BREED STANDARD BUKS 2020 :
The Breed Standard is a guideline for all owners,breeders,judges and appraisers which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of the breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function.At all times within the breeding or judging of the Boerboel it shall be considered prudent and good breeding/judging practice to penalize all obvious conditions and examples of excess in construction that shall be deemed detrimental to the health,construction and movement of the Boerboel.
Breed type, conformation,movement,health,mental stability and composure are all important in the evaluation of the complete dog.
The protective character of the breed may be evident, as well as its impressive demeanour and poor nerves/fearfulness should be judged/penalized accordingly.
If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However if a dog possesses a feature or characteristic described as a fault or worse,a serious fault,then it is strongly recommended that it should be penalised,the severity of the penalty is dependant on the severity of the fault.
UNDERSTANDING FAULTS:
Faults: Any departure from the Breed Standard shall be considered a fault and the severity of the fault/s shall be determined by its effect on the construction,health and/or movement of the dog.All fault judging is at the appraiser's discretion.
Disqualification: Any serious deviations or combinations of deviations from the Breed Standard that severely affects the dog's construction,health and/or movement in a negative manner may lead to disqualification at the discretion of the senior appraiser.To DQ a truly fearful/fearful aggressive dog is fully acceptable.
About the breed: History has shown that the Boerboel was developed as a general farm dog,varying types performed different tasks on the farms.These dogs often were a first line of defence against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game. Old farmers told many a tale of the strength, agility and courage of the Boerboel. The dangers and harsh conditions of Southern Africa allowed only the fittest to survive. The protective character of the Boerboel is today still evident and is much sought after, as is the calm, stable and confident composure of the breed. It remains the guarding breed of choice amongst current day farmers and is very popular for the same reason in the urban communities. The origin and purpose of the Boerboel should be understood in order to preserve the unique identity and qualities of the breed as a South African developed mastiff. Type, conformation, movement and temperament are equally important in the appraisal of the Boerboel as a whole.
APPRAISAL RULES
It is to be understood that all dogs shall be appraised to SA Studbook breed standard to be taken up on the SA Studbook register.Dogs outwith the SA Studbook standard cannot be taken up on their register until such time as the Registrar/ SA Studbook approves this,although a pet appraisal may be completed and the dog shall not be moved from the pet register with SA Studbook.If the SA Studbook standard changes again in the future to a standard that includes those dogs appraised correctly and on the pet register due to a colour DQ,then these dogs shall also be added to the SA Studbook register at that time.
TEMPERAMENT AND CHARACTER
The Boerboel is:
• Manageable, reliable, obedient, intelligent,biddable and self-confident.
• A dog with a strong protective instinct and is loyal to members of the family.
• Shows courage when threatened or family is threatened.
• Steadfast and calm, with a balanced and confident nature when approached by strangers in a calm manner when the owner is present.
• A dog requiring training and firm handling from an early age.
• A dog that has a natural,high guarding instinct.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Boerboel is:
• A large dog with a strong bone structure.
• Balanced within the desired proportions for the breed. The main structural components of the dog should show acceptable proportions to each other.
• The body is approximately 10-15% longer than the height (at the withers) and is measured horizontally, from the prosternum (breastbone) to a vertical line at the rear of the rump. Proportion preferably 10:9 in males and 11:9 in females.In profile the Boerboel body from withers,across topline to rump-dropping down to ground with the imaginary line returning across ground and up the line of the shoulder should resemble a rectangle and not a square.
• A dog with prominent and well-developed musculature;
• Impressive and imposing in appearance, created by a combination of conformation, carriage, confidence and powerful, buoyant and unencumbered movement - not withstanding its size.
• Males are distinctly masculine, larger and more heavily built with stronger bone, while females are distinctly feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure. Sexual dimorphism must be clearly evident.
• The ideal height of a male is 66 cm but ideally not lower than 60 cm nor taller than 72cm.
• The ideal height of a female is 61 cm but ideally not lower than 55 cm nor taller than 67cm.
• Males should ideally weigh 60 kilos minimum,weight being relevant to height.
• Females should ideally weigh 55 kilos minimum,weight being relevant to height.
• The ideal ratio for a fully grown dog is 1:1 –1:1.2 cm per kilo.There should always though, be overall balance and conformation of major body components in comparison to the height.
HEAD
The shape and size of the head is a typical feature of the breed.
• Is large and typically Boerboel with no signs of another breed, and in proportion with the rest of the body components;
• Circumference ideally equals the height to the withers (upper point of scapula);
• Is short, broad, deep and blocky – seen from all angles muscular and has well-filled cheeks.
