Boerboel is in a mess

[temwani]

Hi Jenny,

I agree with you about our dog laws they are crazy and lots of people over here have suffered lately with their Staffies being impounded - those living near Manchester under the false accusation of being a pit ball.

We make sure that people know with a BB they are buying a guard dog and not a Labrador or poodle and emphasis the importance of socialization and training both as a young puppy but also as an adolescent dog. Sadly a well bred dog in terms of temperament can be made un-manageable by how it is brought up.

The other major issue in the UK is space - houses are generally on top of each other and people need to be able to walk their dog along narrow pavements. A BB is intimidating by just it's size it doesn't need to be ferocious to be a guard.

Geri

[jenny]

Hi Geri
You are so right. I think anyone who breeds these dogs has to be careful to make any prospective buyers very aware of exactly what the breed is about. It is not a Labrador and although they make good family dogs, this is only with the right training and management. I feel that we have to be careful when promoting the dogs to a wider audience, that people don't get the wrong impression, either that it is a big teddy bear or an ultra aggressive guard dog, neither are true, but the main points to get across are the importance of time, correct socialisation and training.
On the subject of space, I understand that many Boerboels are kept in apartment buildings in Russia, very successfully, but the owners are totally committed to their dogs and provide all the necessary exercise and socialisation in abundance. So huge gardens are not absolutely necessary as long as the commitment is there and a real understanding of what the dog needs.
There is a case on another message board in America of a dog who constantly barks, it turns out that the owner has no garden and is out at work for many hours during the day, what do people expect? Poor dog. I do sometimes despair at the breeders who are willing to sell puppies to anyone who has the cash, without actually caring what happens to the dog, it's especially bad here and some dogs end up in the most appalling circumstances and no welfare or rescue to help. Very sad.

[buliebuse]

Hi Geri & Jenny
Firstly I'll think you'll find its Merseyside that had the probs with pit-bulls , also now Birmingham - unfortunately dog-fighting & drugs seem to go hand in hand with some mentalities in the community.
As regards UK laws on if your dog attacks:(Clives brother is a chief Inspector)
1. Do not put up a sign saying more or less beware of the dog - you are then admitting you have a dangerous dog & you are liable.
2.If they attack on your property an intruder - the police do not want to know , but you can be sued by the person under Civil Law .
I'm also surprised by what you said about Russia - Latvia not being so far away - they treated their dogs very differently.All were chained & kenneled - none were house dogs.
No matter how well breeders scrutinize prospective puppy owners , unfortunately there will always be 1 or 2 people who will lie through their back teeth etc to get their hands on a BB.
Thank goodness I have no desire to be a breeder!
Ju