History
The Breed: Turkish Boz Shepherd
1. Origin in the Urfa Region:
The Turkish Boz Shepherd traces its roots to the Urfa region in southeastern Turkey, a rugged and mountainous area that shaped the breed’s strength, resilience, and adaptability. Bred to protect livestock from predators in challenging conditions, the Boz Shepherd developed a unique combination of physical power and keen intelligence.
2. Influence of the Mountains:
The challenging terrain of the Urfa region required dogs that could navigate steep landscapes and endure diverse weather conditions. This environment played a crucial role in shaping the breed’s characteristics, resulting in a dog that is not only physically robust but also highly independent and capable of making quick decisions to protect their flocks.
3. Honoring the Legacy:
At Boz Colorado, we honor this rich heritage by raising Boz Shepherds with the same dedication and respect that their ancestors were raised with in Turkey. Our dogs embody the legacy of the Urfa region, continuing the tradition of being true working guardians.
Akin Tulubas 🇹🇷
— Guardian of a Living Legacy
A Life Devoted to Preservation and Truth
For more than 30 years, Akin Tülübaş has stood at the very heart of Turkey’s canine heritage. His work has extended far beyond the Boz Shepherd, encompassing the discovery, measurement, documentation, and standardization of many native breeds, including the Kangal, Akbaş, Malaklı, Black Sea Shepherds, the Turkish Tazi (Saluki), the Trabzon Tonya Fino, the Trabzon Zerdeva, and the Haymana Karası. With scientific rigor and unmatched dedication, he has established measurement standards, defined phenotypes with precision, and fought tirelessly to ensure that each breed continues to live and work in its authentic function in the field.
Associations, Federations, and International Roles
This monumental effort was not carried on Akin Tülübaş’s shoulders alone, but through the World Anatolian Dog Breeds and Cynology Association, which he founded and led together with judges, expert breeders, and researchers. The association, as a member of the Eurasian Dog Breeds Federation, has systematically identified Turkey’s native breeds, created official breed standards, and organized events and competitions to present these dogs both to the scientific community and to the public. As Head of Native Breeds within the federation, Akin Tülübaş has been instrumental in ensuring that this work achieved international recognition.
His contributions extend far beyond Turkey. Akin Tülübaş is among the few cynologists worldwide serving on the Ancient Breeds and Registration Committee as well as the Scientific Council of Allianz Canine Worldwide. These roles underline his recognition not only within Turkey but across the global canine world as a respected authority.
Scientific Proof and Enduring Contribution
These long-standing efforts have been validated not only kinologically but also genetically. In collaboration with the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Genetics at Ankara University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the most comprehensive genetic research ever conducted on Turkey’s native animals confirmed these findings at the DNA level. In this landmark project, Akin Tülübaş served as the sole cynologist — selecting the dogs, conducting the measurements, and guiding the entire process from beginning to end.
A Lasting Legacy
As a result, Turkey’s native shepherd dogs are no longer silent guardians known only to local shepherds in the mountains. They are now recognized, documented, and celebrated both nationally and internationally as a vital heritage. This legacy is more than breeding — it is science, culture, and responsibility. The work of Akin Tülübaş and his colleagues has left an enduring mark on the canine world, rooted in preservation, truth, and a commitment to knowledge.
