Saturday, July 11, 2009

What is a boerboel?

It finally has begun. What is in a boerboel? DNA testing results show us some amusing things. This is a new science for us dog owners and it is not perfect. A more in depth look at the results to follow. I am hoping the one person who was willing to share will give me some more details. AST (pitbull), BullMastiif, Mastiff, Corgi, Boxer, Bulldog. I think we might see more as well. This is just the beginning. The test results are not 100%, but if someone is trying to pass off something as a boerboel and that particular something doesn't look like a boerboel. The current test can help sort that nonsense out. It was designed for recent cross breedings. I know this will only help the good people breeding these dogs. It is just a shame the Ridgeback has not shown up yet. It is a well accepted story that the Ridgeback and the Boerboel were very close at one point. A purposeful separation of the two was made. One for hunting and one to stay behind and protect the farm. I have to stop. To many topics to open for debate already. Number one will be next.

Update: It seems that the results of Big Dog Pete and his black boerboel show zero rottie? The rumor that the black boerboels are recent mix breeds of rotties is Not True.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Who did the testing? Results can be inaccurate if the testers are sloppy.Would you recommend the testers and why?
Have been following your posts and really find them informative and fun.Sorry for the problems you are having with your boy.

Unknown said...

who did the testing? Results can be inaccurate if the testers are sloppy.Would you recommend the testers and why?

Boerboel Dad said...

Big Dog Pete tested two black boerboels and one fawn. These dogs are from different breeders, some born in the USA the others from SA. The test used is the blood test and the most complete available to date. It is the math used by the testing companies that concerns me. The tests are 90% accurate, that is a long way from 100%.

Boerboel Dad said...

The test used was the one developed by the mars corporation. The other tests use less dogs for comparison purposes. Big Dog Pete payed for the most expensive and comprehensive test available. I have no way of knowing what goes on at the testing facilities but I do understand your concerns. This is why I am an advocate of testing the same dog twice and testing dogs from the same litter and testing parent dogs of those same litter mates. Stuff like that can tell us if the Math used in the tests is 90% like they claim or they may tweak it a little over time.