February 2009
Statement about Black Boerboels
We must not confuse the issue of black Boerboels and the Development Register. The Development Register is to keep a door open for lost- and/or new blood. The process is strict enough to protect the current gene pool from pollution.
The matter of black is no different to that of white. We do not describe or accept white dogs in the standard of excellence, but we also do not exclude them. Pigmentation in the white dogs is normally the main issue, but those issues will be addressed by the appraisal system. Black hair is actually sought after in the Boerboel. How many people prefer a black mask as apposed to no mask? So, black hair colour is already provided for. We also accept 50% black or even more in some dark brindle dogs. There is enough proof of the possibility of black manifesting in normal coloured dogs - more even so when you combine brindle.
SABBA is not accepting black as a colour - there are three accepted colours, i.e. any shade of yellow, brown or brindle. As piebald is accepted as a variation of the brown, yellow and even brindle, so is black accepted as a variation of brindle. It only makes sense. The question of cross breeds? (Rottweiler etc.) The appraisal system will provide for DQ. I personally do not view this as a problem - it is about the quality of the dog and not the colour. The functionality lies within the pigmentation - not in the hair colour.
I am not aware of black dogs with paperwork. Therefore they will be dealt with in the Development Register. In summary - black is not a recognised colour. It is merely accepted as a variation of the black in the brindle.
Johan van Wyk
SABBA Board Member: Genetics Committee
