The following article is from the Boerboel News about Lucas van der Merwe, one of the founding fathers of the Boerboel, and owner of Mizpah Boerboels. It is important to keep these articles so that we can maintain the history of the Boerboel. Mr. Lucas van der Merwe passed away in late 2010, but he left his legacy in the dogs we now know as "farm dogs".
Boerboel News: Lucas van der Merwe: Passion in Action
Volume 61/1: April 2010
"Boerboel News had the privilege of interviewing Boerboel legend, Lucas van der Merwe of Mizpah Boerboels (between Kroonstad and Vredefort in the Free State, SA), on the 18th March 2010. Lucas van der Merwe grew up with Boerboels in the Northern Free State (in those days the term ‘Boele’was used and people only started talking of ‘Boerboels’ in the early 1950s). He is a founding member of SABBA (member number 3) and an honorary life president. Members 1, 2 were Johan de Jager and Delarey Schoeman. The first three SABBA chairmen were Johan de Jager, Nic van der Linde, and thereafter Lucas.
According to Lucas Boerboel ‘politics’ were already very active in his days of chairmanship, and at times, he would receive up to 40 telephone calls per day. The founders had one common purpose: The Boerboel must survive as living Africana.
Mizpah is a Hebrew name from the Bible, and means ‘God be with you until we meet again’. According to Lucas, the Boerboels from Mizpah are the product of strict selection over many generations to establish the unique Mizpah bloodline.
In the early years of Mizpah, he raised the puppies on porridge and milk only. Dog food was not yet available. When Lucas bought the first ready-made food for dogs, it was a bag of Epol that had to be fed dry. He gave it to the domestic worker in the kitchen and told her to make porridge for the dogs. After a while, the one pot became four pots as it swelled from the water and nobody could understand this kind of floury substance. Lucas later suggested to Epol to produce the food in pill-form as the meal made the dogs sneeze.
To prevent the rats from feeding during the night, Lucas feeds the dogs in the mornings only. He also keeps milk goats to help feed the puppies. He finds this an excellent feed, as it promotes growth and does not upset puppies’ stomachs. It was also interesting to see how much the Boerboels loved the watermelons meant for the goats - they ate until only the green skins were left!
Lucas also breeds the Jack Russell. At one place, there is a ladder built right over the Boerboel fence. This is to prevent the Jack Russells from storming into the camp when the gate is opened. So far, the terriers have not learned to climb ladders!
As far as the temperament of the Boerboels is concerned, Lucas says that it was bred to be a guard dog during the Great Trek in the 1800s. Along the trail, they were developed to be more functional as guard dogs. Thus, aggressive dogs could not be tolerated.
He says that piebald Boerboels always existed. On the farms, all the shepherds had piebald dogs to accompany them as they could be easily identified among the sheep and in the veld, and not be mistaken for wild beasts.
Lucas warns against the breeding of too big and aggressive dogs. He regards the Boerboel as a medium sized dog, and not one of the giant breeds. He says that brindle is the most popular colour, and if he had a choice, he would only have brindles. He calls the black Boerboel the ‘ultra-brindle’.
Lucas does not breed with any dog that has a tendency to be aggressive, snappy, has too much lip, or shows signs of entropion.
He ensures that he always has stock for the immediate treatment of his dogs. This includes medication and antibiotics for diseases such as tick fever, bite wounds, deworming and the regular treatment (dip) for fleas and ticks.
Lucas’s favourite dogs are honoured with a special note on his ‘Memorial Wall’ and certain ones qualify to be buried in a heroes' acre. His favourite dog was Tolla, and they were together everywhere all the time. According to Lucas, he could just drop his hand anywhere and it would be on Tolla’s head. Tolla, at the age of eight years, was allowed in a restaurant because the owner agreed that he qualified as a senior citizen, and should not have to sit alone in the bakkie. The age of the dogs that have died (mainly because of cancer), ranges between 9 and 10 years.
He also remembers Tekkies, Mizpah’s ‘Doctor’, whose habit it was to lick and clean the wounds of the other dogs. His gravestone (translated from Afrikaans) reads:
Never hungry again
Never cold again
His voice is quiet
The doctor of Mizpah has returned to the Great Doctor
Rest in peace, old friend"
Wild Man Jaf and Azaan
It's bit a while since I have posted some photos of my own dogs, Jaf and Azaan. Both are doing very well. Both have been extremely healthy all of their lives so far, and neither have required any unplanned vet visits. That's quite a rarity in the Boerboel breed! I just read that someone who lives in the Chicago area has a male imported from one of the largest breeders in South Africa. His young male was just health tested a few days ago, and the results were E1, E1 Hips and 3:3 Elbows. It doesn't get any worse than that!
