Cape Boerboel named ‘international dog of the year’

At this year’s annual International Boerboel Show and Expo, a boerboel from Mitchells Plain in Cape Town took top honours.

The boerboel, named Busby Adam, was crowned International Boerboel of the Year at the expo held in Parys in the Free State earlier this month.

The International Boerboel Show and Expo

According to the Daily Voice, a total of 333 dogs from across the world competed for the title, but it was the two-and-a-half-year-old Busby who was the star of the show.

Busby, who weighs in at nearly 90kg, also won the International Senior Champion 2019 and the International Grand Champion 2019 prior to qualify for the main event.

His owner, Lloyd de Villiers, 38, who breeds boerboels, told the publication that the competition was tough but his dog performed excellently.

He explained that the competition is judged by the breed’s standard, including weight (not heavier than 100kg), muscle tone, the health of the coat, shape of the ears, the jawline, height, general appearance and discipline.

Male boerboels should stand at 66cm tall and bitches at 61cm.

Lloyd says Busby is the “ideal” boerboel and the breed makes for good guard dogs.

“People are amazed when they see him,” Lloyd said futher. “He loves children, attention and interaction.”

Apparently, the dog is fed up to 1,5kg of raw chicken, steak and mince to keep his muscles toned and his coat glossy and healthy, and is fed once a day.

Lloyd is also said to be the first coloured breeder to win the title.

He started his company, named Busby Boerboels, in 2013.

“I am very proud. I have worked very hard for this,” he said further.

Visit the SABBS Annual International Show and Expo’s official website to find out more.

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