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| The Boerboel, simply put, is the large breed of dog developed in
Southern Africa over the last few hundred years, specifically for
homestead security and family protection. Incorporating elements of
a number of breeds, the boerboel is regarded as and described by some
as the "boer mastiff". This description, although to a certain degree
accurate, does not really do the boerboel justice; he is more than
this terse description implies, as is illustrated in our page History
and Today.
The boerboel is probably the most frequently mis-identified dog
ever, even in its own homeland. Many people here in South Africa
will mistakenly identify whole ranges of "big brown dogs" as being
boerboels. Many people, even South Africans, will also spell the
name incorrectly; Boerbul or Boerbull are common misnomers. |
Suzie and Shayla
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These same tendencies to mis-identification as well as natural association
made via the "bull" part of the name, have also led to gross misconceptions
as to the character of the dog; the reputedly savage nature of the pit-bull,
for example, has rubbed off by word-association upon the innocent boerboel,
who is actually one of the nicest guys you could ever want to meet.
Whilst the boerboel is certainly no slouch should anybody be looking
for a fight, he or she has one of the most amiable dispositions you could
ever wish for in a dog (or in any other creature, including people). Boerboels
are packed from one end to the other with solid affection, and their greatest
desire in life is to have somebody to give it all to, preferably in large
helpings.
Wanting a Kiss |
Boerboels are also wonderful with kids, and have an endearing habit
of deciding that the smallest child in the family is their own personal
responsibility, and has therefore to be looked after under all circumstances.
This principle, naturally enough, also applies to the lady of the
house, who can look forward to unlimited and unsolicited love and
protection from her great big bundle of fun - who may also happen
to weigh between 50 and 75 kilograms and is very strong, sharp and
noisy on one end as and when it may become necessary. |
The development of the breed as the protector and friend of homestead and
family has naturally enough led to the Boerboel of today being very territorial
and protective of his or her home patch, whether the potential or actual
intruder has two legs or four. As may be expected, the Boerboel's zone of
protection automatically extends to wherever the Missus and kids happen
to be at any time, and a vehicle with a Boerboel in it may be regarded as
being strictly off-limits to those with ill intentions.
Since different types of dogs have been developed over the years to
be better suited to do different specific jobs, which require differing
attributes in the dogs, the distinction may be drawn here between a home
protection dog and a pure watchdog. The latter may be of any breed whatsoever,
provided it is large, is reasonably aggressive, has lots of teeth and
a lusty bark; it may also be from one of the breeds that were originally
developed for military or police work, or for fighting.
| However, in order to make sure that you obtain such a temperament
in your dog as is necessary to ensure the safety of the family itself,
and particularly of the children within it, attention should also
be given to such aspects as the raison d'etre of the breed in the
first place and the temperament which was required of the breed for
its original purpose.
Some breeds of dog are better at protecting the home and the family,
whilst being part of it themselves, than are others. The South African
Boerboel is superb at it, since it is what he was designed for in
the first place. |
Jake and new friend at Pretoria show |
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