TIKO
The first boerboel
I bought was
"Klibra Futte" or "Tiko" for short.
Tiko was born in Denmark and was imported here as a 2 year old. He has
been appraised in Denmark and scored 77,7 %.
Link to Tiko's training journal. Click [here].
Tiko is approx 70 centimeters
tall and weighs about 57-60 kilos.
He has also been X-rayed, both using the PennHip method (at the age of
1) , as well as our Swedish (FCI) method (at the age of 3).
His results in the PennHip test showed a score of 0.57 on his left hip
and 0.61 on his right hip and no signs of DJD.
Using the Swedish method though, he got a C (mild dysplasia) on his left
hip and a D (moderate dysplasia) on his right, with mild DJD this time.
Had his hips not been so bad, I would have offered him as a stud dog, but with the results in hand, that is no longer an option. Which is a shame, because he has such an outstanding temperament, which alongside with health, are the two pillarstones we must build this wonderful breed upon.
I personally feel that everyone that wants to put their Boerboel up for breeding, really should think long and hard about the health aspects as well as the mentality of their dog. And ONLY breed the absolute best ones.
A strict regime of only breeding BB's with not good, or fair hips, but EXCELLENT hips, is the only way to reduce the number of crippled dogs that live with this agonising disease every day of their much shortened lives.
SAFFRAN
The next Boerboel in our little family is Boerklan's Zafaraani or "Saffran" for short.
Her father is
Boerklan's Scarabee and her mother is Impala Celeste. She was born in
February 2005 and came to live with me when she was 3,5 months old. She
is a wonderful little girl that will grow up to be a BIG girl in the not
too distant future. She has enormous paws and a heavy bonestructure, so
I am keeping her lean now during her growth period as to not put too
much stress on her joints.
She eats Eukanuba's Large Puppy food, because of the proteins, they are
far too high in most other foods, which can make them grow too quickly.
Naturally, she is too young to have been appraised or x-rayed yet. Hopefully she will be appraised next spring when her breeder is planning to have a Boerboel day and invite an appraiser for the day. I will wait with the x-rays until she is at least 18 months old to get an as accurate picture as possible.
She is a lovely
girl and so well-behaved when we are away doing something or meeting
people. She does however have a strong guarding disposition and will
guard me and everyone around me, particularly against strange dogs. She
actually showed her guarding abilities as early as the first day she was
here, at a mere 3,5 months. Because of this, I am determined to
socialize her extensively and take her with me almost wherever I go (when
possible of course). And seeing as she is so well behaved, she is a true
pleasure to have among people.
She is not always so well-behaved at home though! Don't be fooled by her docile
appearance when we are away from home (she prefers to lay at my feet),
she raises havoc at home and keeps me and the boys busy!
KALLE
The Chinese Crested Dog of the family, is a powder puff, which means that unlike most of his kins, he is not hairless, but has LOTS of fluffy hair. I do trim him down though as I do not show him and have no interest in combing and shampooing just for fun.
His full name is "Lionheart Kompanion" and he comes from the number 1 Chinese Crested kennel, Lionheart, in Sweden. He has lived with me since he was a puppy and was actually a gift from my good friends Tove & Lasse at Lionheart.
He is neutered so
he will not be a daddy, nor has he ever been one. He is much too big and
has other faults as well, although I of course think he is the most
gorgeous Chinese Crested that ever walked the earth ;-)
Kalle is the oldie in the family, with his 7 years. But he retired a
while ago actually, he seems to think (or at least act) that he is about
15, not 7, years old. Not doing much in the speedy department these days.
He has also become a bit fat, just like his mummy! Although, mum has a
better excuse with the Reumatoid Arthritis.