The South African Boerboel
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Boerboel - a big farm dog of uncertain origins. This dictionary definition is now a thing of the past. The South African Boerboel is now a recognised "pure breed". Research has revealed that the ancestry of the Boerboel can be traced as far back as the time of Herodotus and to Tibet, Assyria and Babylon.
The Boerboel's beginnings date back to the 17th century, when South African farmers developed a sturdy working breed from various European mastiff-type dogs as well as large dogs native to Africa. Much has already been written on the descent of the Boerboel but nobody can state with certainty that it is bred from one, two or more breeds of dogs.
What is confirmed by investigation is that Jan van Riebeeck brought with him a "bullenbijter" on his arrival to the Cape. This dog was a large strong breed which reminded one of the Mastiff type of dog. Those who followed Van Riebeeck to the Cape, had also brought with them only the largest and strongest dogs, and over a period of decades only the strongest survived in the now and desolated country. With the arrival of the British Settlers in 1820 they brought amongst others the Bulldog and Mastiff type of dog. (In 1938 the real Bull Mastiff was imported to South Africa by De Beers to guard the diamonds mines. It is also known that they imported a champion obtained from the Hottentots, played a role in the development of the Boerboel. The "Boerdogs" (as they are known) were scattered by the Voortrekkers during the Great Trek and they continued to breed with them. According to tradition, after the Anglo Boer War in 1902, these dogs were cross-bred with the English long-legged Bulldog and also the with the Bull Mastiff, in the late and early 1950's. The history is especially known among the farmers of the North-Eastern Free State, Northern Natal and in parts of Transvaal.
At the turn of the century, the characteristics of the old original dog were clearly visible and the dog was generally known as the "Bole" The years that followed almost brought tragedy to the Boerboel. Urbanisation caused cross-breeding with anything that could bark and the typical "Bole" started to disappear. It was only in the eighties that a serious search started again for the original farm dog.
A few people took the initiative and the South African Boerboel Breeders Association was formed. Their main aim was to let the original Boerboel take its rightful place as a South African dog among other dog breeds of the world.A search covering thousands of kilometres followed. Selective breeding started, many disappointments followed, but also immense joys too! At last the dog of our forefathers was ready to be registered as a pure breed.In the meantime the Breeders Association has grown to in excess of 500 members. They are widely spread throughout South Africa and Namibia. Each year in November they have a big get-together and people from all over converge at Kroonstad whereby dogs and people can look each other over.
The Boerboel is an athletic Mastiff, like the Mastiffs of old days, and it is capable of doing kinds of work other Mastiff breeds only can dream of.
Males should be 25-28 inches tall, females should be 23-25.5 inches. Fully grown and in prime condition, the breed weight is about 110-165 pounds. The Boerboel will get enough exercise if they have a large yard to run and play. They have a short coat, and the colors can be Brindle, yellow (lion), grey, redbrown, brown, with white markings, with or without black muzzles, will be acceptable.
