Boerboel Breeders Across The Globe Have To Abide By Strict International Standards
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.
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.
The very first Association for Breeders of Boerboels was established in 1983 in the Senekal area of the Free State in South Africa to ennoble and promote them as a unique South African dog breed. It is the only South African dog breed that was specifically bred for the purpose of protecting the homestead. Soon, breeding with these muscular dogs became a popular hobby and rewarding industry in South Africa and many were also exported to other parts of the world.
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.
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.
The very first Association for Breeders of Boerboels was established in 1983 in the Senekal area of the Free State in South Africa to ennoble and promote them as a unique South African dog breed. It is the only South African dog breed that was specifically bred for the purpose of protecting the homestead. Soon, breeding with these muscular dogs became a popular hobby and rewarding industry in South Africa and many were also exported to other parts of the world.
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.
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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