Much has been said and written about the history of the Boerboel.

Even Alexander the Great used Mastiff type big dogs for hunting, fighting wild animals and as war dogs.  These dogs were “Molosoides”, a word derived from “Molosos”, a nation of peoples that in ancient times lived in Albania.

Another historic fact that can be confirmed with certainty can be found in the journals of Jan Van Riebeeck.  Jan Van Riebeeck (born 21 abril 1619 in Culemberg) was the first Dutch colonist of South Africa.  The Grand Expedition heading north was a very dangerous journey, with the emigrants encountering aridity, cold, mountains, valleys, and wild animals.  The Dutch colonists brought with them their strongest dogs, such as the Bullenbijter, to protect themselves from the many dangers.  Other colonists, such as the English, brought their Mastiffs and Bulldogs; the French brought their Dogos de Bordeos; the Italians their Cane Corsos and Mastiffs.  During the Great Expedition many died, people and animals alike.  Only the strongest lived.

These surviving dogs bred between them resulting in crossbreds.  This is how the Bull Mastiff came into being:  the crossing of a Bulldog and a Mastiff.

The indigenous population also had a strong native dog, the “the primitive African dog”; this dog bred with European dogs, and these offspring were the original Boerboel dogs, called “Boeleboel”.  While these dogs didn´t have physical appearance and characteristics  of the Boerboel that we know today, they were strong, resistant to illness and disease and were good guard dogs.

These Boerboel dogs were much appreciated by the farm people (“Boeren”).  Because of the isolated lives that these farm people lived, the dogs often were interbred.   These pioneers needed dogs that were friend, worker, guardian and fighter.  Disobedience, bad temperament and sickness could not be tolerated as these dogs had to protect their owners, work, fight and even to kill.   By the 1900s characteristics of these farm dogs became distinctive, and the dogs became known as the “Boele”.    The following years, however, almost proved fatal for the Boerboel breed due to the ensuing crossbreeding that occurred with other dogs as the farm people moved to the cities, and as farmland became urbanized.    

“All that barked” was being bred together and the typical “Boele” began to disappear.

Several brave people took the initiative to control the breeding and the S.A.B.T. (South African Boerboel Breeders Association) was formed.  Their objectives were to establish the Boerboel as the original dog of South Africa and to distinguish it from other breeds of the world.

A search of thousands of miles ensued and selective breeding began, resulting in successes as well as some failures.  

At last the dog of our ancestors was registered and listed as a pure breed.

This is how the modern breeding program began.

Alongside the SABT, another association called EBBASA (The Elite Association of  South African Boerboels), was founded by Mr. Piet Sprinkhuizen in 1980. The EBBASA took the initiative to start the foundation with the objective to make the Boerboel a unique dog amongst other breeds of the world.  Each time Sprinkhuizen travelled to Europe or America, it appeared that many Boerboels did not hold up to an ideal breed standard.  The breeders had many complaints about the puppies that were being exported from South Africa.  After listening to these complaints, the EBBASA was founded.  From this moment on the strict breed standard was formed for breeders to follow; as well guidelines for correct  kennel management and strict breed selection were emphasized. 

Because of these strict and devoted measures, we thank Mr. Piet Sprinkhuizen.  He is the man who saved our Boerboels.

Boerboels, however, are still not completely pure bred, as in exhibitions you will see big dogs but of the Bulldog type.  As breeders we need to breed selectively and work towards the evolution of the Boerboel.

The owner who leaves his Boerboel in a kennel denies him the necessity of companionship.  It is better to raise a dog of this breed as a member of the family, which improves his character.

The Boerboel pertains to the Category 2:  Molosoidos

Molosoidos, for example, Boerboels, Dogo de Bordeos, Canea Corso, Mastiffs, Alanos, Presa Canarios, etc., generally leave other dogs alone.  The Boerboel doesn´t usually initiate combat but if provoked and the other dog does not retreat, then the true bravery and instincts are released as pure strength.  In this case, only his owner or member of his family can restrain him.

With a good education you can discover that you have a marvellous and unique dog.

ATTENTION!

At times a Boerboel is given away or ends up locked in a kennel because the owner was too impulsive in its purchase or let it become dominant and too strong. 

You need to become well educated to avoid bad situations like these!