Boerboel Dog Names

In 2015, the American Kennel Club (AKC) approved the Boerboel as an official breed. On January 21, 2016, the Westminster Kennel Club hosted a press conference to introduce the seven new breeds that would be represented at their prestigious dog show held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club’s annual dog show is the second oldest sporting event that is still running. During the January 21, 2016 press conference people were given their first glimpse of the Boerboel. Obilo, the Boerboel, was present to be photographed and his handler answered questions about the breed. Oblio, pronounced Oh-Blee-oh, was named after the guards in The Wizard of Oz. Oblio was the number one Boerboel in the United States in 2015 meaning he had an automatic invitation to the Westminster dog show in February of 2016. Oblio resides in southeastern Virginia at Darkwater Boerboels Kennel. Darkwater Kennel is neighboring the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge provides plenty of opportunities for the dogs to run and explore with their owner, Diane Weatherbee and her husband. Oblio was born July 19, 2014 and is AKC, UKC and SABT registered. His father is Afrika Baako and his mother is Afrika Zainabu. Oblio’s formal name is GCHs CH Darkwater Oblio BN RN CA RATN CGC CGCA CGCU TKN. Oblio has not just excelled in the conformation ring; he has been able to go into several different performance rings and has done excellently. Weatherbee is excited to watch Oblio come into his full potential. When he stepped into the Westminster ring for the first time in February of 2016, there were big expectations for then 19 month old Oblio. He was able to win best of breed at the 2016 Westminster Kennel Club dog show; however, he was outshined in the Working Group and was not able to advance in the show.

Weatherbee and her husband fell in love with the Boerboel breed after bringing their first one home in 2002. Koa, a large male with a big block head, had a sweet nature and was easy to train. Weatherbee had never considered competition obedience until she needed an outlet for all of Koa’s energy. Like all Boerboels, Koa had to have a job to do so he felt productive. Competition obedience was a way to provide structured training and make Koa feel as if he were accomplishing a task for his master.