Who is TJ Teffo, South Africa's youngest dog handler?
South Africa’s youngest dog handler is 12-year-old TJ Teffo, who earned his national colours in dog sport at just 11 years old alongside his dog Zerah, a German Shepherd–Belgian Malinois cross. Their partnership, built on patience and trust rather than pressure, offers a heartening example of what fear-free, relationship-based dog handling can look like, even for young competitors. As TJ and Zerah prepare for South Africa’s National Championships, their story is a reminder that the strongest dog-and-handler bonds are built, not forced.
At just 12 years old, TJ Teffo may be one of the youngest faces on the dog-sport field, but alongside his three-year-old German Shepherd–Belgian Malinois cross, Zerah, he is already making his mark.
The Curro Riverside learner achieved something remarkable when he earned his South African national colours in dog sport at just 11 years old. And beside him every step – or paw – of the way has been Zerah. “She’s not just my dog, she’s my teammate and my best friend,” TJ says. “Sometimes I think she knows what I’m going to do before I do!”
How TJ and Zerah became a competitive dog sport team
Dog handling runs in the family. TJ’s father, Officer Masobane Teffo, serves with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s K9 Unit, so TJ has grown up around working dogs and understands that success takes patience, discipline and a very special bond between dog and handler.
But having a K9 officer for a dad doesn’t mean Zerah always makes life easy. “She has a lot of energy,” TJ laughs. “Sometimes I think I’m training her, but actually she’s training me to run faster!”
Helping guide the young team is experienced JMPD K9 instructor and award-winning dog handler Inspector Peter September, who has spent decades working with and training dogs.
What does it take to be a good dog handler?
For TJ, the lessons go far beyond winning medals.
“You have to be patient,” he says. “If you get nervous, the dog knows. I have to trust Zerah, and she has to trust me.”
That partnership is now being put to work as TJ and Zerah prepare for an exciting few months of competition.
On Saturday, 8 August from 7am, dog lovers and families are invited to Kyalami Equestrian Park for a fun day of working-dog competition.
The event forms part of the build-up and preparation for the National Championships on 3 October, which Gauteng will host, giving handlers and their dogs an important opportunity to test their skills ahead of the big day.
Spectators can watch talented working dogs and their handlers in action, enjoy food available at the venue and experience a sport built around extraordinary teamwork between humans and their four-legged partners.
Best of all, entrance is free. For TJ, every competition is another chance to learn and another adventure with the dog who has already helped take him onto the national stage. When asked who deserves the credit, TJ has a simple answer: “Zerah does most of the work,” he smiles. “I just hold the lead!”
VETERINARY DISCLAIMER: This article is a profile piece celebrating a young handler and his dog. It is not intended as training advice. Always work with a qualified, fear-free trainer when developing your own dog’s skills.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the youngest age someone can compete in dog sport in South Africa?
A: There’s no single national minimum age, as it varies by sport and organising body, but junior and youth handler categories exist specifically to include younger competitors. TJ Teffo, currently South Africa’s youngest known national-colours dog handler, earned his colours at just 11 years old, showing that with the right guidance, young handlers can compete safely and successfully.
Q: What breed makes a good working or sport dog?
A: German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, including crosses between the two, are popular working and sport dog breeds thanks to their intelligence, energy and trainability. These breeds need consistent, patient, fear-free training and plenty of mental and physical stimulation to thrive, whether in competitive sport or as everyday companions.
Q: How do you build trust with a working or sport dog?
A: Trust between a dog and handler is built through patience, consistency and calm energy, not pressure or dominance. Dogs are highly sensitive to their handler’s emotional state, so staying calm and confident, rewarding good behaviour and being consistent with cues all help strengthen the partnership over time.
Q: Where can I watch dog sport competitions in South Africa?
A: Dog sport events are held throughout the year across South Africa, often at equestrian or sports parks. A free, family-friendly working dog day is taking place at Kyalami Equestrian Park on 8 August, ahead of the National Championships being hosted in Gauteng on 3 October.
Q: Can kids get involved in dog handling or dog sport?
A: Yes, many dog sport federations offer junior or youth handler categories that welcome young competitors, often alongside an experienced mentor or family member. It’s a great way for children to learn responsibility, patience and communication skills while building a genuine bond with their dog.
Retha van der Walt, Specialist Pet Nutritionist, Pawsome Raw
The South African Working Trials Dog Association is committed to advancing the discipline of working trials through unwavering integrity, education and sportsmanship. We strive to build a community rooted in mutual respect, where handlers and dogs are guided by dedication, fairness and continuous growth. Our mission includes promoting responsible training practices and prioritizing the physical and emotional well-being of all dogs involved. Through excellence in competition and care, SAWTDA aims to strengthen the bond between handler and working dog while upholding the proud tradition of working trials in South Africa.