The Boerboel has a very interesting history. This huge, mastiff breed originally came from South Africa. Their strong, muscular body and strength made them excellent watch dogs on farms. In those days, wild animals like lions, mountain leopards and hyenas still roamed freely on farms. This was the only dog breed specifically bred in South Africa to protect homesteads from these intruders. Their unique qualities found favor across the globe and in order to protect the pure bloodline, Boerboel breeders must know the characteristics of this breed and comply with very strict international standards and regulations.
The name Boerboel is a combination of boer (the Dutch word for farmer) and the English word "bull" that sounded like "boel" to Dutch farmers. Their distinctive looks, strong, muscular body, protective instincts and good nature made these dogs very popular among farmers.
To protect the unique qualities of the breed from cross-breeding, the first association specifically for breeders of the Boerboel was established in 1983 in the Free State Province of South Africa. The association provided owners and breeders with a strict set of regulatory standards in order to maintain a pure and uniform bloodline. Breeding and marketing them as a unique South African breed soon became a profitable business that also spread to Europe and other countries.
Different folks require different strokes and eventually various associations were founded in different parts of the world. In 2008, Boerboel International was established to provide a global standard and code of conduct for breeders and owners. The boerboel with its inherent love of space and freedom also did not adjust equally well in all countries. In 2010 the breed was banned from Denmark for its protective instincts that were found too aggressive.
Boerboel International was eventually established in 2008 to serve as a global platform for breeders regarding a uniform set of standards and code of ethics. The appraisal system is very strict and covers a huge range of qualities ranging from size, pigmentation, coat and color to temperament and health reports. Today, there are several bodies for breeders and owners to choose from according to their specific criteria. The black coat, for instance, is not accepted by all associations.
The breed has strong territorial instincts. Their calm, stable nature, as well as their intelligence and obedience, make them even today the guarding breed of choice among modern day farmers. For breeding purposes, seven sections are measured on a scale of 3 to 5 and potential breeders need to adhere to them: general appearance, head, neck, front quarter, center piece, hind quarter and movement.
Breeders and buyers of a Boerboel should know what make them tick before they get carried away. These dogs are generally healthy and easily live up to ten years, but they can also suffer from a few genetic ailments that they are prone to inherit, especially hip or elbow problems. Vaginal hyperplasia and even juvenile epilepsy also appear in this breed.
Potential owners and breeders should know that their dog will require a lot of their time and energy. They love space and human interaction, but they also need structure and specialized training and a firm hand. If you leave them alone for too long, they may well get out of hand and unruly due to boredom and loneliness. If handled correctly, these dogs are some of the most loving and loyal family members one can wish for.
The name Boerboel is a combination of boer (the Dutch word for farmer) and the English word "bull" that sounded like "boel" to Dutch farmers. Their distinctive looks, strong, muscular body, protective instincts and good nature made these dogs very popular among farmers.
To protect the unique qualities of the breed from cross-breeding, the first association specifically for breeders of the Boerboel was established in 1983 in the Free State Province of South Africa. The association provided owners and breeders with a strict set of regulatory standards in order to maintain a pure and uniform bloodline. Breeding and marketing them as a unique South African breed soon became a profitable business that also spread to Europe and other countries.
Different folks require different strokes and eventually various associations were founded in different parts of the world. In 2008, Boerboel International was established to provide a global standard and code of conduct for breeders and owners. The boerboel with its inherent love of space and freedom also did not adjust equally well in all countries. In 2010 the breed was banned from Denmark for its protective instincts that were found too aggressive.
Boerboel International was eventually established in 2008 to serve as a global platform for breeders regarding a uniform set of standards and code of ethics. The appraisal system is very strict and covers a huge range of qualities ranging from size, pigmentation, coat and color to temperament and health reports. Today, there are several bodies for breeders and owners to choose from according to their specific criteria. The black coat, for instance, is not accepted by all associations.
The breed has strong territorial instincts. Their calm, stable nature, as well as their intelligence and obedience, make them even today the guarding breed of choice among modern day farmers. For breeding purposes, seven sections are measured on a scale of 3 to 5 and potential breeders need to adhere to them: general appearance, head, neck, front quarter, center piece, hind quarter and movement.
Breeders and buyers of a Boerboel should know what make them tick before they get carried away. These dogs are generally healthy and easily live up to ten years, but they can also suffer from a few genetic ailments that they are prone to inherit, especially hip or elbow problems. Vaginal hyperplasia and even juvenile epilepsy also appear in this breed.
Potential owners and breeders should know that their dog will require a lot of their time and energy. They love space and human interaction, but they also need structure and specialized training and a firm hand. If you leave them alone for too long, they may well get out of hand and unruly due to boredom and loneliness. If handled correctly, these dogs are some of the most loving and loyal family members one can wish for.
About the Author:
You can get excellent tips on how to choose a Boerboel breeder and more information about reliable Boerboel breeders at http://prairieboerboels.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment