“Black dogs are dogs that are dangerous and aggressive”.In which, is a harmful stereotype.Yet, associating darkness with aggression is a human bias. And its similar to one of the dogs suffer from as well. Since bigger dogs featuring black coats are everywhere. Also,popular guard dog choices like the German Shepherd and Rottweiler sport predominantly black fur. But what about the Boerboels?
Depends on the breeder that you ask.
However, the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries in South Africa once upon a time, fail to recognize this breed of dog.
But why? Will the color indicates a difference?Does it have any meaningful impact on the Boerboel’s behavior, intelligence, or temperament?
Black Boerboel experiences a ban for exportation in some countries.Thus, breeders fight to prove that this particular kind of Boerboel is not for money. Because the origins of the dog were not popular at the time . Black boerboel breeders are fighting with the South African government to prove that the dog is not genetically modified.
“In the interest of the Boerboel breed and to ensure its sustainable conservation in the Republic of South Africa.So, the so-called Black boerboel is not in the list as a breed in terms of Animal Improvement Act.Yet, the department is still awaiting a scientific report on the black Boerboel from South African Boerboel Breeders Society (SABBS). Then, after which it is in the registration list in a lawful manner as a breed,” according to DAFF spokesperson Steven Galane , who explains the decision.
As a result of the ban, many breeders were unable to export dogs for over a year.
At the time, there was no agreed-upon origin for this kind of Boerboel. But there are guesses that it is a mix between Boerboels and other European dog breeds. It happens during the colonization of the Dutch, according to Mail & Guardian.
Some breeders create alleges of conspiracy as to not support the ban. While others want to see the results of a lineage test before picking a side.
In 2017, a year after the ban, the law recognizes the breed after a lengthy court battle, according to Farmer’s Weekly.
“Legally, the appeal was supposed to take three months, but took two years. The exclusion of black Boerboel from breed activities is finally over,” Johann Kruger told Farmer’s Weekly. Kruger was among about 70 other breeders who filed an appeal challenging the action’s of the registrar.