Ghana’s Pioneers of Africa Kennel Shines Bright in Lagos, Nigeria

Pioneers of Africa Kennel – POA in Lagos

Pioneers of Africa Kennel – POA journeyed from Accra to Lagos for an incredible experience. One that proved the Kennel’s pursuit of excellence and exhibited the same. With two Dobermanns, the Kennel stunned show participants and attendees with world-class dogs from Ghana. The dogs named K9 POA Elijah and Val Di Vetro’s Gold Standard (Goldie) are 14-month-old Male Dobermann and 7-month-old Female Dobermann, both of superior quality.

While Elijah was born and bred in Ghana, Goldie is an Italian import that will further augment the Kennel’s breeding program. The two dogs are just a tip of the quality Dobermanns available at the Pioneers of Africa Kennel – POA, which prioritizes Dobermanns for excellent personal protection duties.

About Dog Shows

Dog shows embody breed standards, recognition, legacy building, lineage validation, socialization, fun, and several gains. It is, therefore, an activity every breeder longs to dominate. While dominating is limited to the various dog groupings and specialized categories, winning a single trophy or medal is similar to winning at the Olympics.

Top Dogs at Dog Show’s automatically see a rise in value and worth. A stellar result from appraisal and score at these events is desirable for breeders. The desire to win and thrive is why dog breeders are avid participants at dog shows – it is one of the few opportunities where reputable judges from across the world critique dogs and facilitate the improvement of all breeding programs.

Establishing Nigeria’s Canine Owners and Breeders Association (COBA)

Like every country with breeders, Nigeria has strived to maintain breed standards by forming an association. COBA’s existence ensures that the quality of dogs improves and allows for the sharing of knowledge that will enhance the breeding programs of members. Being a united front also allows for proper public education on responsible breeding and canine welfare. It guides the public in choosing the right dog for the right task or purpose.

In pursuit of those above, the Canine Owners and Breeders Association (COBA) was created in 2019 and has since been on a path to achieve its goals.

COBA’s mission is “To promote quality breeding of purebred dogs and to do everything possible to bring their natural, desirable attributes to perfection, through purposeful, ethical and regulatory breeding practices in Nigeria.”

The organization also has a clearly defined list of objectives.

The founding of COBA is attributed to the efforts of Dr Olakunle Sowunmi.

The annual All Breed and Assessment Show was conceptualized and initiated as a significant association element.

COBA’s Annual All Breed and Assessment Show – 2024

COBA’s Annual All Breed and Assessment Show of 2024 occurred at the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos. The event came off on the 5th of December, 2024. However, in the spirit of reciprocity and cordiality between Ghana and Nigeria, two Kennels from Ghana participated in the show that can be labeled the pride of Nigerian breeders. That rare occasion where the finest dog breeds in Nigeria assemble to be assessed and recognized for superior quality.

While Pioneers of Africa Kennel – POA brought two amazing Dobermanns, Adanfopa brought a Shih Tzu. Both Kennels made an impressive showing that won the hearts of the Judges and spectators. POA Elijah was adjudged Best of Breed and Best Male at the show. His Kennel mate, Val Di Vetro’s Gold Standard Goldie, was also pronounced Best Puppy in Show and Best Female in her group.

Adanfopa’s Shih Tzu, GH.CH.TH.CH. Radiance’s Pick Pocket was also adjudged Best of Breed.

The above feat re-enforces the cordiality that exists between Nigeria and Ghana.

This participation by Ghana came on the heels of Ghana’s August Classic Show, which hosted several breeders from Nigeria.

Dog Breeds that came to the COBA’s All Breed and Assessment Show

Several Kennels from across Nigeria came to the show. While others came to observe and take notes, others prioritized networking for future endeavors. However, the Stars of the day were the participating Kennels and Dogs. Amongst the participating breeds were German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Cane Corso, Dobermann, Shih Tzu, Caucasian Shepherd, Bull Mastiff, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, Labrador Retrievers, and several exotic breeds that fit into the 11 groupings open to participants.

The Groupings were the following:

• GROUP 1 – SHEEP/CATTLE DOGS
• GROUP 2 – MOLOSSOID, MASTIFFS, PINCHSER & SCHNAUZER
• GROUP 3 – TERRIERS (SMALL, LARGE), BULLIES
• GROUP 4 – DACHSHUNDS
• GROUP 5 – SPITZ / PRIMITIVE
• GROUP 6 – SCENT HOUNDS
• GROUP 7 – POINTING DOGS, SPANIELS & SETTERS
• GROUP 8 – RETRIEVERS & WATER DOGS
• GROUP 9 – TOY BREEDS
• GROUP 10 – SIGHTHOUNDS
• GROUP 11 – UNRECOGNIZED BREEDS

All participants exhibited a good show of sportsmanship, and the winners received cheers from the crowd.

An aspect of the show that came as a thrill was the pride of winning “Best Bred in Nigeria”; the revered title was won by a Rottweiler named Phoenix of Sheen Kennels in Lagos.

The Ghana – Nigeria relationship has always been an envious one for other African countries. With the new trend of Ghana and Nigeria joining together for dog Shows, we are confident of a future where a bigger West African and African show would happen.

Ghana recently earned a partnership with FCI.

Congratulations to  K9 POA Elijah and Val Di Vetro’s Gold Standard Goldie of Pioneers of Africa Kennel, GH.CH.TH.CH. Radiance’s Pick Pocket of Adanfopa and Phoenix of Sheen Kennels.

COBA All Breed and Assessment Show was stirred by the following:

Show Judge – Firic Peter (All Round FCI Judge)

Show Steward – Adegunle Emmanuel and Alabi Olufemi Stefan

Show Secretaries – Omoniyi Ewete and Kumolu-Johnson Oladipo