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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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