The following page is a compilation of owner experiences with their
Boe'ls. The aim of this page is to supply prospective owners with
as much information from a variety of sources, to give insight into
ownership of these great dogs. In the interest of unbiased information,
please note that the views expressed here are not necessarily shared
by us!
Contributors are being added continuously, if you are an owner who
wishes to share your experience please e-mail us with your story:
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to do so, provided individual stories are kept in their entirety
and are accompanied by the author information. Also a link back
to this page would be appreciated, it will put the information in
it's original context for new readers, and enable them to view new
material.
Orion
& Kyle
Author:
Kyle; Dog: Orion; Location: USA
Now it's my turn to share my experiences and opinions.
I have a 17 month old male Boe'l. I, like
many, researched the breed before buying. (Stupidly, I did not research
enough breeders). Anyway, this is THE breed for me.
I am in law enforcement full time and have a horse breeding/training
business. I want a dog that will be my constant companion (yes pet),
can/will protect me, my property, livestock and family (not necessarily
in that particular order). I also want a dog that can assist
me with the horses as needed. My dog was to help
with my neighbor's sheep
as well (work for the dog, help for my neighbor and fun for me).
I want a big, strong sturdy dog. I could go on and on. The
TRUE BB fits my needs and desires.
Here's what I have. Orion who appears as tho he will (and in
some areas already has) met my expectations for all of the above.
However, he has ED (Elbow Dysplasia). Because he was going
to be working for a living, I had him Pen-Hipped at about 6
months. He required elbow surgery--arthroscopic on one and full
blown open em up on the other. I am sooooooooooo glad I had
him check prior to working him and potentially damaging him beyond repair. Once
healed from his surgery, Orion went to work on the ranch. He
can't work as hard as some Boe'ls because of his ED. So, no sheep
work at all for Orion. His horse round-ups are at a minimum. I don't
need him to do it that often anyway. He is protective of me, my
husband and the property. He loves "his" horses.
I let Orion play as he wants and he has not shown any signs of discomfort. Orion
is always with me when I'm not at work. My shadow at home, Starbucks,
Home Depot, Pet Smart...wherever. I love it!!!!
My dad lives in a nursing home. Since Orion was a puppy he has visited
my dad in the home. He always slobbered on the other elderly folks
that live there as well. Walkers, canes and wheelchairs don't
bother him a bit. As Orion matures, I am seeing a bit of a
change. He is still willing to allow the folks who live in the home
to pet him if they want. He is just more accepting of their attentions
rather than seeking them out as when he was younger.
Bottom line...BBs are the best darn dog you can ask for. With the
caveat, and I believe this, they aren't for everyone. I'm all for
keeping them as they are meant to be. I also am a firm believer
in ortho testing for a breeding/working dog. It is truly in their best
interest.