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.
Boerboel is a Afrikaans word that literally means farmer (boer) and bull. The spelling of boel came from the phonetic sound of bull to Dutch ears. The name suits the characteristics of this breed perfectly - being the size of a bull and loving the outdoor space and freedom that farm life offers.
To protect the unique qualities of the breed from cross-breeding, the first association specifically for breeders of the Boerboel was established in 1983 in the Free State Province of South Africa. The association provided owners and breeders with a strict set of regulatory standards in order to maintain a pure and uniform bloodline. Breeding and marketing them as a unique South African breed soon became a profitable business that also spread to Europe and other countries.
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.
These days, breeders and owners can decide to which of the many organisations they want to belong as there are some differences in standards and requirements. Boerboel International requires that all associated members subscribe to their specific code of conduct and promote high standards among breeders and owners.
Some of the best qualities of the boerboel are their intelligence and balanced nature if raised correctly. They do require training and a firm hand from young. Their protective instinct and loyalty to family members still make them very popular as watch dogs.
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.
Potential owners and breeders should know that their dog will require a lot of their time and energy. They love space and human interaction, but they also need structure and specialized training and a firm hand. If you leave them alone for too long, they may well get out of hand and unruly due to boredom and loneliness. If handled correctly, these dogs are some of the most loving and loyal family members one can wish for.
Boerboel is a Afrikaans word that literally means farmer (boer) and bull. The spelling of boel came from the phonetic sound of bull to Dutch ears. The name suits the characteristics of this breed perfectly - being the size of a bull and loving the outdoor space and freedom that farm life offers.
To protect the unique qualities of the breed from cross-breeding, the first association specifically for breeders of the Boerboel was established in 1983 in the Free State Province of South Africa. The association provided owners and breeders with a strict set of regulatory standards in order to maintain a pure and uniform bloodline. Breeding and marketing them as a unique South African breed soon became a profitable business that also spread to Europe and other countries.
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.
These days, breeders and owners can decide to which of the many organisations they want to belong as there are some differences in standards and requirements. Boerboel International requires that all associated members subscribe to their specific code of conduct and promote high standards among breeders and owners.
Some of the best qualities of the boerboel are their intelligence and balanced nature if raised correctly. They do require training and a firm hand from young. Their protective instinct and loyalty to family members still make them very popular as watch dogs.
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.
Potential owners and breeders should know that their dog will require a lot of their time and energy. They love space and human interaction, but they also need structure and specialized training and a firm hand. If you leave them alone for too long, they may well get out of hand and unruly due to boredom and loneliness. If handled correctly, these dogs are some of the most loving and loyal family members one can wish for.
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