On 11 April 2026, the Great Boerboel Show in Honour of Michael Dippel took
place in Sichelnstein. It was clear from the outset that this event would not only
be exceptionally emotional, but would also mark the beginning of an era to
which Michael had made a significant contribution.
Among the events that are most difficult to organise and plan are undoubtedly
those held in honour of a beloved and departed person, which are also intended
to set new standards. 
It was part of Michael’s unique personality that he didn’t care one bit about
conventions, clubs or dogmas, but always approached people openly and
transparently to explain his view of the Boerboel. He didn’t care which register,
organisation or club a dog came from, provided the dog was a Boerboel and the
people were open to discussion and dialogue.
So the 2026 season opener took place in glorious weather, and many Boerboel
enthusiasts turned up with their dogs.
A key new feature was the opportunity to take part in the Social Stability Test with
one’s dog, organised and run for the first time alongside the show. The idea for
this was also one of Michael’s brainchildren and is intended to help gain valid
insights into the dogs’ motivation, composure and confidence in everyday
situations, and to enable a better and more transparent assessment of the important
and essential aspect of character evaluation for each dog within the context of
shows and appraisals.
It was truly wonderful to see that this opportunity was taken up by all participants
and received an overwhelmingly positive response.
The findings made during the event are incredibly valuable and an incredible asset
to an objective assessment process.
In addition to health, the dogs’ temperament is of paramount importance, as certain
traits are hereditary. Unlike in its country of origin, the Boerboel has very
different roles and living conditions here, which suggest that it is important to
positively influence the dogs’ temperament and to encourage and reinforce
positive traits.
For this reason, Boerboel Europe has decided to take a different approach to the
assessment and exhibition of dogs and, as the only European association for the
Boerboel, to set new standards in accordance with national and international
guidelines. We maintain a stud book and a large database. We do not see
ourselves as competitors to other associations, but rather as an institution for the
Boerboel in Europe, where anyone with an interest in the breed is welcome.
Constructive dialogue is just as essential to us as a friendly and respectful
atmosphere at our events.
We believe that establishing a monopoly on the Boerboel is difficult due to the
special position of the stud book-keeping association in the country of origin, and
we prefer cooperation and genuine, cross-club exchange for the benefit of the breed.
The assessment criteria and approaches to judging dogs are likely to differ between
South Africa and Europe simply due to the different living and husbandry
conditions, and must be in line with the standards and circumstances applicable in
this country.
Accordingly, claims that only a dog registered under the auspices of SABBS and in
South Africa is a ‘genuine’ Boerboel are utter nonsense, as is the frequently held view
that all those who do not breed under SABBS
are “wild breeders” who wish to harm the Boerboel. Such statements and attitudes are
the reason why there are currently several clubs, registers and names for one and the
same type of dog. Diversity is often the better way.
That is why it was all the more delightful to experience the friendly and respectful
atmosphere in which the event took place. Special thanks go here to the entire
WSV Sichelnstein, without whom this day would not have been possible, and to
all the helpers who made this day such a wonderful experience.
We would also like to thank all the participants, visitors and friends who played a
huge part in making this very special day such a success and who have once again
demonstrated what a wonderful community the Boerboel community in Germany
can be.
We, the team at Boerboel Europe, hope that you will cherish the memories of this
day and look forward to seeing you again just as much as we do.
I am sure that Michael was watching from wherever he is now and enjoyed the
day…..........................................................he is always with us anyway.