The origin of the South African Boerboel, exterior standard, character, health, advice on care and training, interesting facts. Price when buying a Boerboel puppy. Boerboel or, as it is also called, the South African mastiff is a dog born under the hot sun of South Africa, powerful and strong, possessing unparalleled courage and amazing devotion. In all of Africa, there is hardly an animal capable of frightening this brave dog. And it is not surprising, because the ancestors of the Boerboels went through a glorious battle path through the millennia, participating in almost all the battles of the ancient and medieval world.
History of the origin of the African mastiff
Boerboel dogs are dogs of the so-called Molossian type, descending from the dogs of Ancient Assyria and Ancient Egypt. Gradually, large Molossian dogs, highly valued for their fighting and hunting qualities, migrated from Egypt to the territory of Ancient Greece, from there to the Apennine Peninsula, and then, together with the legions of Rome, spread throughout the territory of ancient Europe.
Approximately from the beginning of the XIV century, the descendants of Molossian dogs, distinguished by their large size, enormous strength and special ferocity, began to be bred in Holland. Large dogs quickly gained popularity among the aristocrats of medieval Holland, France and Germany, who used them not only to guard their castles, palaces and estates, but also to bait a large game while hunting. Hunting scenes with large dogs can often be seen on old tapestries and paintings from that era.
In the 17th century, the European maritime powers began to actively colonize the territories of South Africa, creating there trading outposts on the way to fertile India. In 1652, the Dutch East India Campaign specializing in the spice trade established the first trading post on the southern tip of the African continent - the Cape of Good Hope. Together with the first Dutch colonists and traders, the first Molossian dogs were brought to the shore to protect warehouses and port buildings from wild animals and African "cannibals".
In the history of the colonization of Africa, the name of the owner has been preserved, and even the nickname of the dog that first set foot on the coast of South Africa. The name of the owner was Jan Van Roebuck, it was he who led this colonial expedition, and then for ten years and managed the new trading post. His huge mastiff dog was called "Bullenbijter", which can be literally translated as "the one who bites the bulls." It is not known how many bulls this giant dog killed, but it is believed that it was he who laid the foundation for the formation of the future breed of farm dogs, later named South African Boerboels.
The word "boerboel" in the local dialect means "farmer's dog" ("boer" - "farmer" and "boel" - "dog"). Therefore, these dogs are often also called - "Boer mastiffs". Further formation of the breed proceeded in a natural way by mixing various breeds of large dogs, imported by colonists from Europe, with local native species. The settlers valued, first of all, the largest and most ferocious dogs, capable of protecting the owner, his home and grazing livestock from predatory African animals. It was on this principle that spontaneous selection was carried out, which was gradually transformed into the original exterior of local dogs. It should be noted that cultivating strength and aggressiveness, the Boers did not forget about the obedience of giant dogs. The Boerboel, who at least allowed himself to growl at the child, was immediately killed (the Boers were convinced that there was only one cure for a bad dog - death).
For a long time, the development of a new species of dogs was in no way controlled, and only in the 80s of the XX century, a group of enthusiasts began a painstaking study of the indigenous breed of South Africa, establishing its population and setting standards. After making several expeditions and examining several hundred Boerboel dogs, the ascetics selected only 72 individuals suitable for further selection.
In 1990, in Pretoria (the capital of South Africa), a society of lovers of the South African mastiff-Boerboel (S. A. B. T.) was created and steps were taken to popularize the breed. By the end of the century, more than 900 Boer mastiffs were registered in the society.
To date, the South African Boer Mastiff breed has already acquired clear features, although it has not yet received official international recognition by the FCI.
Nevertheless, Boerboels are the pride and national treasure of the South African countries, gaining more and more popularity in other continents. Undoubtedly, universal recognition of the amazing South African breed is just around the corner.
Purpose and use of the Boerboel
Historically, Boerboel dogs were brought in by settlers from Europe and farmers to protect their property and life from the attack of dangerous African animals and warlike indigenous tribes. As a result, large dogs have become indispensable dogs for more multifunctional purposes. They not only helped to protect dwellings, people and livestock from predators, but were also used to transport goods (for this, special carts were even invented), as well as for baiting the animal during the hunt. During the Boer War (1899–1902), the Boers used them as guard dogs.