Head characteristics are quantifiable in terms of:
Skull
• The skull is blocky when seen from all angles, large, and well-muscled.
• The width of the skull is equal to the length and depth thereof.
• The length of the cranial roof (measured from the middle of the eye to the end of the occiput) must be relative to the length of the nasal bone in a ratio 2:1.
• Nasal bone should be third of total length of head.
• The plateau is wide and flat with prominent musculature.
• When the dog is alert, the upper level between the ears appears flat.
Face
• The face gradually blends with the skull.
• The face may be with or without a black mask.
Ears
The ears are defined by:
• Setting:
i. The earflaps are set wide.
ii. The earflaps are carried close to the head.
iii. When attentive, the top of the earflaps must form a straight line with the plateau.
• Shape:
i. Obviously V-shaped;
ii. No creases
iii. A broad base.
• Size:
i. The earflaps are medium sized and in proportion to the head.
ii. The bottom edge of the earflap is in line with the dentition.
Eyes
The eyes are defined by:
• Size and setting:
i. Medium sized, rounded, forward facing, and widely spaced;
ii. Set on the same horizontal level and
iii. Not protruding, slanted or deep set.
• Eyelids:
i. Firm, well pigmented;
ii. No structural deviations such as entropion, ectropion, disticiasis or signs of surgical intervention.
iii. The third eyelid (haw),it is preferred that this is not visible.
• Colour:
The colour of the eye is any shade of yellow or brown and preferably darker than the lightest shade of the coat.It is accepted that the black dogs shall have a lighter eye colour than their coat but ideally should still be a dark colour.
Stop
• The stop is visible, but not prominent/pronounced or absent.
• The section between the eyes is well filled.
Nasal bone (Muzzle)
The nasal bone is defined by:
• Shape:
i. Deep, broad and blocky.Tapers slightly towards the front, but not snipey.
ii. Straight and parallel to the line of the cranial roof.
iii. Well attached and filled well below the eyes.
iv. The nostrils are large and widely spaced.
• Width and depth:
i. The width is almost equal to, but still less than the length.
ii. The depth should equal the length.
• Length:
The nasal bone is in proportion to the head and height of the dog,and measures approximately a third of the total length of the head, i.e. approximately 10 cm for a male of 66 cm and 8 cm for a female of 61 cm,(obviously the length must be relevant to a taller/shorter dog.)
• Pigmentation:
The nose leather is black,in dilute dogs the nose leather can only appear to be black.
• Nostrils:
The nostrils are broad and well opened.
Lips
The upper lip (under the nose) just covers the top of the lower lip and teeth.
• The upper lip does not extend below the underline of the lower jawline.
• The lower lip is moderately tight (not too loose and fleshy), without open or excessive lip.
Teeth
• Dentition is complete.
• Teeth are correctly spaced.
• Teeth are ideally in a scissor bite.
• Teeth not visible when mouth closed.
Jaws
The jaws are strong, deep and broad and taper slightly towards the front.There must be no curve to the lower jawbone.
NECK
The neck is defined by:
• Shape
i. Forms a unit with the head and the shoulders;
ii. muscular and ideally with a discernible crest.
• Length
The neck is of medium length and in proportion to the rest of the dog. The length equals approx 1/3 of the height at the withers.
• Scruff and dewlap
i. The scruff is loose.
ii. The dewlap is noticeable and loose from under the chin but not overly so.
iii. The dewlap becomes taut between the front legs.
FOREQUARTER
The forequarter is well muscled and correctly angulated from the well-sloped shoulder blade down to the elbow at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
The forequarter characteristics are quantifiable in terms of:
Chest
The chest is:
• Strong, muscular and broad;
• Well rounded and pronounced and placed deep between the front legs with good volume;
• The point of the prosternum is level with the point of the shoulder.
Shoulders
The shoulder blades are well attached with an approximate 70 mm space in between.
Elbows
• The elbows are stable, parallel to and carried close to the body when in a stationaryposition and during movement, not limiting the volume of the torso.
• The height at the elbows is equal to approx ½ of the height at the withers.
Front Legs
• Have a substantive bone structure;
• Are thick, strong and sturdy;
• Have a well-defined musculature on the in and outside of the upper parts and
• Are vertical, as seen from the front and the side.
• Are as straight as is compatible with a wide chested dog(width of chest must not impede/affect movement).
Front Pasterns
• short, strong and of adequate girth as seen from the front and the side and
• are a vertical extension of the front legs as seen from both the front and the side, but slanting forward at a slight angle of approx 5 degrees.
