The Boerboel, pronounced "bore-bull," derives its name from the Dutch/Afrikaans languages, where "boer" signifies "farmer" and "boel" means "dog." Originally bred as farm working dogs, Boerboels are known as the South African Mastiffs, characterized by their calm and stable nature, muscular build, and warm affection towards families.
Characteristics of the Boerboel
The Boerboel is a very calm and stable breed, with a great composure and confidence. Their most defining features and traits include a muscular build contrasted with a warm and affectionate nature around families. Top Tier Boerboels puppies are known to have long life expectancies, making them a loyal companion with high levels of intelligence and trainability.
Key Traits:
- Adult Weight: Male 143-176 pounds; Female: 110-143 pounds
- Height: 22-27 inches
- Coat: Short, dense, soft, smooth, and shiny
- Color: Fawns, reds, blacks, browns, brindle, piebald, and Irish markings
Choosing a Boerboel Breeder
Selecting the right breeder is crucial to ensuring you get a healthy and well-adjusted Boerboel. Here are some reputable breeders known for their dedication to the breed's standards and the well-being of their dogs:
D & K Boerboels
D & K Boerboels are breeders of the magnificent South African Boerboel. They have young males and females for sale and offer a variety of colors, including Irish, Exotic Brindle, Reverse Brindle, Blue, Black, Black & Tan, and Blue & Tan.
Note: Black and tan Boerboels are not officially recognized by major breed organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC), as their coloring falls outside the breed standard.
Read also: Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority
Top Tier Boerboels
Located in St. Louis, MO, Top Tier Boerboels is committed to providing families nationwide with healthy and well-behaved South African Boerboel puppies. They focus on socializing their dogs, ensuring they are DNA tested, vet checked, and microchipped.
Freedom Boerboels LLC
Shane and Elizabeth McElheny of Freedom Boerboels LLC have been breeding Boerboels for a number of years. Their mission is to produce well-balanced and healthy Boerboels that are athletic, loyal, protective, and good with children. They are very selective about their breeding program, pairing only dogs that complement each other and have had extensive health testing and registered/appraised.
Boerboel Dog Breed – 4 Comprehensive Physical Appearance, Information and Fact
What to Look For in a Responsible Breeder
When choosing a Boerboel breeder, consider the following:
- Health Testing: Ensure the breeder provides Embark DNA testing and Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA) health checks on all Boerboel’s parents and litters.
- Registration: Check if the adults are registered with reputable organizations like SABBS (South African Boerboel Society).
- Environment: Opt for breeders who raise their dogs in a family environment with lots of animals, ensuring they are well-socialized.
- Transparency: Look for breeders who pride themselves on providing integrity, honesty, and full transparency of their breeding program.
- Support: Choose breeders who offer ongoing support, providing helpful resources and guidance to new owners.
The Importance of Socialization and Training
In addition to breeding and raising well-balanced and healthy Boerboels, breeders should also focus on training and socialization. Puppies should be introduced to various stimuli, such as people, animals, and different environments, to ensure they are well-adjusted and confident. Early socialization is vital to developing a well-rounded and well-behaved dog.
Read also: Discover Thula Thula
Read also: Traditional South African Bread
