Sams and any other curious types... The BOERBOEL

[Sara]

Here's a long Boerboel Description from South Africa... Neat but it is kinda long...

Used with permission...

By Reinier Geel

Kempton Park, Gauteng,South Africa

Occupation: K9 Unit Commander, Dog trainer, 7 years as head instructor of the unit

Some Facts on: The Boerboel: like any other breed there is the great myth and then there are the dreadful reminders of what could happen if ignorant men/woman tries their hand at breeding. And then there is the actual breed. So I would like to start it this way, we have many types of beer on the market same with dogs; some like their beer warm others cold, some like it dark some like it light etc. Same thing with dogs, some like warm temperament and others prefer mild to “cold”. So it stands to reason that not every one will be drawn to the Boerboel.

Whilst the Boerboel is certainly no push over dog either way hot or cold temperament wise or physically, yet mentally he reminds me of the Doberman and Rottweiler with the gentleness and character of the Great Dane all rolled into one, should anybody be looking for a fight? He will get more than what he bargained for. The real Boerboel is a friendly dog, that has “a nothing to prove attitude” a friendly personality is an imbedded characteristic of the real Boerboel, if you get out of your car at the residence of a Boerboel owner these dogs will stay around the owner, and once they are alright with you they will keep you under the eye all the time. They are not the type of dog that will come up and greet you with a wagging tale, either. They would rather walk up to you and smell you from head to toe. A badly behaved or over aggressive dog is and was always unacceptable from the start and would have been put down immediately. The farmers have big families here and live miles from hospitals, so they could not afford any liability with a dog running around like a loose cannon with a lot of live stock around and the dogs had to fit in, but I will be the first one to admit that we have had some back yard breeders here that do not belong to any federation that are selling on the overseas markets, that have bred terrible specimen dogs. These could very well be the same guy’s that tell long tales of culling temperament and selling at 50$ and sending low grade dogs with low aggression – LOL. How do you really gauge temperament around three months or so, or sift the aggressive from the non aggressive etc. that is beyond me, no way will you find a Boerboel with a pedigree for under 1450$. This very selective and practical breeding ethic has created a loving pet with an even temperament that is happiest in a family environment, sleeping in the house with the door open is nothing uncommon here.( well it use to be) These are not dogs you can keep in a crate – ever. They need wide open spaces, direct contact with their human counter parts and they demand to be part of the family circle.

The South African Boerboel has been bred as a protection dog specifically, traditionally a farm dog, and a herding dog of sorts, as well as a hunting dog going out on the hunt, was not unfamiliar. The dogs have superb hunting capabilities. a farmer once told me that his Boerboel have killed leopards on his farm, and I know many abroad see this statement as far fetched, as any Boerboel farmer in the Free State can tell a tale or two of the dogs on the hunt – The “Mispa” breeder can tell you several tales of his dogs on the hunt,( now a leopard only weighs in at around 60 to 180 lbs so two dogs on one cat is not a big match considering they can grow to 210 lbs). Strange how this seems impossible to some, but they will tell you that they have seen pit-bulls fight bears and bulls? These dogs also killed several baboons, known to be natural dog killers. So yes when it comes to, brut power and brawn they epitomise the concept. What is confirmed by investigation is that Jan van Riebeeck brought with him in 1652 a (Bulllenbijter) on his arrival at the Cape. The dog was a large strong breed which reminded one of the Mastiff types of dogs.

The British arrived 1820, they bought amongst others Great Dane and Mastiff type of dogs. The “Voorterkkers” during the “Great Trek” took several Boerboel with them on their long journey and they continued to breed with them scattering them throughout South Africa. Their way of life was moving herds of cattle and other live stock, hunting, killing predators and surviving the elements.

The Boerboel is naturally immune to all species of tick on the African continent, we have trained several of them for farmers, they train very fast in just 26 lessons they are obedience and protection dog trained. They do not take well to Schutzhund training. Like Africa they need to be handed with a firm hand, I only train them in the Choler method, no food reward or crap like that with this breed –it just does not work. They do not have to act or behave aggressive, just by jumping on the front gate and watching the tremor run through the concrete wall you will understand what this dog is all about. A friend and College told me once that he was attending a complaint on a farm, he drove up to the house and saw a Boerboel walk up to his police car, using his better judgement, he did not get out, but sounded the siren, the dog standing was able to look him in the face standing next to the car, the next thing he flew around the front of the car and ripped a piece of the plastic bumper off, then he got hold of the tire as the officer decided to leave, puncturing the wheel with one bite.

