Page 243 - Showsight December 2020

BOERBEL MENTOR INTERVIEWS
4. Is there anything that Boerboel handlers do that you wish they would not?
Handlers need to know the breed standard and a bit about the breed before they take the lead. They, as well as newcomers to the breed, often fail to notice behavioral subtleties. Too many times a dog is coming of age and becomes suspicious and more “guardy,” and the owner or handler becomes scared/nervous or does not recognize the change. It can result in a potential bite or dog aggression outside of the ring. Be honest and know your Boerboel! Spend the time training and enriching the dog’s confidence. Do not overmarket and lose sight of what the breed encompasses and how the breed is meant to function. Too many people are not honest with themselves about their dog’s limitations or their own education, and push them into a tough situation. There is no perfect Boerboel, and presenting them as such is shortsighted and does a disservice to the breed and other fanciers, now and to come.
5. What are your “must have” traits in this breed?
We live on a farm, so having a functional and sound dog is first and foremost. If our Boerboels start life with connective tissue issues, cardiac problems or other health-related or temperament issues, it will be a real issue for a working dog. We must collect health data and be able to track health trends in these dogs and not ignore or hide them. “Must have” for us is a balanced structure, correct proportion as to handle the variety of farm workload without injury, a slightly more moderate frame, a fit dog without excessive weight, and a temperament that is curious, confident, and able to handle the pressure of the many tasks at hand on a working farm. A nicely balanced and athletic Boerboel should move-out in the field easily, fluidly, and powerfully.
6. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed?
Many judges really want to know what the ideal Boerboel should look like; there is a wide range of different looking dogs being shown, so it is a lot to take in. As this breed continues its journey in AKC, judges, please be considerate and be wary of supporting political off-breed standard trends. Ask questions; this is an amazing breed worth studying. Also, with a shorter wash-and-wear coat, there is no need to spend excessive time touching the dog on exam. It is not a coated breed—what you see is what you get. Though the dog is trained and socialized to be examined by a stranger, please let the handler show you the bite. The Boerboel should be sound.
KATE WILBY NICHOLSON
I have had dogs all my life and began showing in obedience with a little Doberman when I was a teenager. I was heavily involved in riding, training, and competing horses until I moved to North Carolina around 1995 or so. I was also working as a veterinary techni- cian until I had my twin daughters in 1998. I got my first Boerboel in 2004. That was the beginning of my love of this breed. There were few breeders back then and much less public knowledge of the breed. I began showing in AKC while the breed was in FSS and have continued until the current day. I have been heavily involved in the parent club, serving as director, secretary and currently president of the board, as well as being a breed mentor and part of the judges education committee. I believe in, and strive to preserve, that which is the original Boerboel; a solid, stable farm and family dog that is versatile and adaptable to most situations.
1. Which five traits do you look for, in order, when judging Boerboels? What do you consider the ultimate hallmark of the breed?
A. Breed Type. For me, breed type is a large, strong, impressive dog. They must be confident and stable.
B. Balance. Balance is imperative for this breed. They must match from front-to-back; no huge fronts with no rear—or vice versa.
C. Head. Head is a hallmark of this breed. It must be as described in the standard. Tight lips, correct eyes and ears are imperative to distinguish it from other large Molosser breeds. D. Temperament. This breed is meant to be confident and stable with no outward aggression. Fearful dogs are unacceptable. Some are definitely more social than others, and
aloof is fine as long as it is not caused by fear.
E. Movement. Movement should be workmanlike and purposeful. They should seem to
be going somewhere without a lot of unnecessary action. Topline should remain stable and level with movement.
2. Which faults do you find hard to overlook?
I find it hard to overlook lack of substance, poor topline, complete lack of angulation, and bad temperament.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2020 | 241