A South African Farm dog, the Boerboel is a large strong dog. Also referred to as the South African Mastiff, they are used as land and family guards.
Temperament
A Boerboel should be very confident with a strong nerve. Temperament is the most important thing about the Boerboel. These dogs need to be very confident to have the capabilities to make good judgment calls. Sound temperament goes far beyond a wagging tail. There are many different driving forces at work in the temperament of every dog. Such as confidence, intensity, nerve, independence, dominance, to name a few. All of these things need to be tested to know of the level of there presence. All of these things play a huge role in the dog's behavior and are partially genetic. They should be very loyal and connected with their families and should have a natural love for their children. They are very intelligent and are athletic, especially when compared to many other mastiffs. They are a very dominant breed and while they should not be hard headed, they do require a strong pack leader if they are to excel in their homes. Boerboels do not make good first time dogs since a moderate understanding of dog behavior is a must. Socialization and obedience training is very important. These dogs are not for everyone. Boerboels do not make good back yard dogs. An active home that likes to take their dogs into social situations on a regular basis is very important for the dog's physical and mental well being.
History
They originally are believed to stem from the ancient dogs known as canis molassus. These were huge dogs that were used for protection, hunting large game, and battle. Around 1652 a dog known as a Bullenbijter arrived into the southern tip of Africa. Other colonists also arrived bringing with them large mastiff-type dogs. A barbaric tribe in southern Ethiopia known as Cynomones, had dogs that were described as Indian Dogs. They were descendants of the Babylonian dog. They were described as large strong dogs, suitable to fight lions. The Cynomones bred large numbers of these dogs, because during the late summer, large numbers of migrating wildebeest trekking past the Cynomones stampeded or destroyed their simple houses or shelters and other possessions. The dogs were specifically used to keep the wildebeest away from their homes, but also to catch them. During the remainder of the year they were used to hunt other animals. They also milked the bitches, just like other tribes milked their cattle or goats. This is why they were called the Cynomones or "Dog Milkers." In Africa various tribes moved south when they came into contact with Europeans; naturally their dogs moved with them. Therefore it can be said that the Boerboel was bred mainly from two sources of genetic material; the BullenBijter with its early roots in Albania and Syria and later Europe and the African dog of the black tribes of Africa which probably descended from the Cynomones of Ethiopia with earlier roots in Babylon. These statements also explain why the Boerboel is structually much better off than other Mastiff-type dogs. The genetic material that came together in Africa has more pure, original Syrian bloodlines than any other breed in the world. During the period of 1652-1838 the original Bullenbijter bloodline and other dogs of the colonists were of necessity more isolated than after the start of the Groot trek in 1838. The crucible of the Boerboel started after 1838 and continues today. Thanks to the vision of the SABT the Boerboel is now being preserved and is on the rise.
Choosing a Boerboel
So, you have done your research and realize the commitment you are getting yourself into, but still feel the Boerboel is the dog for you. You have the time, money, patience and space the dog will require. Now you need to find the dog that is right for your family. ONE OPTION IS ADOPTION. Many Boerboels go into rescue each year, many that are awesome dogs. Your next option is to buy a dog from a breeder. You will have to figure out what is best for your situation, family and checkbook. Whatever you decide, DO YOUR RESEARCH! This is very important. If you go with rescue make sure you are getting a rescue Boerboel from a reputable rescue. Make sure the dog has been thoroughly temperament tested by professionals. Most of the time the history of the dog is unavailable, so it is important for a behavioralist to give an accurate profile of the dog. If you go with a breeder , then make sure you find one that is really involved with the breed. A good breeder will have as many questions for you as you do for them. They will have their dogs appraised or shown. They will be active with the breed. They will have their dogs' hips certified. They will be there for you to ask questions after the purchase. They will have spay and neuter contracts on dogs that are not "Breeding Quality" and they will know how to match you up with a puppy to best fit your family.
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