Bonteheuwel dog wins prestigious Dog of the Year title at SABBS show

A 21-month-old Boerboel, Pioneer Magic, from Bonteheuwel, has achieved remarkable recognition at the South African Boerboel Breeders Society International Show (SABBS) held in Bloemfontein last Saturday.

Pioneer Magic was crowned the international senior champion male, international grand champion male, and ultimately, the International dog of the year.

Judges at the SABBS show assessed the participating dogs on various criteria, including structure, height, bone density, eye quality, top line, and temperament, said owner Elton Daniels. 

Pioneer Magic was crowned champion dog for the second consecutive time at SABBS International Show. At only nine months old, he claimed the title of international junior champion and at only 12 months Magic was appraised at 86.4%.

His mother, Malakas Honey, and half-sister, Pioneer Manuka, both participated in the competition, showcasing their exemplary lineage.

Pioneer Manuka was crowned the International Junior Champion and awarded the Reserve Grand Champion Female title. Meanwhile, Malakas Honey secured first place in her class and earned multiple dog of the day titles throughout the Western Cape.

Mr Daniels said that he had been training his dogs since they were four weeks old. 

"Training does not stop, but to get them ready for competitions, we usually start about five weeks before the event starts where I put my dog in some sort of conditioning. At 18 weeks old, I make sure I socialise my puppies like taking the dogs on walks in the community of Bonteheuwel, and I also make sure to take them to different areas such as Clifton and Sea Point so that they can get along with other dogs and humans," he said. 

Mr Daniels said that Pioneer Magic is now retired from the show ring as there is nothing more for him to achieve in the Boerboel industry, "but I have been in contact with people who want to use him in their programme,” he said. 

Additional reporting by IOL reporter Marsha Dean.