On the negative side, Boerboel dogs were often used by planters to catch runaway slaves and were very successful in this.
Today, Boer dogs are used as police, security and search and rescue dogs. Recently, more and more Boerboels are being bred as pets, especially in the CIS countries and in Eastern Europe. There are also cases of participation of Boer mastiffs in dog fights (not always legal).
Well, in the territories of farms in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, they are still the most popular farm guard dog.
External standard of the South African Boerboel
A large, strong, self-confident, rather calm dog with a strong muscular build and strong bones. The maximum growth of a Boerboel reaches about 66 centimeters with a body weight of 80 to 90 kg. In females of this breed, the height and weight are much lower - the growth at the withers is up to 61 centimeters with a weight of up to 70 kg (rarely when the weight exceeds this figure).
- Head in the Boerboel it is an expressive sign of his breed. The skull is rectangular in outline, rather large, with a flat parietal part. The stop is quite pronounced and smooth. The muzzle is wide and large, rectangular in shape. The cheekbones are pronounced, muscular and strong. The length of the muzzle is approximately equal to one third of the entire head. The nose is large, distinct, with large nostrils. The jaws are powerful and wide. Teeth according to the standard pattern, white, large, with a scissor bite. The upper lip is fleshy, forming the flews overlapping the lower jaw. The lower lip is fairly close fitting.
- Eyes rounded (sometimes slightly slanted), straight middle set. The color of the eyes is brown or dark brown with all possible variations in shades. But the darker the Boerboel's eyes, the better. The look is intelligent, confident and attentive.
- Ears V-shaped, set high, close to the head, hanging.
- Neck of medium length, low set, very powerful and muscular. The scruff is well defined. The neck merges into one piece with the head and shoulder girdle of the dog.
- Torso rectangular, broad, powerful and muscular, with a long and broad chest. The back is broad, slightly arched, well developed, with strong muscles. The line of the back is slightly inclined towards the croup. The Boerboel has a wide, flat croup.
- Tail set high, thick. Traditionally, the tail is docked. An undocked tail (which is allowed) should not curl up into a ring over the croup.
- Limbs strong, with thick bones and well-developed muscles, parallel, of medium length. Feet are large, but compact, rounded in shape, with thick black pads and black nails.
- Boerboel skin thick, rather mobile, loose fitting. A slight sagging of the skin in the neck area and small wrinkles on the forehead of the animal are allowed.
- Wool - very smooth, short, with a "full" shine.
- Coat color pretty limited. It can be brindle (with irregular black stripes along the main color) and monochromatic. Monochromatic, usually fawn (straw color), yellow-red or red. Small white markings on the dog's chest are acceptable (but not desirable). A black mask on the dog's face is characteristic (but not required).
Boerboel character
Despite such a formidable appearance and large size, Boerboel dogs belong to the category of animals that are easy to control, reliable, obedient and intelligent. Provided timely training, proper education and socialization, a representative of the breed can become a very obedient and reliable companion of a person.
The guarding qualities of these dogs are not expressed in excessive and inadequate aggressiveness, do not dominate over obedience and discipline. A stranger who does not show aggression towards the owner will never be interested in the Boerboel, he is even able to step aside, giving way and not showing any reaction. These clever dogs judge the degree of danger of a stranger by the behavior of their master, however, reserving the right, they are always between their owner and a stranger. They are ready to defend themselves at any moment.
Boerboels are very balanced dogs, capable of carrying out the command "Place" for hours, unquestioningly waiting for the return of their owner, absolutely not being distracted by strangers and animals. There is, however, and a certain percentage of South African dogs with developed qualities of dominance (like other breeds). Experts call them alpha dogs. In nature, such animals usually lead flocks of their own kind, dominating and controlling. Dominant Boerboel dogs really pose a certain danger, they are prone to aggressive behavior and ignoring commands. They do not obey and bite from a young age, attacking other animals and people for no particular reason, and therefore require a special attitude and correct (and rather difficult for a layman) training.
