In the Boerboel breed the majority of the dogs’ heads are too small, with the result that breeders are constantly on the lookout for good dogs that also have large heads. The dogs with the largest heads are therefore considered to be extremely valuable breeding dogs. We should however distinguish between a dog that is sought after for breeding and the ideal Boerboel. With head size and bone thickness many of the most sought-after breeding dogs have gone beyond the ideal for the breed, but are used in matings to correct the dogs that are weak in those items. This has created the impression that overly large heads and legs that are too thick are the ideal to strive for. That is wrong. We should all understand that there is great danger in heads that are too large and legs that are too thick. Appraisers and show judges should always remember that they should judge according to the Breed Standard and not according to the extremes that are possibly in demand or in fashion at that stage. Bone thickness and head size are mentioned together here because they usually go together. As far as signs of other breeds are concerned: It is easy to recognise other breeds, and we seldom see those problems except perhaps for a few that have slightly round heads like Staffies. The biggest problem at the moment is that we have a large percentage of dogs with overbites, as a result of too much stop. These dogs then acquire the Mastiff appearance. See the explanation under the heading Stop. Skull a) The skull is like a cube, seen from all angles, large, and well-muscled. b) The width of the skull is equal to the length and depth thereof. c) The length of the cranial roof (measured from the middle of the eye to the end of the occiput) must be relative to the length of the nasal bone in a ratio of 2:1. Nasal bone should be a third of the total length of the head. d) The plateau is wide and flat with prominent musculature. e) When the dog is alert, the upper level between the ears appears flat. The most important quality of the Boerboel’s head is its width, the breadth of the muzzle and the placement of the eyes. Too much breadth usually has a negative effect on the depth. When I see that breadth on a cube-shaped head, where the plateau and the eyebrows are not round, I immediately trust the dog’s ability to reproduce a typical Boerboel. By making such a sweeping statement I’m making it sound as if this is the most important quality to breed for, but I want to make it clear that this is only one of the qualities. Yet, I have always felt, if it isn’t present, I will be at least one generation behind the dog with the typical Boerboel qualities. #Boerboels #elevage #viral #senegalaise_tik_tok