Boerboel FAQs 1. Don't Boerboels have a reputation for being vicious? Yes, among the uninformed. Many "big brown dogs" are wrongly called "boerboels"; thus, much undeserved criticism falls upon the "good guys". Furthermore, many such "boerboels" have been interbred with breeds with different temperaments, which can introduce different behaviour characteristics. A properly bred and brought up Boerboel will not exhibit undue aggressiveness, except when really necessary; they seem to have an in-built ability to know when the appropriate time and occasion for this has arisen!

Shayla being licked to death

2. Do boerboels have any connection with Pit Bulls and Bull Terriers?

Henry with new friend at the Pretoria Show

Not except in the sound of the name; many breeds have a connection with "bulls" in their names. This may mean that they were originally bred for the barbaric sport of bull-baiting, or it may imply a reference to the dog as being "built like a bull". The Boerboel is his own dog and should not be judged on the bad press generated by the media which normally relates to other breeds, or to mongrels which have been crossed with more aggressive breeds of dog. One of the stipulated breeding standards laid down for the Boerboel by the controlling breeders' associations requires a lack of unnecessary aggression, and the responsible breeder concentrates upon this aspect in the development of his dogs.

3. What does the name "boerboel" mean?

Literally translated, the two parts of the name are:

• "boer"; farmer, farming or to farm - particularly with reference to an Afrikaans South African farmer.
• "boel"; in this context, a large dog.
• "boerboel" is translated by Bosman, Van der Merwe, Hiemstra Bilingual Dictionary as "boer mastiff".

4. Why are top-class Boerboels referred to as "registered" and not as "pedigree" like other dogs?

"Pedigree" simply means "recorded ancestry" or "recorded lineage", and top-class Boerboels certainly have recorded ancestries. The term pedigree is not commonly used in the Boerboel world, although it is used by the Kennel Union, which is the worldwide organisation that governs canine affairs relating to breeding standards, registration of dogs as "pedigree", etc. In the world of Boerboels, we register our dogs at birth with one or more of the three South African Boerboel Breeders Associations, SABT, HBSA or EBBASA. (These associations are discussed in more detail in our History and Today page). At 12 months of age each individual dog is judged, or appraised, on his or her own merits and earns an appraisal rating expressed as a percentage figure. To be registered as a breeding dog, it must achieve at least 75%; good examples achieve over 80% and a very, very few of the best dogs rate in the low to middle 90s. In the Kennel Union context, a puppy is said to be "pedigree" if born to pedigreed parents; naturally, these pups are also registered with the Kennel Union, so the whole thing really comes down to a difference in terminology.

Antonia at 10 weeks old

5. What should I be careful of when buying a Boerboel pup?

A number of things. Principally;

• Ensure that you buy from a breeder who tests his breeding animals for hip dysplasia and vaginal prolapse, and who sets correspondingly high standards.
• Stick to the best bloodlines - if you don't know what they are, ask us and other reputable breeders - as many as possible!
• Ascertain the family tree of your pup before you buy, and obtain a guarantee that a registered birth certificate, with one of the reputable breeders' associations, will be issued by the breeder upon purchase.
• Make sure that your puppy will be implanted with an identifying microchip bearing a unique number which can only be read electronically, prior to his leaving his home kennels.
• Ensure that copies of all certificates and identification papers are sent to you by e-mail or fax before the puppy is purchased. This way you get guarantees of what you are buying.
• Make sure that the Seller requires that you enter into a stipulated contract of sale which lays down the obligations of both parties. This way, you know what the breeder is guaranteeing you, and have recourse against him if he defaults.

• Can I come and view your dogs, your kennels and your breeding facilities?
• Are the parents of the puppies registered with one of the three breeders' associations?
• Have you had the parents appraised by the association?
• Do you have (association) registration papers for them?
• Can I have copies of the registration certificates?
• Are the parents checked for hip dysplasia?
• Can I have copies of their hip x-ray certificates?
• Do you issue breeding association birth certificates with these puppies?
• Is the mother of the puppies certified as being free of vaginal prolapse?
• Can I have a copy of her certificate?

