|
|
|
Boerboels are large mastiff
dogs, which have been used for farm and protection work in
South Africa. Generally males grow to around 65 - 70cm tall at
the shoulder and weigh approximately 65 - 80 kg. Females are
usually slightly shorter at around 60 cm and weigh less than
the males at around 50 - 65 kg.
Boerboels are obedient, intelligent, self-assured and bred to
have an extremely strong guarding instinct. Prospective owners
must recognise that owning a boerboel requires a significant
commitment in time and energy. Boerboels must be well-trained
and socialised in order to be happy members of the family.
They need to have plenty of space and physical and mental
exercise.
The Boerboel is thought to derive from European mastiff and
bull breeds and native South African dogs. The European dogs
that were brought to South African by European settlers may
have been Boarhounds, Broholmers, and Bullenbijters. Boerboels
may have some ancestry from these as well as the blood from
the native dogs.
The Boer dogs were originally used for hunting as well as
guarding, but more recently they have principally been used as
guards. The name Boerboel literally means "Farmer's mastiff".
In 1990 the Boerboel breed was in danger of being lost and a
group of fanciers (later to become the South African Boerboel
Breeders’ Association, usually abbreviated to “SABT”) started
scouring South Africa for eligible dogs to use as a breeding
base. Of the hundreds found, 72 were evaluated and registered.
A development register was also maintained for some years to
widen the gene pool, i.e., dogs, which on appraisal, were
considered to be good Boerboels could be registered even if
their parentage was unknown. The SABT has now closed its
development register.
As might be expected given their utilitarian background,
Boerboels generally have a vigorous constitution, and few
major heath problems. However, the Boerboels can suffer from
hip or elbow dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, and entropion.
The Boerboel is not registered with the UK or Irish Kennel
Clubs and cannot be shown in the UK. Boerboels are registered
in South Africa with either the SABT, HBSA or EBBASA. The
headquarters of all these organizations are in South Africa.
The SABT was the first breed organization founded and has the
largest membership. Prior to registration, Boerboels are
appraised in accordance with the Breed Standard. All the breed
organizations operate an appraisal system. In order to be
registered, a Boerboel must be birth recorded as having been
bred from registered parents and must pass an appraisal by a
qualified assessor. All registries will only register the
offspring of dogs which have passed their appraisal
The dog must be at least 9 months old when appraised, it can
be re-appraised at a later date. (Males will generally score
more highly when mature.) The dog is scored against an ideal
and the subsequent score is translated into a percentage. SABT
requires that all dogs must score 75% or more to be
registered. |
Information courtesy of the
UK Boerboel
Club
Buying your first
Boerboel puppy? Click here to read our new
buyers guide to buying a puppy.
|
online
>>
