BOZ vs KANGAL vs “ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD”
Confusion between Turkish livestock guardian dogs is common, especially outside of Turkey.
Western naming systems, export trends, and marketing have caused many distinct Turkish working dog populations to be grouped under incorrect or overly broad labels.
This page exists to clarify those differences in a factual, calm, and historically accurate way.
Why These Dogs Are Commonly Confused
For centuries, Turkish livestock guardian dogs existed as regional working populations rather than standardized modern breeds.
Shepherds selected dogs based on performance, not written standards.
When dogs began to be exported to Europe and North America, simplified names were applied for convenience. Over time, these simplified labels created the false impression that all large Turkish guardian dogs were the same.
They are not.
What “Anatolian Shepherd” Actually Means
“Anatolian Shepherd” is not a true breed name inside Turkey.
It is a Western umbrella term created to describe multiple Turkish livestock guardian populations from different regions.
Under this label, many distinct types were grouped together, including dogs that differ significantly in:
• Structure
• Size
• Bone density
• Head type
• Temperament
• Regional origin
Because of this, “Anatolian Shepherd” does not describe a single, uniform breed.
TBR does not recognize “Anatolian Shepherd” as a valid breed designation.
Mixed Populations vs Fixed Phenotypes
Historically, Turkish guardian dogs existed as overlapping working populations with shared ancestry.
Over time, certain regional phenotypes became more standardized.
Other populations remained broader and less fixed.
The Boz represents a large, heavy-boned working population that predates modern breed standardization.
The Kangal represents a later stabilized regional phenotype.
Both are Turkish livestock guardian dogs.
They are related, but not identical.
Boz Shepherd Dog
The Boz Shepherd Dog is characterized by:
• Heavier bone
• Larger overall frame
• Broader head and muzzle
• Thick skin and connective tissue
• Substantial mass combined with athletic movement
Boz dogs developed primarily in southeastern Anatolia, centered around the Şanlıurfa region, and moving along historical livestock migration routes.
They were selected for power, durability, territorial defense, and independent decision-making.
Kangal
The Kangal represents a regional phenotype associated primarily with central Anatolia.
Over time, this type became more standardized through regional recognition, national promotion, and export focus.
Kangals typically show:
• More uniform type
• Slightly lighter bone than Boz
• More consistent coloration
They are respected working dogs, but they are not Boz Shepherd Dogs.
Media, Export, and Popularity Effects
As Kangals became internationally known, the name began to be applied broadly to many Turkish guardian dogs regardless of actual type.
At the same time, the term “Anatolian Shepherd” was used as a catch-all label.
These trends created widespread mislabeling.
TBR exists to correct that.
Timing of Phenotype Stabilization
Modern breed names and standards are recent inventions.
Working dogs existed long before registries.
Some phenotypes were fixed earlier.
Some later.
Some remain broader working populations.
The Boz represents an older working population that existed before modern standardization.
Recognition comes after existence, not before.
Summary
The Boz Shepherd Dog is not a Kangal.
The Boz Shepherd Dog is not an Anatolian Shepherd.
The Boz Shepherd Dog is a distinct Turkish working population with its own regional origin, phenotype, and functional identity.
***TBR registers Boz Shepherd Dogs.***