The Boerboel is an ancient South African breed, and has now come to Norway. The breed has excisted since the middle of the 17th century, and one of it's forefathers was a mastiff breed, now extinct, which the Dutch settlers brought with them during the colonization of South Africa.
'Boerboel' is a name in Africaans meaning something like "the farmers
large dog". "Boer" means "farmer", and the word "boel",
which has nothing to do with the English word "bull", can be translated
into "large dog".
The boerboel has a long history. The Dutch settlers who colonized South Africa
needed big, strong dogs for protection in the new and unexplored country.
During the so-called "Groot trek" (the great roam, which has got
a key role in the history of South Africa), the settlers went further and
deeper into the country to find places to live, and they also brought their
dogs with them.
They travelled in waggons pulled by bovine, and after months of travel they
finally found places to settle. There they started to grow the fields and
build houses.
The conditions were harsh to the settlers, the climate being unusual for the Europeans, and perils lurking behind every bush. The farmers lived far apart from each other, and therefore they became quite isolated.
By time the dogs crossed with other, local South African breeds, and due to natural selection, only the strongest and most fit dogs were the ones to survive.The boerboel as a breed was born.
The farmers demanded a great deal from their dogs, and the dogs' roles were to function as a helper and friend during daytime, and making protection service during the night. The dogs were primarily to be faithful and obedient, in addition to having a great working capacity. The farm and the cattle were to be protected by the dogs, and on top of this, the dogs were to be used during hunting.
Throughout the years these family dogs continued their excellent guardian qualities, skills they still are in the possession of.
In today's society, the breed adapts excellently, since it, being a watchdog,
only guard when it's supposed to, in addition to being mentally stable. It
goes superb together with other dogs and animals. The breed does not seek
conflicts, and has got a well developed body language. The dog is, however,
quite proud and does not put up to being badly treated.
The boerboel always seeks contact with it's master, and enjoys spending time
with the family. This is not a "dog of one man", rather wanting
to be faithful to all of the members of the family.
One can easily train a boerboel when it comes to obediency, as well as seeking
and tracking, but the animal is first of all a watchdog. The guardian skills
are instinctive, and one does not need to train the dog when it comes to these
qualities.
The breed is secure and fearless, but in no way aggressive, and has a calm
aura about it. It is difficult not being impressed by the dog's presence,
because of the intelligent look in their eyes, a look that is open and straightforward.
In addition to this, the dog has got an impressive anatomy.
When it comes to size, we are talking about a middle sized dog with bones being well dimensioned. Males has an ideal heigth of 66-67 cm from the ground to the mane, and a weight of about 65-70 kg. Females are somewhat lighter builded, with an ideal mane height of just over 60 cm weighing just above 50 kg.
The colours of the boerboel come in shades of brindle, creamy yellow, from
light to reddish fawn.
The head is supposed to be broad, with a length of the muzzle of 8-10 cm.
The muzzle is always to be black. Ideally the dog has a scissor bite, but
both pincers- and under bite is accepted.
The musculature is to be well developed, and the bones are to be vigorous. The front leges are to be straight and the back legs medium angled. The paws are relativelly compact with vigorous claws. The ears are to hang in a straight line along the head as the dog becomes alert. The back is straight and broad.
In South Africa the tail is cut off, but since this is not allowed in the Scandinavian countries, the tail is carried long and sable shaped. The boerboel moves harmonically, powerful, yet relaxed and almost cat-like. It has got a boyant leap in play and is very flexible, despite being quite heavy.
The bread is approved in an organisation named SABT, the initials (in Africaans) meaning South African Boerboel breeders association. In SABT all approved boerboels are registered, and all pedigrees are made by this organisation. There are special trained judges who, with no exception, only judge boerboels, and for being able to control ongoing breeding, every breeding dog has to be judged by these officials.
The dogs are being judged on their visual appearance in adition to mental qualities. Only the dogs which fullfill the crieterias are approved. This way, one can deselect the dogs who show signs of weak mentality, or dogs not having proper physical conditions. There are held certain judging camps throughout most European, and some other, countries. This way, it is possible to map down all existing boerboels in the world.
Every boerboel goes through exactly the same kind of judging. This system is important, because there both in South Africa and in many other countries, are problems with non-serious breeders, who choose so-called 'boerboels' not race clean. These persons are having economic interests only, and has no knowledge of what a real boerboel is all about. Due to this fact, it is important to ensure that the boerboel is registered and doesn't come from such a "backyard breeder"
The breed is getting more popular every day, especially in the USA. This is a double edged sword, since the breed is under selective breeding, and therefore needs engaged and skilled breeders who knows the race and its characteristics.
Today, the boerboel breed is to be found all over the world, from Canada to Russia. Even Australians own boerboels. The breed deserves a warm reception in Norway, as in any other country, and hopefully it will have a future in the land of the fjords. After all, it is said that once you have learned to know a boerboel, you will never forget it.
Yours sincerely,
Vikings Boerboel Norway
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