If you are seriously considering a Boerboel, please be careful when you make your selection of a breeder.
On to the photos. We have had an extremely hot Summer so far with temperatures usually nearing 100 degrees F, but that doesn't slow down the gang!
If you are seriously considering a Boerboel, please be careful when you make your selection of a breeder.
On to the photos. We have had an extremely hot Summer so far with temperatures usually nearing 100 degrees F, but that doesn't slow down the gang!
AKC Should Stand Up for Dogs
I have been perplexed recently at why AKC continues to bombard my e-mail inbox with panic-stricken messages about why it is important to protect small breeders from a proposed law by APHIS that would require small breeders to submit to kennel inspections. Note that breeders with less than 5 intact females are exempt from the law.
Maybe this is the reason that AKC is so anxious to protect breeders, and not the dogs?
This is a picture of an AKC inspected kennel in North Carolina that was closed down in May of 2012. The breeder was selling AKC puppies online. AKC had inspected the facility in 2011.
Pennsylvania Dog Purchaser Protection Act
I am constantly bombarded with horror stories about people who buy puppies only to find out that they have been ripped off by the breeder. There are some good breeders out there obviously, but you really need to do your homework to make sure that you won't be the next victim of a breeder whose only goal is profit.
I just recently heard from a buyer located in Virginia that sent a $500 deposit to a breeder in Ohio for a Boerboel puppy. The breeding never took place. The puppy never materialized, and the buyer never got a refund of her $500. After the buyer unsuccessfully tried to contact the breeder, the Ohio breeder eventually changed her e-mail address and telephone number.
Sometimes I think it is just as important to buy a puppy from a breeder in a State that has puppy protection laws for consumers! Do your homework, and make sure that the breeder you select for your next puppy is ethical (or does business in a state with strong consumer protection laws for puppies).
I am happy to report that Pennsylvania has a law called the Dog Purchaser Protection Act, where a buyer can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office if they feel they have been a victim of an unscrupulous breeder/puppy seller. Don't hesitate to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office if you feel you have been the victim of a bad puppy deal. I live in Pennsylvania, and I am proud of our laws in this state with respect to animal welfare, kennel inspections for all breeders, and consumer protection laws such as this one.
Pennsylvania Dog Purchaser Protection Act
Livestock Protection Dogs in Association with Large Carnivores
The topic of the proper temperament for a working Boerboel is often a hotly debated subject. The Boerboel is a South African breed, originally used by the Boers to protect their homestead and livestock. The word "Boerboel" derives from "Boer", The Afrikaans/Dutch word for "farmer", and therefore translates as either "farmer's dog" or "Boer's dog". In addition to being used as a guardian, it is popularly acknowledged that the farmers also used the dogs for herding, droving, hunting and livestock protection.
The reason I am bring up this topic is to introduce this recent research paper entitled "A Review: The Use of Livestock Protection Dogs in Association with Large Carnivores in the Rocky Mountains". The authors of this article are C. Urbigkit and J. Urbigkit, who are western Wyoming sheep producers, and it was published on the American Sheep Industry Association website.
Summary:
Livestock protection dogs (LPDs) in the United States have helped to protect livestock herds from certain predators, but expanding large-carnivore populations pose new challenges, and the number of LPDs killed by large predators is increasing. We conducted a literature review to identify LPD breeds that may be more suited for use around large carnivores, such as gray wolves. The use of spiked collars to increase the survivability for LPDs in areas of coexistence with large carnivore populations is also discussed. This paper advances the adoption of techniques and LPD breeds used outside of the United States in areas where large carnivores exist with livestock production. Read more...
I found this article of interest because of its relevance to proper temperament for a working Boerboel. If one is to believe that the Boerboel was originally developed by South African farmers as a utilitarian farm dog, then this idea supports the theory that Boerboels were used for livestock protection in addition to guarding. The farmers could not afford to keep multiple breeds on their farmstead, but instead selected a dog that "could do it all"; i.e., fulfill the requirements of every day life on a working farm.