Boerboels do not differ in excessive talkativeness, it is rather difficult to hear their voice. Even when performing guard duties, these dogs do not respond with barking barks, but make a sound very similar to a lion's roar. This growl alone is usually enough for the troublemaker to run away.
The Boer Mastiff is very strong and can easily deal with a wild boar or a large hyena alone. That is why it is often used by modern big game hunters to bait the beast.
Another important quality of the Boerboel is the ability to look completely indifferent to what is happening and act only with the approval of the owner. The dog makes independent decisions only when protecting a house or territory (this feature is fixed by genetic memory - in the past, these dogs never sat on a chain, freely moving around the farm).
Nevertheless, the South African mastiffs, for the most part, are very restrained and rather calm creatures, capable of obeying commands without question. They are friendly to the owners and their families, peacefully coexist with other animals living in the courtyard. They are quite playful and absolutely do not mind running after a ball or a stick, like all other dogs.
The Boerboel dog is an old and devoted friend of man, an assistant in his affairs and reliable protection in dangers.
Boerboel dogs health
Boer Mastiffs are very robust animals. The peculiarity of spontaneous selection against the background of poor development of veterinary medicine in South Africa left a serious imprint on this species. For centuries, only the strongest and most climate-adapted animals survived, with robust health and a strong immune system.
That is why no special health problems have been identified in dogs of this breed. There is only a slight predisposition to dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints, inherent in most dogs of large and medium-sized breeds.
The life expectancy of Boerboels is quite high - from 10 to 12 years.
Boerboel care tips
Accustomed to the difficult life in the African savannah, the dog does not require particularly close attention and intensive care. The most standard care applied to mastiff dogs is no more than what is required of the owner of this dog. Nothing new here.
Much more important issues are the arrangement of "housing" for a pet of such a large size and the organization of its proper nutrition. Boerboel dogs are accustomed to free content, even a spacious enclosure is quite cramped for them (in their homeland they are completely kept free in the yard and not even on a chain). Therefore, the optimal conditions of detention will be his life in a securely fenced yard of a country house. Such a pet is too big for an apartment.
The food of the South African mastiff should be fully balanced in all parameters, saturated with minerals and vitamins, energetically calculated for a dog of almost one hundred kilograms in weight. And what type of food is acceptable for such a giant is up to the owner himself.
Boerboel dogs need physical activity and full-fledged walking. To form a good athletic development, during a walk, it is recommended to put on a special set with weights on the dog or harness it to a special loaded cart.
Nuances of training South African Boerboels and interesting facts
Boerboels lend themselves well to training, they are very smart and quick-witted, but they require a professional dog handler (especially dominant dogs).
When putting the dog on the sleeve, the dog handler's assistant simply must be dressed in enhanced protection. The strength of the dog's jaws is such that they bite through the usual protection, breaking the bones of the person involved (at best, he gets off with a bruise). Not only the upper, but also the lower part of the helper's body needs enhanced protection. Boerboels in attack often do not choose a place to bite.
An adult African mastiff is able to easily move a loaded wagon weighing up to 460 kg. It is worth recalling that such a weight is usually handled by a good peasant horse.
The physical strength of the dogs is such that when jerking the leash, the Boerboel easily overturns the strongest man weighing under 100 kg.
Price when buying a South African Boerboel puppy
In Russia, the first Boerboels appeared in the late 90s of the last century. And even despite the fact that the breed has not yet been recognized by the international FCI community, Boerboels from South Africa are gaining frenzied popularity in Russia. Fans of serious guard dogs of large sizes are striving with all their might to acquire dogs of this particular breed, which is distinguished by excellent working qualities, remarkable conformation and devotion to the owner.
Probably due to the high demand, Russian dog breeders quickly mastered the selection of these South African mastiffs. That is why the prices for puppies of this breed have dropped significantly, and the quality of the exterior has grown immeasurably. The cost of a quite decent Boerboel puppy now in Moscow is in the range of 40,000–45,000 rubles. Of course, show-class puppies will cost significantly more.
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