About the Boerboel
The Boerboel, also known as the South African Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed developed to protect farms and homesteads in South Africa.
A Boerboel can weigh in excess of 80kg and its height can exceed 60-70cm to the withers.
Its history is rooted in the needs of Dutch settlers (Boers) who required a strong, versatile dog for guarding against predators and livestock. The breed is believed to be a result of crossbreeding between various mastiff-type dogs brought by settlers, including Bullenbijters and other large breeds, with native African canines.
The Boerboel’s origins trace back to the 17th century when Dutch settlers arrived in South Africa with their large, powerful dogs.
These dogs were essential for protecting farms from predators like lions, hyenas, and baboons, as well as for guarding livestock and property.
The Boerboel’s lineage is thought to include Bullenbijters (a type of large, strong dog), other mastiff breeds, and possibly indigenous African dogs.
Over time, the Boerboels were bred for specific traits like strength, intelligence, and loyalty, resulting in the breed we know today.
While the breed existed for centuries, it wasn’t until the 1980s that formal breed associations were established to preserve and standardize the Boerboel.
The Boerboel gained recognition from various kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club in 2015, helping to increase its popularity worldwide.
SABBS and breed registrations
The South African Boerboel Breeders Society or SABBS is the official registry for the Boerboel breed in South Africa, responsible for maintaining breed standards, registration, and evaluation.
Established in 1983 as the South African Boerboel Breeders Association (SABT/SABBA), it was later registered under the Animal Improvement Act in 2012 and became operational in 2014.
SABBS is the legally recognized custodian of the Boerboel breed and oversees its identification, recording, evaluation, and improvement.
SABBS conducts appraisals of Boerboels, assessing various conformation points and providing feedback on a dog’s strengths and areas for improvement
Boerboel Ownership
Boerboels are not for first time dog owners. This breed requires experienced handling from experienced owners.
Owning a Boerboel requires the owner to invest time and commitment to training and socialising the dog as early as possible and continuing this through the dogs life.
The Boerboel can be strong willed and stubborn. They bond very strongly with owners and families and can be very affectionate if raised properly. The bond a Boerboel forms with its owners and family, makes this breed very difficult to rehome.
Whilst not requiring miles and miles of exercise, and too much exercise can be harmful particularly to your dogs joints, these dogs do need enrichment and depending on the drive of the dog may need varying degrees of exercise.