Front Paws
The front paws are defined by:
• Size:
The front paws are large in circumference.
• Shape:
i. Well padded, ball shaped and tight,often described as 'cat like'.
ii. strong, curved, with dark pigmented toenails.Irish/Piebald dogs with white socks and feet may not have black toenails.
• Tread: The front paws point and tread straight forward.
CENTRE PIECE
The centre piece (torso) must be of adequate width and depth with a level, straight top line and a slight abdominal tuck-up. The length of the chest, loin and croup (rump) is approximately proportioned (2:1:1).
The centre piece characteristics are quantifiable in terms of:
Ribcage
• Is well-sprung with a deep, rounded brisket;
• Must ideally have a length proportion of 2:1 to the loin;
• The depth is equal to ½ the total height of the dog at the withers.
• Is filled behind the shoulder blades and elbows.
Back
• Broad
• Flat
• Straight
• Well muscled
Loin
The loin (from the last rib bone to the front of the primary thigh) is:
• Of adequate depth (slightly less than the length of the loin)
• Short (ideally one third of total torso length)
• Wide and flat when seen from the top
• Strong and muscular and
• Moderately tucked up.
Top line
• The top line (from a point behind the top of the scapula withers to the beginning of the croup) is straight without any deviations,no sloping upwards from withers to rump nor downwards from withers to rump.
• A very slight, non-flexible dip just behind the shoulders is normal.
HINDQUARTER
The hindquarter is broad, of substantive depth, well muscled, in proportion to the rest of the dog and correctly angulated.
The hindquarter characteristics are quantifiable in terms of:
Croup
The croup is:
• Of adequate length, long, broad, strong/muscular
• Correctly angulated at approx 25° and slopes slightly towards the haunch
• The height should not exceed the height at the withers.
Tail
• The tail is a natural extension of the spinal cord; therefore it is set fairly high, of adequate girth and straight.
• Docked tails should ideally be docked at the third caudal vertebrae, leading to an ideal adult tail length of approx 8-10 cm.
• Long tails are permissible and are sabre shaped and should reach approximately to the hocks when the dog is standing.
Primary/Upper thigh
The upper thighs are broad, deep and with well-developed muscular definition when viewed from the side and the rear.
Secondary/Lower thigh
The lower thighs should be of equal length to the upper thighs, are well developed and display visible musculature down to the hock.
Stifles (Knees)
• The stifle joint is strong and firm.
• The angulation between the femur, tibia and fibula must be approximately 90°- as seen from the side.
Hocks
• The hock joints are strong and stable;
• Correctly angulated (45°) as seen from the side without lateral deviation when standing or moving
• Parallel with each other when viewed from the rear.
Pasterns
• The hind pasterns are relatively short, strong and of adequate girth.
• When viewed from behind, they are parallel with one another.
• When viewed from the side, they are vertical.
• The front of the hind pastern is in line with the back of the haunch.
• Hind dewclaws should be removed within 3 days of birth.
Hind paws
• The hind paws are as the front paws but should be slightly smaller than the front paws.
• The hind paws point and tread straight to the front.
SKIN
The skin:
• Is moderately thick and loose
• Should show dark,black, pigmentation.
• There are moderate wrinkles on the brow when the dog is attentive.
COAT
The coat should be short and sleek with dense hair coverage.
• All shades of fawn, red and brown are accepted.
• Original powder/dilute (a dusky covering over coat and muzzle) is accepted for all dogs previously appraised although breeding colour rules now apply,no black dog genetics allowed in the pedigree of these original powder/dilutes.
• The recognised patterns are Brindle,Irish marked (less than 33% white in coat) and Piebald(more than 33% white).
All the colours and patterns should be accompanied by good pigmentation of the skin.
No other colours or colour patterns are accepted.
AS PART OF BUKS BREED STANDARD WE SHALL INCLUDE THE COLOUR BREEDING RULES HERE.
• Original powder/dilute dogs (meaning no black dog genetics in the pedigree) – it is mandatory that all tested/proven carriers of the dilute gene are only bred to dogs tested clear of the dilute gene.It is mandatory that any affected dilute dog(with no black dog genetics) judged prior to DQ ruling in South Africa to qualify for SA Studbook full registration status is only bred to a dog tested clear of the dilute gene.All breeders must be aware that all dogs will be registered as PET on their birth certificate,this is applicable to ALL matings,unless breeder states otherwise.We shall not register any litter from two affected dilute dogs.
