Many Nampo Cape visitors sheltering from the rain in the livestock venue were greeted by the enormous toothy grins of Boerboels waiting for their turn in the show ring.
Some 80 dogs took part, and despite the throng of people around them, the dogs were on their best behaviour, allowing themselves to be petted and photographed by spectators and passers-by.
Lititia Kruger, chairperson of the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Society (SABBS), explained that Boerboels are the only dogs allowed to take part in such a show because the Boerboel is the only dog breed registered as a South African landrace.
She added that the dogs participating on the day were of outstanding quality.
“In one class, I told the judge I was very grateful I didn’t have to judge the dogs, because there was so little difference between the participants. We were very proud that our members brought such well-socialised dogs to the event, and also that so many of them were willing to drive through in the rain for the day,” she told Farmer’s Weekly.
Winning dogs
The Dog of the Day and winner of the floating trophy was Raven, a black female from Klein Sandfontein Boerboels, owned by Swellendam breeder Beverli Katz.
The senior male champion was Woeker Liam, a brown male bred by Northern Cape breeder Alanda van Zyl and owned by Ederies Mokadam of Rainaisance Boerboels in Philippi.
Kruger said both dogs represented some of the finest dogs in their respective kennels.
According to her, there are 399 Boerboel breeders in South Africa, most of whom are located in Gauteng, followed by the Western Cape. Overall, there are around 800 Boerboel breeders worldwide.
Kruger and a number of other handlers and owners said the breed is popular among farmers because of its loyalty to its family, imposing presence, and guarding instincts.
According to Kruger, efforts to preserve the breed began in 1983 with a group of farmers who travelled across South Africa to find the best examples of the breed. Their efforts led to the formation of the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Association, which became the SABBS in 2012
Today, the SABBS works with SA Studbook and its geneticists, particularly Dr Bernice Mostert, to trace genetic lines and traits.
“Because the Boerboel is a landrace, only dogs registered with the SABBS are regarded as purebred, registered Boerboels,” Kruger said.