The challenges of urban living in the 21st century bring a host of new issues to the breed, most of all its position in modern society as a result of its sudden popularity. The conundrum is whether the temperament of the Boerboel should remain true to its original heritage as the ultimate utilitarian farm dog, or whether the temperament should be modified to adapt to living in the suburbs.
I strongly believe that the Boerboel is one of the true remaining farm dogs, whose temperament should not be modified from its original heritage. The traits required of a working farm dog are diametrically opposite of the traits required of a police dog, service dog, or inner city protection dog. These traits cannot be measured "off the farm", away from families, livestock and territorial boundaries. This situation has caused a conflict between breeders who are breeding to maintain the original heritage of the working farm dog, and breeders who are trying to re-create a new police dog adaptable to living among strangers, buildings, streets and busy thoroughfares. Often breeders and working dog trainers confuse the differences between traits required for "working sports"; i.e, Schutzhund, Mondio Ring, competitive obedience, protection sports, etc., and the traits required of a dog that is an asset to the farmer in the protection of his family and livestock.
Whereas human contact is important for a K9 officer as they are required to maneuver through busy thoroughfares and public buildings, this may not be a required attribute to a dog who "lives on the farm" with little occasion to meet strangers outside of their own family. This is just one example of the differences in traits required of a working farm dog, as opposed to a working K9 officer or working service dog.
While the Boerboel is a working farm dog which may require livestock protection, their utilitarian value is that they are an "all around" dog capable of many tasks, but perhaps not the best choice for each individual task. My understanding is that the Boerboel is a "jack of all trades; master of none" type dog on the farm. If one needs an absolute livestock protection dog, then the Great Pyrenees, Akbash or Komondor are the popular choice here in the United States.
The article referenced above outlines the need for LGD (livestock guardian dogs) in farms and ranches in the Rocky Mountains for their effective use in protection of livestock from large carnivores. Fortunately, unlike the Boerboel which is experiencing a sudden popularity growth, the LGD's are not at risk for adaptation to use as police K9's or protection sports. It's interesting to note that the authors contend that there is no need for improvement of the LGD as they already have a "high degree of perfection that cannot be improved any further but only preserved”. Most breeders of Boerboels are working against this principle, with preservation of the historical breed traits of the Boerboel potentially getting lost.
The reason I am bring up this topic is to introduce this recent research paper entitled "A Review: The Use of Livestock Protection Dogs in Association with Large Carnivores in the Rocky Mountains". The authors of this article are C. Urbigkit and J. Urbigkit, who are western Wyoming sheep producers, and it was published on the American Sheep Industry Association website.
Summary:
Livestock protection dogs (LPDs) in the United States have helped to protect livestock herds from certain predators, but expanding large-carnivore populations pose new challenges, and the number of LPDs killed by large predators is increasing. We conducted a literature review to identify LPD breeds that may be more suited for use around large carnivores, such as gray wolves. The use of spiked collars to increase the survivability for LPDs in areas of coexistence with large carnivore populations is also discussed. This paper advances the adoption of techniques and LPD breeds used outside of the United States in areas where large carnivores exist with livestock production. Read more...
I found this article of interest because of its relevance to proper temperament for a working Boerboel. If one is to believe that the Boerboel was originally developed by South African farmers as a utilitarian farm dog, then this idea supports the theory that Boerboels were used for livestock protection in addition to guarding. The farmers could not afford to keep multiple breeds on their farmstead, but instead selected a dog that "could do it all"; i.e., fulfill the requirements of every day life on a working farm.
The challenges of urban living in the 21st century bring a host of new issues to the breed, most of all its position in modern society as a result of its sudden popularity. The conundrum is whether the temperament of the Boerboel should remain true to its original heritage as the ultimate utilitarian farm dog, or whether the temperament should be modified to adapt to living in the suburbs.
I strongly believe that the Boerboel is one of the true remaining farm dogs, whose temperament should not be modified from its original heritage. The traits required of a working farm dog are diametrically opposite of the traits required of a police dog, service dog, or inner city protection dog. These traits cannot be measured "off the farm", away from families, livestock and territorial boundaries. This situation has caused a conflict between breeders who are breeding to maintain the original heritage of the working farm dog, and breeders who are trying to re-create a new police dog adaptable to living among strangers, buildings, streets and busy thoroughfares. Often breeders and working dog trainers confuse the differences between traits required for "working sports"; i.e, Schutzhund, Mondio Ring, competitive obedience, protection sports, etc., and the traits required of a dog that is an asset to the farmer in the protection of his family and livestock.
