Boerboel

The Boerboel, an Afrikaans word meaning farmer’s dog, is a member of the Mastiff family. He was developed by 17th-century Dutch settlers in South Africa to protect their families, farms and livestock. In appearance, this breed stands out for his blocky head; large, muscular body; and red, fawn or brown coat, sometimes with a black mask. The breed’s Mastiff heritage is evident in his wrinkled forehead; broad, deep muzzle; and titanic size. The Boerboel is agile for his size and can be energetic, especially when young. Activities in which this breed tends to excel (health permitting, of course) can include agility, obedience trials, protection sports, rally, therapy visits, weight pulling and working stock. The Boerboel is best suited to a home with a securely fenced yard. He should never be allowed to roam free. Not surprisingly, the Boerboel often has a protective, territorial nature. He is usually wary of strangers and can be an excellent watchdog. Early and extensive socialization is essential to help reduce the chances that he'll become shy or aggressive. A Boerboel should live with a person or family who is experienced with dogs and will spend plenty of time training, playing with and exercising him. Predators the Boerboel was expected to drive off included baboons and leopards. Beneath his fur, the Boerboel’s skin is dark, a trait thought to help protect him from the African climate. The Boerboel’s coat can be brindle, cream, brown, tawny, red or reddish brown. Some have a black mask or white markings. Piebald (a spotting pattern of large white areas) and Irish pattern (any color or pattern with white spotting) markings are also seen. When Dutch farmers went to South Africa, they took dogs with them. One of those farmers was Jan van Riebeeck, who brought a type of dog called a bullenbijter or bullenbeisser, which translates roughly to bull biter. This nameless Mastiff-type dog, along with indigenous African dogs, was one of the ancestors of the Boerboel. The farmers needed tough dogs they thought could withstand the hot climate and harsh surroundings and stand up to predators such as hyenas, big cats and baboons. The Boers, as the farmers were known, created a dog who would be loyal, obedient and protective. Later, when diamond mining became an important industry, the dogs were bred with Bullmastiffs, who had been brought in to guard the mines. Rhodesian Ridgebacks also contributed to the Boerboel’s development. In the 1980s, South African dog lovers set out to establish a standard for the breed. They selected 72 dogs that met their criteria. Today, the Boerboel is still considered a rare breed throughout the world. The American Kennel Club classifies the Boerboel as a working dog and granted it full recognition in January 2015, paving the way for the breed’s participation in conformation showing and other AKC events. This is a smart dog with a strong work ethic and a self-assured temperament. It’s important for him to have a job. Tasks at which he tends to excel include guarding livestock, protecting property and (health permitting) competing in dog sports. This dog is generally devoted to his people, especially children, and has a strong desire for human companionship. He usually gets along well with other animals if he is raised with them, caring for them just as he does the rest of the family. If you already have a dog, it’s best to choose a Boerboel of the opposite sex to help avoid intermale or interfemale aggression. Most Boerboels are reserved toward strangers, although some are more social than others. Although the Boerboel tends to be good with children, he is not a babysitter and should never be left alone with young children. Conversely, children should never be allowed to poke, prod or otherwise torment him, no matter how patient he may seem. The Boerboel seems to think he’s a natural leader. He needs an experienced owner whom he can respect and trust.