SABBS Appraisals for Boerboels

 SABBS proudly guards and continuously strives to set standards to enhance and promote the Boerboel breed. The Constitution and Bylaws provide comprehensive guidelines for members towards meeting these objectives. One of the most common misrepresentations is the advertising of Boerboel puppies as 'registered'. Many potential owners do not know that SABBS will register a Boerboel only after it has been appraised on individual merit, and not on pedigree. This is done strictly according to the official appraisal chart, which lists 72 characteristics that must be assessed. SABBS’s recommended age for appraisal is 18 months, but dogs of 12 months are accepted for appraisal. Owners may request a prior consultation (evaluation) with a senior appraiser to establish whether a dog is sufficiently matured to be appraised. To be eligible for appraisal a dog must have a Birth Certificate (not to be confused with the eventual registration certificate) and microchip. DNA profiles of both parents must also be on record with SABBS. Responsible breeders will not even request birth certificates for puppies that obviously will not meet the Breed Standard criteria. The Birth Certificate contains five generations' lineage information. Appraisers do not receive this information when appraising a dog. Their focus and task is to assess the dog in front of them and whether it has the qualities to attain the minimum point of 75% for registration as a Boerboel. If this point and all other requirements regarding documentation are met, the Office will issue a Registration Certificate for that dog. Note that there are different levels of registration: Studbook Proper Register (full registration), Development Register, the Stud Register (requiring 85% or higher qualify for entry), and the Pet Register. The Society unequivocally opposes breeding with dogs that receive less than 75%, as their offspring can never be registered. Breeders who use the services of a male belonging to another breeder should insist on a Service (Mating) Certificate from that breeder. At present, SABBS hosts appraisal days in South Africa, Namibia, Africa, North America, Canada, the UK, Europe and Scandinavia throughout the year. Prospective and first time Boerboel owners may find it worthwhile to attend one of these days before presenting their own dogs for appraisal. These events also offer ideal opportunities to meet other owners and breeders. The dates of appraisal days appear under Diary. Appraisal results are published as they become available and provide valuable information on how the offspring from various Boerboel studs performed at their appraisals