About the Turkish Boz Registry

The Turkish Boz Registry (TBR) was established to preserve, document, and advance the Turkish Boz Shepherd through transparent standards, verified lineage, and ethical oversight within the United States.

The registry exists to provide structure, accuracy, and accountability for breeders, owners, and researchers working with the Turkish Boz Shepherd—a Turkish landrace livestock guardian whose long-term preservation depends on documentation integrity rather than trend-driven breeding.

Purpose & Scope

The Turkish Boz Registry serves as an independent U.S.-based registry focused on:

  • Accurate documentation of lineage and parentage

  • Standardized phenotype evaluation

  • Ethical breeder and participant oversight

  • Long-term genetic preservation

The registry is designed to support responsible programs while maintaining clear expectations for verification, evaluation, and conduct.

Participation in the registry reflects engagement and verification, not automatic breeding approval.

Foundational Breed Authority

The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a Turkish landrace livestock guardian whose preservation, documentation, and international recognition are overseen by World Anatolian Dogs (WAD).

WAD serves as the foundational authority for the breed and is responsible for:

  • Historical documentation and breed origin research

  • International phenotype descriptions and preservation methodology

  • Recognition of foundational bloodlines and lineage continuity

  • Scientific and academic collaboration related to Anatolian landrace dogs

The Turkish Boz Registry operates in cooperation with WAD to ensure registry practices remain aligned with internationally established research, documentation, and preservation standards.

Operational Governance (United States)

While aligned with international authority, the Turkish Boz Registry functions as an independent registry responsible for the administration and oversight of registry operations within the United States.

TBR maintains authority over:

  • Registry policies and procedural standards

  • Dog registration and verification processes

  • Evaluation and phenotype assessment protocols

  • Pedigree documentation and database integrity

  • Member, breeder, and participant compliance

  • Ethical standards and conduct enforcement

This structure allows the registry to address regional, administrative, and regulatory considerations specific to the United States while remaining consistent with international preservation frameworks.

Registry Leadership & Oversight

The Turkish Boz Registry is administered by a governing body responsible for safeguarding registry integrity and ensuring consistency across all registry functions.

Oversight responsibilities include:

  • Review and approval of registry submissions

  • Enforcement of verification and evaluation requirements

  • Maintenance of documentation accuracy

  • Resolution of procedural or ethical concerns

  • Ongoing review of registry standards and policies

As the registry evolves, advisory roles and review mechanisms may be introduced to support transparency, accountability, and long-term stability.

Standards & Evaluation Philosophy

The registry emphasizes verification over volume.

Evaluation focuses on:

  • Structural soundness

  • Functional working traits

  • Temperament stability

  • Breed-appropriate phenotype

Dogs entering the registry from outside programs or registries may require additional verification to ensure accuracy and consistency with established standards.

Ethical Accountability

All registry participants — including members, breeders, and affiliates — are expected to adhere to the registry’s ethical standards and conduct policies.

Participation reflects:

  • Commitment to accurate representation of dogs and lineage

  • Respect for preservation-focused breeding practices

  • Compliance with documentation and evaluation requirements

Membership or registration within the registry does not imply automatic breeding approval, endorsement, or certification beyond the scope of verified participation.

Independence & Transparency

The Turkish Boz Registry does not restrict participation in other registries or organizations. However, inclusion within TBR requires independent verification consistent with registry standards.

This governance model ensures:

  • Transparency without exclusivity

  • Cooperation without dependency

  • Preservation without centralized control

The registry exists to complement — not replace — international preservation efforts while providing clarity and accountability within the United States.

Governance Evolution

The governance framework of the Turkish Boz Registry is designed to evolve in response to:

  • Advancements in research and documentation

  • Ongoing collaboration with international authorities

  • Responsible growth of the Turkish Boz Shepherd within the U.S.

Updates to governance policies and procedures will be documented and communicated as the registry develops.

The Turkish Boz Registry exists to protect accuracy, ethics, and legacy — ensuring the future of the Turkish Boz Shepherd is built on verified foundations.