Boerboel Breed Description

An Owner's Boerboel South African Description
I really wanted a Boerboel South African dog the moment I saw one, and I thought I could handle Stubs easily enough. But he has such a mind of his own, I now realize that he really would have done best in the hands of an experienced dog handler. Stubs certainly is not a bad or unruly dog; it's just that he can be so headstrong that a firm consistent voice might have made his training easier for both of us.

His iron will is probably tied to his high energy level and his frustration of not being able to work as he was really bred - this is a mastiff designed to guard South African homesteads, which can be huge, and they are used to track and hold wounded game for hunters. Anyway, he's a great dog and a good companion, but I can see the value of professional training. I've learned that different breeds respond to different techniques. And though I wanted a bulky and massive dog and something a little different, I really should have taken into account the strong personality and not just his strong physical attributes.

I must say, in his defense, that he has learned my limitations and will ease up a bit when he hears distress in my voice. Maybe that's what makes him a unique individual. Now I find he'll acquiesce with a little less urging from me than at first. In spite his difficult nature and what appears to be, at times, an independent air, he has really grown on me. We have learned to stay busy and exercise daily and to find new things for him to do, which has helped me to stay active as well.

 

 

Introduction

The South African Boerboel is a large, strong and intelligent working dog that has been bred in Africa since approximately the 17th century. Various mastiff-type dogs from Europe as well as large dogs from Africa contributed to the development of the Boerboels. Typical breed qualities of the South African Boerboel show a remarkable resemblance to Syrian dogs of the period up to 700 BC. The Boerboel is well balanced with well-developed muscles. These dogs have resilient movement and are impressive and imposing figures of strength. Male South African Boerboels appear more masculine and females more feminine. Temperament-wise, the Boerboel is reliable, obedient and intelligent with good watchdog instincts. The Boerboel is also self-confident and without fear.

History

While the South African Boerboel has been part of the history of that continent since the 1700s, at present the breed is so rare elsewhere that it has been part of the AKC's Foundation Stock Service since 2006. It is the hope of the concerned breeders working to increase the numbers of these impressive dogs that full breed status will be granted soon. In the interim, this ancient dog is one of the rare breeds today.

Dutch settlers brought large dogs with them to help settle the African continent; there are records of British colonists doing the same thing, and there are African tribes where large dogs were kept. It is easy to extrapolate the crossbreeding of these animals, and once Mastiff lines were introduced, the South African Boerbel became much like the dog we know today.

There is a much older tale, however, going all the way back to Assyria in 640 B.C.On a stone panel in the British Museum, taken from the North Palace of Ashurbanipal (find it in Room E, number 13 in the Museum's Assyrian rooms) there is a wall carving showing attendants leading mastiffs on a hunt. Being the impressive beasts they were, it is not surprising that one was presented to Alexander the Great as a gift. As that story goes, Alexander was tremendously disappointed in the dog, because it refused to hunt any of the game he set before it. When he told the giver (the King of Albania) of his dissatisfaction, the Albanian explained he'd not challenged the dog and that such hounds had little interest in taking down a deer or a boar and therefore wouldn't go after them. The King sent another mastiff to Alexander and told him challenge the animal. Details are a bit thing, but it seems the Albanian was right and the dog made quick work of a lion and of an elephant. From that time forward, Alexander the Great kept Mastiffs!

The convergence of the ancient and modern ages reached perfection in the Boerboel. Devoted to the family, protective of both property and people, fearless without aggressiveness. As their popularity increases, more people are bound to become enamored of this remarkable breed.

General Description

Dispensing with show standards for a moment, imagine a Mastiff with less loose skin, less jowl and dewlap, less folds of flesh and more prominent muscle ... and you'd have a South African Boerboel.

The Boerboel's head is broad and square. Ears are v-shaped and set both high and wide. The top of the head is broad and flat, with the muscles prominent yet not looking furrowed like the bull dog. The stop is visible but in a proportionate way, not with exceeding prominence. Black muzzle has widely spaced large nostrils. While the upper lip is somewhat loose, it covers the lower lip but does not hang lower than the lower jaw. The muscular neck displays loose skin under the throat; that looseness disappears as the skin extends between the front legs. Broad backed and wide chested, Boerboels have straight front legs.

Smooth short fur is dense; colors are brown, cream (white), pale tawny and reddish brown along with all combinations of brindle. It has been traditional to dock their tails to eliminate something predators could grab.

Temperament

In Afrikaans, Boerboel means farm dog, and the animal is a unique combination of mental and physical aptitude that makes Boerboels ideal for a host of tasks and activities. They are devoted family pets and have limitless energy. Best in families with children where they can play to their heart's content, they also need significant amounts of exercise. Their energetic and vivacious personalities need the stimulation of play and work to be happy, and regular access to the outdoors helps. While a small fenced yard might be enough for a Boerboel, it is unlikely one can be happy in an apartment no matter how diligent the owner may be about long walks.

Health and Care

Low shedders, these dogs are basically maintenance free. Little more than regular petting will keep their fur looking gleaming. Bathe only when necessary, and as with all large breeds, acclimate the pup when young to the regular nail clipping and teeth brushing that will be lifelong rituals.

Colors

various shades of red, brown, black, or fawn

Living Area

Not recommended for apartment life. They should, at least, have a large, fenced in yard to run and play.

Recognized By

SABT, APRI, HBSA, EBBASA, RIBC, SMBA, USBA, DRA

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