SHEPHERD AND THE KANGAL:

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES​:

• The Turkish Boz Shepherd is typically larger than a Kangal, Boz males averaging 120-190lbs and 28.5 - 35.5 inches at the withers, compared to a desirable 110-145lbs and 30-32 inches at the withers in male Kangals. Turkish Boz bitches average 100-170lbs and 26.5 - 33 inches at the withers, compared to a desirable 28-30 inches at the withers in female Kangals.

• Turkish Boz Shepherds typically have a heavier bone structure and appear more substantial than the average Kangal.​ Kangal bones are typically more elliptical, whereas Turkish Boz Shepherd bones are round.

• The Turkish Boz Shepherd profile is much more square than a Kangal, being almost as tall as he is long. Kangals typically have a more rectangular profile, similar to other shepherd breeds.​

• ​Proportionately, the Turkish Boz Shepherd has larger feet for its frame than the Kangal.

• The Boz skull is more blocky and square with a narrower muzzle, some comparing it to the look of a "racehorse", whereas the Kangal skull is typically more rounded with a softer appearance. ​

• ​The Kangal tail typically has more overall curl than a Boz tail​

 TYPICAL BEHAVIORAL AND TEMPERAMENT DIFFERENCES​

• ​Kangals typically are a higher-energy dog than a Turkish Boz Shepherd.

• Turkish Boz Shepherds are typically calmer and have a higher overall tolerance and threshold than a Kangal. This is NOT to say that Kangals are easily agitated or anxious, but it is a consistently stated temperament difference between the breeds observed by those people who own both breeds concurrently.

• The livestock guardian abilities of the Boz have proven to be innately ingrained in both their acceptance and protection of livestock. With their increased size and strength, the Turkish Boz Shepherd provides not only a more intimidating sense of risk from the predator's perspective but also is more able to contend with a physical encounter if forced to do so. Those owners who have both breeds, and are able to compare the two breeds in the exact same environment, have stated consistently that they prefer their Boz Shepherds as instinctual livestock guardians over their Kangals.

CHARACTERISTIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TURKISH BOZ SHEPHERD AND THE MALAK​ (ALSO CALLED MALAKLI):

• The Turkish Boz Shepherd's skeletal and muscular structure is built for athleticism and agility, which the Malak structure is not.

• The Turkish Boz Shepherd has sighthound genetic influences, whereas the Malak does not.

• The Malak typically has an extremely heavy to excessive bone structure and skull with a strong stop. The Turkish Boz Shepherd's skull does not have a pronounced stop, and his skull is noticeably narrower with a narrower muzzle.

• The Turkish Boz Shepherd has a square profile, rather than the rectangular profile of the Malak.

• The Turkish Boz Shepherd has a much faster speed and reaction time than the Malak.

• Typically, the Malak is described temperamentally as harsh and stubborn, being a one-owner dog, and is substantially more dog aggressive than the Turkish Boz Shepherd, who is fully submissive to all family members and not overly dog-aggressive.

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For further questions, please get in touch with Jesika VanFossen at 785-640-9199, or Brian Peckinpaugh at 903-373-1289

Information, Errors, and Omissions Disclaimer: The information provided herein is being supplied in good faith based on information that we believe, but do not guarantee, to be accurate or complete; however we are not responsible for errors or omissions that may occur. The information presented on the website is subject to change without notice.