AKC-registered breeders raising dogs in 'miserable' conditions

I found this expose' on ABC's Today Show about the conditions of some dogs bred by AKC breeders.  Not all AKC breeders are bad, of course, but as the news story shows, it is important that you inspect the kennel where you are buying your next puppy before you send that deposit. 

New accusations that one of the country's largest organizations dedicated to dogs, the American Kennel Club, isn't doing enough to protect animals. TODAY National Investigative Correspondent Jeff Rossen reports.

http://www.today.com/news/akc-registered-breeders-raising-dogs-miserable-conditions-6C9640008http://www.today.com/news/akc-registered-breeders-raising-dogs-miserable-conditions-6C9640008

Many people are buying Boerboel puppies sight unseen from internet websites, and many of these online breeders of Boerboels are not taking good care of their dogs.  The best practice is to visit the breeder in person and meet the breeding parents of your next pup. 

The first Boerboel puppy that I purchased was registered with AKC, but I visited the breeder, met the sire and dam of my pup, and saw the pup in person before I made a decision.  She was raised in a home environment, and not a kennel.  Now she has multiple obedience titles and is a registered Therapy Dog.   She will be 7 years old on Saturday, November 15, 2014, and is very healthy.  I couldn't be more happy with my girl! 

Don't forget to go out and have fun with your dog!  The photo above is Azaan, my first Boerboel, focused on her handler (me) on the pause table during agility training on the second floor of an Indoor Soccer Arena. 

Great Pyrenees - LGD

Great Pyrenees - Livestock Guardian Dogs

These photos were taken in Northern California near Cloverdale, which is about 2 hours North of San Francisco.  I was on my way back to the Bay Area from a trip to Mendocino and Ft Bragg, and saw these Great Pyrenees watching over their charges.  I love the history of farm dogs, so even though these aren't Boerboels, they are images of working farm dogs.  Real dogs.

This was my greeting as I pulled off on the side of the road with my camera.  I think he is serious.  He did not hesitate to come charging at me, and then stopped at the fence line with a low warning.  When I turned to leave, he went back to protecting his cattle. 

In the last photo, you have to look real hard but you will see one that is just a tad bit different than the others.  It took me about 5 minutes before I saw him.

These Great Pyrenees are true working farm dogs.  There were some dogs in the pastures with cattle, and different dogs in the sheep pastures.  The dogs in the cattle pastures seemed much more interested in making sure I was not going to advance on them, while the dogs in the sheep pastures stuck close to their charges. 

Recognition of Boerboel as a Breed in UKC

The Boerboel breed will be officially a recognized breed within UKC (United Kennel Club) effective January 2015. For those of you who are not aware, here is a quick bio of UKC from their website:

Established in 1898, the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its nearly 16,000 annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training and instinct. UKC prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events. The UKC has supported the "Total Dog" philosophy through its events and programs for over a century. As a departure from registries that place emphasis on a dog’s looks, UKC events are designed for dogs that look and perform equally well.

Now owners and breeders of Boerboels have more options to register their Boerboels. UKC is a nice alternative to AKC since the primary focus of UKC is on performance events, rather than looks and conformation shows. Many people believe that AKC has been ruining breeds by their emphasis on looks rather than function.

From now until October 31, 2014, you can register your Boerboels for a reduced rate of $10.00. After October 31, 2014, the price will go back up to the regular rate of $35.00/dog. Since the Boerboel is in the initial stages of acceptance within UKC, new registrations are being organized by one person who will collect payments and registrations for preparation for submission to UKC. The application, 3 photos of the dog (side, back and front) and the payment should be mailed to:

Victoria Clausell
52072 Copper Creek Ct.
Chesterfield, MI 48047

The form can be downloaded here, and filled out and mailed to the above address. Click on the red button marked "Download Form Here":

UKC Registration Application - Boerboel