• No liver nosed dogs of any colour shall be taken up on the DR and shall not be allowed to be bred from at this time.If your dog may be, or is, a carrier of the liver nose gene it is mandatory that the opposite sex be tested for the liver nose gene to reduce and/or negate the chances of liver nose pups being born or breed the dog to an already genetically clear dog.
• No Isabella dogs (original powder/dilute AND liver nosed together) shall be taken up on the DR and shall not be bred from.
• All piebald dogs (over 33% white) may only be bred to a solid coloured dog clear from the Irish spotting/piebald gene,only Boerboel UK pet paperwork shall be furnished to the owners at this time.
• No Irish marked dog (less than 33% white) shall be allowed to be bred to a Piebald dog (over 33% white).
The rules set out above are to limit the numbers of non standard dogs being present in the future of the breed.We do recognise the need though for diversity and the preservation of the old,original piebald genetics within the breed but these must be controlled,hence the colour breeding rules.Any pups born from matings,where the parents have been tested and results known and that breach the colour breeding rules of BUKS, shall not be eligible for registration.
Following the voting by Boerboel UK members in Sept 2017 no black dog,no black dog dilute,blue,grey,lilac or chocolate shall be registered,appraised nor promoted in any way.
All black dog genetics are banned from the breed standard,database and registration within Boerboel UK.
Boerboel UK reserves the right to amend the breed standard even when colour rulings have been made in South Africa.
PET REGISTER :
BUKS Breeders must remember that EVERY puppy that is sold is furnished with a PET birth certificate unless the database manager is informed at time of litter registration.Dogs on the PET register may be appraised but only the breeder can upgrade the dog.Upgrades cannot be witheld by the breeder unless the owner has signed and agreed to this at time of purchase. Evidence shall be required from breeders in any case of dispute.
While BUKS fully understands that anomalies may occur and indeed non standard dogs shall be produced from time to time,these dogs shall be given birth certificates and placed on the PET ONLY STATUS/NOT TO BE BRED FROM,all new owners must be made aware of this situation in a written contract,to be signed by both Breeder and Owner.
The pups/dogs included within this are:
• All liver nosed pups/dogs
• Black and white Irish/piebald pups/dogs (N/A as of ruling made SEPT 2017)
• Black and tan pups/dogs (N/A as of ruling made SEPT 2017)
• Tri-colour pups/dogs (Black,tan and white) (N/A as of ruling made SEPT 2017)
• Blue/steel/slate grey pups/dogs (N/A as of ruling made SEPT 2017)
• Blue/steel/slate grey and white pups/dogs,including Irish and Piebald marked. (N/A as of ruling made SEPT 2017)
• Solid white dogs(no patch of colour at all)
• Roan or merle markings on any standard or non standard colour
• Excessive ticking on any Piebald pattern(this may not manifest until adulthood though,all breeders must state this to owners)
This list is not exhaustive and may be added to as the situation is required/anomalies occur.
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PIGMENTATION
The Boerboel is well pigmented, especially on the lips; nose; palate; the skin and hair around the eyes; footpads; toenails; the anus, the nipples and the skin and hair around the genitals.
GENERAL HEALTH
The general health of the Boerboel is of a high standard. Animals presented for appraisal should be in a good general condition and weight must be in relation to the size of the dog. Physical handicaps and former surgery must be supported by acceptable certification.
Reproductive organs
Both females and males should have at least eight nipples.
Males
i. Male dogs must have two well-developed testicles, both in the scrotum.
ii. The penile sheath is short and firm and holds the penis close to the body.
iii. Castrated males, monorchids or cryptorchids, may be appraised and taken up in the Pet Register only.
Females
i. The vulva must be firm.
ii. Sterilised females may be pet appraised and taken up in the Pet Register only.
MOVEMENT
• The movement is balanced, effortless, though powerful, purposeful, buoyant and fluent with comfortable reach in the front and powerful drive from the rear.
• The stride is sufficient, long, free and unrestricted.
• The legs move on parallel planes at all times. Whilst converging to the centre line of travel,the legs should never cross.
• In all gaits the top line is stable (fixed), without any swaying, dipping or excessive body roll.
• Front movement may see a slight convergence of the front legs but it must never be overly so.
• Limited, weak or unsound movement shall be penalised.
FAULTS/SERIOUS FAULTS THAT WILL CAUSE PENALISATION AND/OR DISQUALIFICATION
The senior appraiser has the discretion to disqualify a dog without the appraisal process having been followed through, in which case the fees paid shall be reimbursed. He/She shall also notify the breed database manager of BUKS providing reasons for the disqualification.
• A dog that is disqualified because of aggression, timidity or was not fully developed at the time of appraisal, may be brought forward for re-appraisal, provided that it has improved and/or matured.
