The size of a small bull, as courageous as a lion and as agile as a buck, the Boerboel is a unique dog breed of which the pure bloodline is worth protecting. This breed originated from South Africa and used to be the most popular watch dog used on farms to protect the homestead against intruders and wild animals. Nowadays, Boerboel breeders across the globe have to abide by strict international standards and a code of ethics to ensure that the outstanding qualities of this breed do not become extinct.
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.
Due to crossbreeding that increasingly posed a serious threat to the continuation and purity of the bloodline, an Association for breeders of Boerboels was founded in 1983 in the Free State Province of South Africa. Protecting the unique appearance, build and characteristics of this unique South African dog breed soon became a popular hobby and prosperous business among farmers - first locally and soon also on an international scale.
Different folks require different strokes and eventually various associations were founded in different parts of the world. In 2008, Boerboel International was established to provide a global standard and code of conduct for breeders and owners. The boerboel with its inherent love of space and freedom also did not adjust equally well in all countries. In 2010 the breed was banned from Denmark for its protective instincts that were found 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.
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 energetic and require a lot of space and freedom. They are generally strong and healthy with a life expectancy of ten years or more, but some genetic weaknesses occur in the bloodline. The international breeding standard and requirements are very strict and dogs may be turned down for being too big, too aggressive or having blue eyes. Dogs that show any physical or behavioral abnormalities will also not be accepted.
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.
Due to crossbreeding that increasingly posed a serious threat to the continuation and purity of the bloodline, an Association for breeders of Boerboels was founded in 1983 in the Free State Province of South Africa. Protecting the unique appearance, build and characteristics of this unique South African dog breed soon became a popular hobby and prosperous business among farmers - first locally and soon also on an international scale.
Different folks require different strokes and eventually various associations were founded in different parts of the world. In 2008, Boerboel International was established to provide a global standard and code of conduct for breeders and owners. The boerboel with its inherent love of space and freedom also did not adjust equally well in all countries. In 2010 the breed was banned from Denmark for its protective instincts that were found 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.
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 energetic and require a lot of space and freedom. They are generally strong and healthy with a life expectancy of ten years or more, but some genetic weaknesses occur in the bloodline. The international breeding standard and requirements are very strict and dogs may be turned down for being too big, too aggressive or having blue eyes. Dogs that show any physical or behavioral abnormalities will also not be accepted.
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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