Whereas human contact is important for a K9 officer as they are required to maneuver through busy thoroughfares and public buildings, this may not be a required attribute to a dog who "lives on the farm" with little occasion to meet strangers outside of their own family. This is just one example of the differences in traits required of a working farm dog, as opposed to a working K9 officer or working service dog.
While the Boerboel is a working farm dog which may require livestock protection, their utilitarian value is that they are an "all around" dog capable of many tasks, but perhaps not the best choice for each individual task. My understanding is that the Boerboel is a "jack of all trades; master of none" type dog on the farm. If one needs an absolute livestock protection dog, then the Great Pyrenees, Akbash or Komondor are the popular choice here in the United States.
The article referenced above outlines the need for LGD (livestock guardian dogs) in farms and ranches in the Rocky Mountains for their effective use in protection of livestock from large carnivores. Fortunately, unlike the Boerboel which is experiencing a sudden popularity growth, the LGD's are not at risk for adaptation to use as police K9's or protection sports. It's interesting to note that the authors contend that there is no need for improvement of the LGD as they already have a "high degree of perfection that cannot be improved any further but only preserved”. Most breeders of Boerboels are working against this principle, with preservation of the historical breed traits of the Boerboel potentially getting lost.
Bella Donna, a Female Boerboel up for Adoption
Bella Donna, 3 Year Old Female Boerboel up
for Adoption, March 26, 2012
Bella Donna is a
purebred female Boerboel that is up for adoption. She is 3 years old, and was born on December
15, 2008. She is currently in a foster home in Eastern Washington. The person that bred her was
contacted to see if he would take her back but, when he found out she was
spayed he said “No”. Her most wonderful breeder,
Olympic Dogs of NW Washington, refuses to take her back because she can’t make
more money for him. Hmmm, I have a lot
of respect for that breeder. NOT! Regardless of her irresponsible breeder, she
looks like a really nice girl. For
anyone looking to buy a Boerboel puppy or guardian dog, keep in the back of
your mind the backyard breeders and puppy mills who refuse to take dogs back
when they are in need. Don’t support
breeders who won’t support the dogs and puppies that have helped to pad their
wallets.
Here is the report
from the foster:
Bella Donna was spayed April 2010 and is
micro-chipped. The breeder sold her to
someone that didn't know much about this breed and, after the cute stage ended,
Bella Donna spent most of her life in a kennel. She is a dominant female. Her and my Chimera walked stiff legged and
hair-raised for two weeks, but they came to some consensus and play well now. Bella Donna got along with Kenya great because Kenya is the bottom of the totem
pole. :) Bella Donna is okay with small
dogs but not yappy ones. She was introduced to a male German Shepherd and was
fine with him. I am going to introduce
her to an excitable GSP tomorrow to see how she does with that (he is hyper and
big). She is extremely affectionate, but she has a bad habit of pawing you when
she wants attention, but she has gotten better not doing that. She is fine with
kids and is okay with cats once you tell her to leave them alone. She struggles
with my pet rats so I am guessing she wouldn't be great with other small
animals such as rabbits, ferrets, etc.
She is not food or toy aggressive (I can stick my hand into her food
bowl while she eats), she is leash trained, potty trained, crate trained, and
knows how to sit, lay down, sit pretty, off, go away, go lay down, and leave
it.
She has great recall. I waited a week before going for an off-leash walk out on a trail and she did great, stayed close to me and came the first time I called. She has no desire to chase the birds or other wildlife. She is very playful with other dogs but is careful around people because of her size. She does like to test me about who is in charge and see if she can get away with things. She wouldn't be a good first time dog for someone that doesn’t have experience with large, dominant breeds. She is more active than an English Mastiff but not quite as active as most Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
I am continuing to build her confidence by going to different places with her, she does great with people approaching and petting her. She is protective but accepts someone after she knows they are okay. She has a scary bark when the door bell rings. She loves food, and will do anything for treats. She comes with a pillow, her favorite toy, collar and leash.
