The boerboel is a huge, strong dog breed that originally came from South Africa where they were mainly used and trained as guard dogs to protect farmers' homes against intruders and wild animal species such as lions. They were also used in hunting expeditions as their strength, agility and courage enabled them to track prey and injured game. Today, this dog breed is extremely popular across the world and Boerboel breeders have to adhere to strict regulations and international standards to keep the bloodline pure.
The breed kept its original and typical South African name, which literally means farmer's bull. The name also describes the Boerboel's main function and character as a huge, brave dog that safeguards the farming family like a bull - even against dangerous wildlife species such as lions and hyenas that frequented the farms in earlier years. Their agility and excellent hunting skills also made them popular hunting partners.
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.
The Boerboel adapted well to the climate and cultural differences in other countries, but this also caused problems regarding the breeding rules and regulations best suited to each region. With their energetic nature and love of space, these dogs also did not do equally well in all countries. Denmark banned the breed in 2010 after finding its protective instincts too aggressive.
Boerboel International was eventually established in 2008 to serve as a global platform for breeders regarding a uniform set of standards and code of ethics. The appraisal system is very strict and covers a huge range of qualities ranging from size, pigmentation, coat and color to temperament and health reports. Today, there are several bodies for breeders and owners to choose from according to their specific criteria. The black coat, for instance, is not accepted by all associations.
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.
Breeders and buyers of a Boerboel should know what make them tick before they get carried away. These dogs are generally healthy and easily live up to ten years, but they can also suffer from a few genetic ailments that they are prone to inherit, especially hip or elbow problems. Vaginal hyperplasia and even juvenile epilepsy also appear in this breed.
These dogs need a loving, but firm hand. If confronted by aggressive behavior, they may retaliate. They are fearless and have a strong protective instinct, but are also steadfast and calm in normal circumstances where there is no threat. With the right training and attention, these dogs are truly man's best friend!
The breed kept its original and typical South African name, which literally means farmer's bull. The name also describes the Boerboel's main function and character as a huge, brave dog that safeguards the farming family like a bull - even against dangerous wildlife species such as lions and hyenas that frequented the farms in earlier years. Their agility and excellent hunting skills also made them popular hunting partners.
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.
The Boerboel adapted well to the climate and cultural differences in other countries, but this also caused problems regarding the breeding rules and regulations best suited to each region. With their energetic nature and love of space, these dogs also did not do equally well in all countries. Denmark banned the breed in 2010 after finding its protective instincts too aggressive.
Boerboel International was eventually established in 2008 to serve as a global platform for breeders regarding a uniform set of standards and code of ethics. The appraisal system is very strict and covers a huge range of qualities ranging from size, pigmentation, coat and color to temperament and health reports. Today, there are several bodies for breeders and owners to choose from according to their specific criteria. The black coat, for instance, is not accepted by all associations.
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.
Breeders and buyers of a Boerboel should know what make them tick before they get carried away. These dogs are generally healthy and easily live up to ten years, but they can also suffer from a few genetic ailments that they are prone to inherit, especially hip or elbow problems. Vaginal hyperplasia and even juvenile epilepsy also appear in this breed.
These dogs need a loving, but firm hand. If confronted by aggressive behavior, they may retaliate. They are fearless and have a strong protective instinct, but are also steadfast and calm in normal circumstances where there is no threat. With the right training and attention, these dogs are truly man's best friend!
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