The Boerboel has a very interesting history. This huge, mastiff breed originally came from South Africa. Their strong, muscular body and strength made them excellent watch dogs on farms. In those days, wild animals like lions, mountain leopards and hyenas still roamed freely on farms. This was the only dog breed specifically bred in South Africa to protect homesteads from these intruders. Their unique qualities found favor across the globe and in order to protect the pure bloodline, Boerboel breeders must know the characteristics of this breed and comply with very strict international standards and regulations.
The name Boerboel is a combination of boer (the Dutch word for farmer) and the English word "bull" that sounded like "boel" to Dutch farmers. Their distinctive looks, strong, muscular body, protective instincts and good nature made these dogs very popular among farmers.
The very first Association for Breeders of Boerboels was established in 1983 in the Senekal area of the Free State in South Africa to ennoble and promote them as a unique South African dog breed. It is the only South African dog breed that was specifically bred for the purpose of protecting the homestead. Soon, breeding with these muscular dogs became a popular hobby and rewarding industry in South Africa and many were also exported to other parts of the world.
With time, the Boerboel became equally loved in Europe, the USA and across the globe, but different countries had different cultures and ideas regarding the rules and regulations for breeding. In 2008, Boerboel International was founded by a group of serious breeders who were dissatisfied with the way the leading association SABT was handling things. This specific breed was also not equally fit for all countries. In Denmark, for instance, the breed was banned in 2010 for being too aggressive.
Different countries also adopted different standards and these days buyers and breeders need to decide what specific standard or organisation to follow. The Kennel Union of South Africa, for instance, does not accept the black hair, but the SABT does. The black coated ones may also not be registered with associations such as AKC or Ebbasa.
The breed has strong territorial instincts. Their calm, stable nature, as well as their intelligence and obedience, make them even today the guarding breed of choice among modern day farmers. For breeding purposes, seven sections are measured on a scale of 3 to 5 and potential breeders need to adhere to them: general appearance, head, neck, front quarter, center piece, hind quarter and movement.
Boerboels are generally healthy, happy dogs and can easily live up to ten years. They are, however, also prone to some genetic problems affecting their hips, elbows, eyelids and testicles. Modern lifestyle also took its toll on this breed and juvenile epilepsy has recently become part of their genetic weaknesses - mostly caused by stress.
Boerboels need plenty of space and require a lot of time and energy from their owner, as they need to be trained and socialized to be happy. They love a positive training approach, structure and human contact. If left alone too much, they may become destructive. Never try to control them with force. These dogs do well with owners who respect their size and strength, but is not intimidated by it.
The name Boerboel is a combination of boer (the Dutch word for farmer) and the English word "bull" that sounded like "boel" to Dutch farmers. Their distinctive looks, strong, muscular body, protective instincts and good nature made these dogs very popular among farmers.
The very first Association for Breeders of Boerboels was established in 1983 in the Senekal area of the Free State in South Africa to ennoble and promote them as a unique South African dog breed. It is the only South African dog breed that was specifically bred for the purpose of protecting the homestead. Soon, breeding with these muscular dogs became a popular hobby and rewarding industry in South Africa and many were also exported to other parts of the world.
With time, the Boerboel became equally loved in Europe, the USA and across the globe, but different countries had different cultures and ideas regarding the rules and regulations for breeding. In 2008, Boerboel International was founded by a group of serious breeders who were dissatisfied with the way the leading association SABT was handling things. This specific breed was also not equally fit for all countries. In Denmark, for instance, the breed was banned in 2010 for being too aggressive.
Different countries also adopted different standards and these days buyers and breeders need to decide what specific standard or organisation to follow. The Kennel Union of South Africa, for instance, does not accept the black hair, but the SABT does. The black coated ones may also not be registered with associations such as AKC or Ebbasa.
The breed has strong territorial instincts. Their calm, stable nature, as well as their intelligence and obedience, make them even today the guarding breed of choice among modern day farmers. For breeding purposes, seven sections are measured on a scale of 3 to 5 and potential breeders need to adhere to them: general appearance, head, neck, front quarter, center piece, hind quarter and movement.
Boerboels are generally healthy, happy dogs and can easily live up to ten years. They are, however, also prone to some genetic problems affecting their hips, elbows, eyelids and testicles. Modern lifestyle also took its toll on this breed and juvenile epilepsy has recently become part of their genetic weaknesses - mostly caused by stress.
Boerboels need plenty of space and require a lot of time and energy from their owner, as they need to be trained and socialized to be happy. They love a positive training approach, structure and human contact. If left alone too much, they may become destructive. Never try to control them with force. These dogs do well with owners who respect their size and strength, but is not intimidated by it.
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