She has great recall. I waited a week before going for an off-leash walk out on a trail and she did great, stayed close to me and came the first time I called. She has no desire to chase the birds or other wildlife. She is very playful with other dogs but is careful around people because of her size. She does like to test me about who is in charge and see if she can get away with things. She wouldn't be a good first time dog for someone that doesn’t have experience with large, dominant breeds. She is more active than an English Mastiff but not quite as active as most Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
I am continuing to build her confidence by going to different places with her, she does great with people approaching and petting her. She is protective but accepts someone after she knows they are okay. She has a scary bark when the door bell rings. She loves food, and will do anything for treats. She comes with a pillow, her favorite toy, collar and leash.
If you think you might be interested in adopting Bella Donna, please respond to this post and I will get you in touch with her foster and the person who is arranging the adoption.
Animal Lovers Pursue Stronger Laws
It is critically important that we get Nitro's Law passed in the State of Ohio, to make animal abuse a felony for anyone who is paid to care or work with animals. Please watch this short 2-minute video, and click Like. Your vote is important as it will help to send a message to the legislators of the State of Ohio that we want this Bill to be moved to the Senate for vote.
Update on Tula, a Boerboel in Need
This update is from Lisa, Tula's foster, on January 25, 2012:
She is doing really good!!! Still coughing but not real bad. Eats her food right away no nit picking anymore or trying to bury the food.
Last night I heard her bark for the first time.... What a deep woof she has. Doing better about having dogs by her cage. Doesn't like it when they are rude and rush her cage, I don't blame her on that one. She is friendly to everyone she meets! She is being a really good foster!!!!
Tula has a vet appt on the 30th to recheck her lungs will let you know how that goes.
Lisa & Tula
Last night I heard her bark for the first time.... What a deep woof she has. Doing better about having dogs by her cage. Doesn't like it when they are rude and rush her cage, I don't blame her on that one. She is friendly to everyone she meets! She is being a really good foster!!!!
Tula has a vet appt on the 30th to recheck her lungs will let you know how that goes.
Lisa & Tula
Tula - a Female Boerboel in Need
Please help if you can. Even donations as small as $5 or $10 will go a long way to help Tula. Thank you, and God bless!
Female Boerboel for Adoption in Michigan - Tula
 |
| Tula, Female Boerboel for Adoption |
Tula is a female Boerboel that is currently located in a shelter in Michigan. We are looking for someone to adopt her or foster her. She needs to get out of the shelter as soon as possible, as they will only hold her for a short period of time.
She was brought in by someone who said they found her two months ago. He said she looked like she had been running. She was very thin and in poor shape. When found, she weighed 120 pounds. The shelter is not sure what she weighs now, but she is not thin anymore. The person who brought her to the shelter said that she is house-trained, and was good with his kids. He released her to the shelter because he travels, and she is too much dog for his wife to manage when he is gone.
Tula was released to the county on January 6, 2012. A person at the shelter went out with the trustee to get Tula from the van. She was great getting out of the car for the trustee and walked right up to the shelter worker. She walked well on leash, and licked the shelter worker's hand as she stood waiting for Tula to check her out. The remainder of that day, Tula was quiet in her pen and would lick the shelter worker's hand through the fence and was friendly.
The shelter's most experienced volunteer tested Tula on Saturday. Tula has no chip that they could find. She was fine when given the hug test that they do. They put their arm around the dog's head and lift the far paw. She also passed the resource test with canned food. They touch the dog while they are eating using a fake hand and then reach in the bowl. The tester then brought in a medium-sized Aussie mix (male) to test Tula with other dogs. She did not react to him at all. The testers did notice as they were walking dogs by on leash that she would bark and become agitated. On January 9th, the volunteers worked with Tula again. They brought in a Border Collie/GSD mix (female). After a few seconds, Tula charged the gate that separated the dogs. They questioned her with other dogs.
She also has a pad on her right hind leg that has an open sore on it. You can see it in one of her pictures. There are also a couple of other hot spots on her skin and some scabs. Otherwise, her coat looks good. She is a drooler! She takes treats gently, loves her rump rubbed and looks like she may have had puppies in the past.
We need to find Tula a foster family or permanent home that can take her in and give her the love that she needs. The shelter where she is currently located does not have a screening process for adoptions, and they are afraid that she could end up in the wrong hands. Plus, her time at the shelter is limited. She could also start to stress out from being in the shelter -- behavior can change and she most likely would be euthanized. The shelter workers believe she would be a good girl in the right hands with the right people.
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