The Boerboel is such an impressive dog that color almost takes a back seat to its other attributes. The head, for instance, is critically important to breed type. To the untrained eye, several molosser breeds have similar body types in that they are muscular and strong, but what sets the Boerboel apart from them is that head: Blocky, broad, deep, square and muscular, with well filled cheeks and in proportion to the body. Moderate wrinkling over the forehead when the dog is curious interest – the description from the AKC breed standard. In fact, the wordiest part of the Boerboel’s standard is on the head.
Color might easily be forgotten, then, but it is marginally less important. Multiple Boerboel standards from South Africa, the breed’s country of origin, were considered when assembling the AKC standard, and indeed, several parts were incorporated, and color was specific: All shades of brown, red or fawn with limited clear white patches on the legs and the fore chest are allowed, as is brindle in any color. Piebald and Irish markings are less desirable because these dogs are more likely to produce puppies that lack black eumelanin pigmentation than tan, brown, or red dogs, an important consideration in a dog working under the South African sun.
Black, without a trace of brindle, or black with white markings are disqualifications in a show ring both under AKC, United Kennel Club, and Kennel Union of South Africa standards. So is a “powder coat.” What is a “powder coat” in this breed? It’s a blue dog that appears to be dusted in powder. In fact, according to the Boerboel UK Society, voting by Boerboel UK members in Sept 2017 approved that no black dog, no black dog dilute, blue, grey, lilac or chocolate shall be registered,appraised nor promoted in any way.
Readers interested in the subject of color in this breed will want to read Fred Lanting’s terrific article, Color Inheritance in the Boerboel, here.
Image: Boerboel by Tanja Kooymans -TanjaOnTheWall
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