15 Aug 2018

Tswana Boerboels Dogs breeder establishment will hold its first ever National Boerboel Show in Gaborone on September 15.

Speaking in an interview, the director of Tswana Boerboels, Mr Sello Motseta said the event was sanctioned by the South African Boerboel Breeders Society (SABBS), who were also the custodians of the breed.

He said in the past, Batswana Boerboel breeders who wanted to enter their dogs into appraisals and shows travelled to South Africa, which was costly considering accommodation and travel requirements.

Mr Motseta said since 2016, they had been organising appraisals in Botswana but that this year’s show would be their first.

He said the aims and objectives of the show and appraisal was to encourage and promote the ethical breeding of South African Boerboels in Botswana.

Furthermore, Mr Motseta said the aim was to ensure the accuracy of all records of pedigrees, performance, ownership and other particulars of all dogs registered or eligible for registration as Boerboel in Botswana.

Mr Motseta said the show would also emphasis on the health and well-being of the South African Boerboel whilst working to promote responsible dog ownership and education.

He said they wanted to compile and maintain a minimum breed standard and other minimum standards as per the pre-requisite for the registration of Boerboel. He said they would also appraise for conformation in respect of functional efficiency and other evaluation standards as determined from time to time.

Mr Motseta noted that the other objectives were to promote the natural versatility of pure bred South African Boerboel and breeding for type and function as well as to advocate for pure bred dogs as a family protective companion.

“Dogs are going to compete against each other and we are going to take the best dogs and line them up against each other to see which dog is superior for it to win a prize,” he said.

He said Boerboel dogs were the most ferocious and advised the public not to provoke the dogs during the show.

Managing director of Montego Classics Botswana Mr Henry Furstenp said the versatility of the dog depended on how it was raised.

He encouraged Batswana to own such dogs because they could be used as security since criminals tended to fear them.

Mr Furstenp said the dogs had a lifespan of about six to 10 years. 

He said they were fed like other normal dogs, but that they should be provided with clean water regularly.

He said the breeding of “the dogs is an inclusive business as a dog can drop up to 12 puppies twice in a year, and that the puppies could be sold at a profitable price.

Marketing manager of Agri-feed Mr Nicholas Phirinyane said they were expecting a high-turnover during the show as some participating dogs would be coming from across the border. ENDS