6. I have a Boerboel but it is not registered. How can I get my dog registered?

Unfortunately, only with great difficulty. Firstly, you have to find out whether or not your dogs' parents were registered with one of the breeding associations. If they were, then you should have been given a birth certificate by the breeder when you bought the dog; the odds are therefore that they are not registered. In this case you may try to get your dog registered on its own merits.

The SABT used to have a "development list" that unregistered dogs could be put onto; this system has now been discontinued. EBBASA has never had such a list. HBSA does have a development list but only the very best dogs may be placed upon it, following appraisal.

If on the other hand, you already have a birth certificate for your dog and simply want to register it, then you have to take your dog along to an Appraisal (or judging) day held by the relevant association, the name and contact details of which appear on your birth certificate.

To find out when and where the next appraisal is to be held, contact the association's office or alternatively, ask us through our "Contact us" page; we will send you the information you need.

7. I already have a dog/dogs; if I get a Boerboel, how will it get on with the other/s?

It is very difficult to tell. There are a few rules of thumb however. If your Boerboel grows up from a puppy with the other dog/s there is a better chance of them (all?) getting on well. All dogs get on better with dogs of the opposite sex than with dogs of the same sex. Remove bitches on heat; if there is a bitch on heat present then trouble between males is inevitable, and trouble from other females is likely between certain individuals. Neutered and spayed dogs will generally get along better in a group. Be aware that once a habit of fighting has become established it will be very difficult to break, and that the establishment of separate living areas may become necessary.

Puppy Play Time

Spot the Boerboel

Yep ! The Boerboel is the tan body snug as a bug with all his buddies,

Induna Blade just adores his Dalmatian friend Mac and as you can see the two cats are not left out of the equation. With a BOERBOEL there is enough love to go around for even the most unlikely of pals !!!!

8. Will my Boerboel bitch settle down better if she has one litter before I spay her?

No. This is an old wives' tale, as is the companion fable that she will guard her home more possessively after she has had pups in it.

9. What should I feed my Boerboel?

The best food you can; ideally, correctly measured daily amounts of a balanced and complete dry pellet dog food from the veterinarian. Supermarket dog foods are greatly inferior to these, and will require supplementing to ensure your Boerboel's dietary needs. Do not expect your Boerboel to achieve his best growth or to stay in peak condition if you feed him poorly. Do not overfeed your Boerboel - you will take years off his life and may damage his hips if he becomes overweight.

Suzie taking care of Shayla

10. Are Boerboels safe with kids? They are wonderful with kids. Do ensure, however, that your children are good with Boerboels … and every other kind of dog for that matter. Teach your child to respect the dog and to treat him properly. Beware of cross-bred dogs, however, which may have a completely different temperament to the properly bred Boerboel.

11. Are Boerboels easily trained?

As easy to train as most dogs, and probably easier than most because of their high intelligence and eagerness to please.

12. Will a Boerboel puppy wreck my garden?

Yes, entirely, if you let him, but no more than will any other large dog. In common with all other breeds of dog, the Boerboel loves to dig, to chew and to generally crash around at play, especially for the first year or so of its life. If you wish to preserve your garden, you have to limit your dog's access to it.

13. What is hip dysplasia and how does it affect Boerboels?

Most large breeds of dogs are affected by hip dysplasia and the Boerboel is no exception. For a detailed explanation, go to our page on Hip Dysplasia.

Briefly, hip dysplasia is a genetically caused affliction that is aggravated by incorrect diet and over-exercise. Simply put, the ball-joint at the hip is a poor fit in the socket, which causes movement problems and discomfort. If present in a puppy, it will gradually get worse and will eventually lead to crippling arthritis and inability to walk; this means either hip replacement or euthanasia.

HD can only be detected by x-ray examination, which is carried out when the dog is around one year old. Hips are graded from 0 (nil dysplasia) to 4 (severe dysplasia) and each hip is graded individually; thus a 0-1 hip report means that one hip is clear of dysplasia and the other has a mild degree of dysplasia.

If you Boerboel is to enjoy a full and healthy life he should have hips no worse than 2-2. Grades of hips in the 3 and 4 category are going to cause problems within a few years.

What to do to avoid this? Buy your Boerboel pup from a breeder who only uses 0-0 or 1-1 breeding stock, and who guarantees his pups. This minimises the possibility of passing on the genetic defect in its more severe forms. (See also Question 5 above.)

Click here to read more about Hip Dysplasia