• BUKS retains the right to disqualify and/or remove a specific dog from the database of which documentation presented proves to be fraudulent and/or incorrect.
Any indication of another dog breed-(DNA PARENTAGE EVIDENCE ACCEPTED TO PREVENT DQ)
Temperament:
i. An overly agressive and/or uncontrollable dog.
ii. A timid or insecure dog.
iii. A dog that bites its owner.
iv. A fearful agressive dog.
Size:
i. A dog not meeting the minimum height/exceeding the maximum height.
ii. A dog with insufficient bone structure.
iii. Unacceptable proportions within construction that affects/severely affects movement.
Head:
A head that is not typically Boerboel.
i. A too small or nondescriptive head.
ii. Rose,erect or semi-erect ears.
iii. Structural deviations of the eyes,bulging eyes.
iv. Any other colour than yellow or brown eyes.
v. Excessive deviations of dentition
vi. Curved lower jaw
vii. Excessively short muzzle/elongated palate
Body:
i. A chest that is too narrow,steepled,with no prosternum.
ii. Front legs that are bandy or crooked.
iii.Front feet that are not pointing forward,a serious fault is front feet or one foot that are/is pointing east/west.
iv. A top line that is too hollow or badly roached.
v. Cow hocks or hyperextension of hocks that affect/severely affects movement.
vi. Sickle hocks that affect/severely affects movement.
vii. Lack of stifle angulation that affect/severely affects movement
viii.Kinked, corkscrew, deformed or tightly curling tails dependant on positioning of deformity within tail and if it severely affects movement.
ix. A dropped croup(resembles a circular dip on body above the tail set)
x. A low tail set
xi. Feminine males
xii. Masculine females
Skin and coat
i. Excessively long and/or curly coat.
ii. Excessive skin.
iii) Insufficient pigmentation of skin around key areas (lips; nose; palate; the skin and hair around the eyes; footpads; toenails; the anus; the nipples; and the skin and hair around the genitals.Irish and Piebald dogs are accepted within the breed standard.For those dogs with white socks and feet they may not have black nails and they cannot be penalised for this, they must be judged as normal/acceptable.Solid coloured dogs that show amber nails instead of black must be penalised.
Colour
i. Unacceptable colours,patterns and genetics in respect of the BUKS breed standard:
• Liver nose colour on any basic breed standard colour.
• Black
• Solid blue
• Slate/steel grey
• Blue and white (Piebald or Irish marked)
• Slate/Steel grey and white (Piebald or Irish marked)
• Black and tan
• Tri-colour (Black,tan and white)
• Black and white (Piebald or Irish marked and any more white than only on extremities or patch on chest,no white socks allowed)
• Blue/Slate/Steel grey Brindle
• Solid white (no patch of colour at all)
• Excessive ticking on any Piebald pattern
• Any Roan or Merle markings on any colour base.
*There shall be no dilute colour of black acceptable by BUKS as a breeding dog.
*There shall be no solid blues/greys from two powder/dilute affected parents acceptable by BUKS as a breeding dog.
Reproductive organs
i. Males without two natural and well-developed testicles.
ii. Females with signs of vaginal hyperplasia or prolapse.
Tail
An overly curled tail.Tail presenting as a full single curl or double curl onto/over the back of the dog.A sickle tail held in air over the back of the dog when at rest.
Movement
i. Clumsy or unbalanced movement that would point to a serious health condition .
ii. Any visible impairment that severely affects movement.
iii. Physical handicaps which are not the result of an earlier injury.(All injuries to be certified).
Faults: Any departure from the Breed Standard shall be considered a fault and the seriousness of the fault/s shall be determined by its effect on the construction,health and/or movement of the dog.All fault judging is at the appraiser's discretion.
Disqualification: Any serious deviations or combinations of deviations from the Breed Standard that severely affects the dog's construction,health and/or movement in a negative manner shall lead to disqualification at the discretion of the senior appraiser.To DQ a fearful dog is fully acceptable and is to be encouraged to keep this trait out of the breed.
Dogs must meet the criteria of S.A.Studbook breed standard for inclusion on their database.
Dogs must meet the criteria of BUKS breed standard for inclusion on their database.
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ALL NON STANDARD DOGS ARE WELCOME TO ALL OUR EVENTS AND THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN ALL OUR SHOW CLASSES THAT ARE FOR NON STANDARD DOGS.
ALL DESEXED DOGS ARE INCLUDED AS NON STANDARD.
NON - STANDARD DOGS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE BEST OF SHOW CHALLENGE.