HURDLES similar to those in a sporting draft were jumped through during an appraisal day in Leeton shire recently, but humans weren't doing the leaping.
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An appraisal weekend for the boerboel dog breed took place in Leeton on October 18 and 19, with close to 40 owners taking part.
All up, 30 dogs were assessed over the weekend.
The event was organised by Leeton boerboel breeder Brendan DePaoli, who started breeding the animals about six years ago.
The appraisal was conducted by overseas judges, as well as another to determine a dog's temperament.
Mr DePaoli said the appraisals were necessary for breeders.
"It determines what animals are suitable for breeding and what ones aren't," he said.
"You've got to go through that process.
"We have our own standard of what the dogs should be.
"You get a mark out off 100, with a pass 75 and over."
DNA testing of the dogs is new to the process, but will help to eliminate diseases in the breed.
Mr DePaoli said most people owned and bred boerboel dogs as a hobby.
"It's really interesting when you look into it," Mr DePaoli said.
"When I started with it there were probably only about 70 breeders in Australia.
"It's growing now. We had a good amount from around here, Victoria and other places take part in the appraisal.
"We had people down there just looking too, so it was really good."