They are mostly Very big Power full gentle giants. Boerboel can be kept with farm animals without any problem, they are also seen in big packs, and the one breeder I know has 12 just walking around the farm house. These dogs can become very huge up to 90 kg; the one champ “Tolla” was over 100 kg.(200 lbs) Not your average dog

Now Finding an agitator brave or should that read stupid enough to stand and train a LION -dog, Just on that, the Romans believed the Boerboel to have been crossed dog cross lion. . No wonder Aristotle named the forefathers of these dogs: Leontix (sons of lions) That’s where the problem starts, and stops for most trainers, they will say no thank you I am not into training lions.
The question has popped up on several occasions, THE BOERBOEL AS A WORKING DOG?; The Boerboel is the only breed in the world specifically bred to guard and protect, a watchdog. So in my book a watch dog or guard dog is not the same thing as a classic working dog which mostly comes from herding lines. This is most probably the reason why the Boerboel has not affirmed it self as working dog. Whilst it is a very big dog, it is a very soft dog, and when in puberty goes through phases of shyness and then withdraws, he comes back stubborn, and tries to dominate just like your teenager would. If you are familiar with the breed then this is no reason for panic or alarm. He is not the type of dog that likes public in general although the opposite has also been seen but less of; he is mostly a very private family type dog that likes his territory and his people. They like rides in the car, the boat or on the back of the truck. But you won’t see them strolling around in Public Park a lot, you require a powerful handler firstly and a trained dog combination. They will remain on the Pick-up’s in the farm towns around here. I for one think that you would be looking for trouble if you try to turn him into a social dog; he is to protective by nature and might just interpret someone’s sudden advances for instance as threatening with serious consequences. The police dog rule is “the bigger the dog the bigger the law suite” I always say.. As for using them as police dogs, well they do not travel well in confined spaces, they get car sick a lot, and in police cars that are small like the one’s we have here it aggravates the problem. They do fit nicely into vans and Pick-up trucks and don’t experience the motion sickness if they can stand. Training equipment does not last long either. And protection work requires extra slip sleeves to wear under the attack suite, and more than one agitator, they bite straight through. It trains well in obedience and attack work( to them it is a game), but they do not do at all that well in agility, They get stuck on the low bed and the pipe, but Zeena a female loved it and could out run any GSD we had on the agility course– she even got some titles in agility, but over all I will be honest the normal GSD will give them carrots one on one, not as good as the GSD’s for instance in training while young, they are still in puberty whiles other dogs the same age is seasoned already – very-very play full – just chasing a ball will go on all day. They like to jump up on cars and come to stand between your legs, they will pull a grown man clear of his feet just by taking of after a ball being thrown, whilst the handler is making idle conversation for instance- very powerful. They all tend to want to lean into the leg or against it – this irritates some instructors and handlers, because the dog is so strong and heavy against the leg when teaching to heal and turn that it becomes a pain in the butt -. But they do track very-very well, great at rounding off and do a massive squaring search. Nothing negative about the dog, it just does not “fit in “every where, it just requires a bigger handler, car, kennel, diet etc. –stronger- than per the norm, and a lot more patience from the handler and trainer.

We only start training them from 9 months up, no aggression or hard training, basic conditioning and adaptation – socialisation and habitation training takes place up to nine months. Drive building gets a lot of attention as well, to keep a mastiffs attention takes doing, like Kevin rightly pointed out and we enforce that with the ball as reward, because they are very clumsy and play-full when young, so you need to bleed of some energy before training. You will not train them if they are not fit either believe me they will melt in the hot summer sun like butter and just hang on the lead, so it takes a lot more that brain and brawn, they would rather push you over and lick you than bite at this age. They could seem very aggressive when young to the untrained eye, they like fighting each other in mock attacks and sleeping is a favourite past time. They are super chewers; never leave any thing lying around. At feeding time they are very aggressive around the feeding trays, stay away. They bulk from about 2 years and get serious around three to four years of age. If you would like a comparison it would be some where between a Great Dane and Saint Bernard, for temperament and amount of drool, with German shepherd and Rottweiler like aggression. In other words they can be controlled on the attack, there jaws don’t lock etc.

On one occasion an adult male about three years old, broke the hard arms bar, I have never read of any dog being able to do this, this is why we can safely say we cant use them for general policing – not because they wont train well to standard but because of the amount of damage they will incur, just to much to handle for a police dog handler in the public - but in the same breath it has been done successfully. We have trained several for private use, security and VIP details. With a lot of pain and some medical bills you will be able to train him. Where there is a will there is always a way. Schutzhund is not big here actually non-existent, so I can not give you any big names with big titles as reference, but you would be out of the league in Schutzhund in my opinion, the smaller dogs are more agile and come of age way earlier, but nothing is impossible.

Its natural guarding ability makes it an excellent sentry dog. Our prison services, the Military and Security industry here use them extensively. Yet its good temperament makes it an easily controllable dog. On the down side, that controllability must be taught properly and enforced, otherwise it will become yet another grenade without a safety pin (but that is true for any breed). It eats much more than the other guard dog breeds. They will also require larger than normal kennels that must be built from strong material, with solid partitioning between dogs.
A cranky, temperamental Boerboel that stays surly after being reprimanded is not a Boerboel. The Boerboel is acquired for his even character. This was and always should be his main quality. Any Boerboel owner should be able to confirm this. These traits should be recognizable from puppy hood.

In summery they need wide open spaces, they need a lot of interaction and they need to be kept fit - taking the dog out for a daily walk, and then crating him, will never ever work, they cannot be kept on kennel and in small apartments. I have had to put down Boerboel that were kept on running lines. And others that were kept in confined spaces, they became so aggressive, or should that read agitated that no one could come any where near them. Not the dogs fault – the owner. Do they have what it takes to be working dogs? IMO It will depend on your training skill and knowledge firstly, and yes most certainly on your needs and certification criteria, they have track records to that effect, but I would propose the Koehler method of training for this breed when rounding of and a very hard and firm upbringing if you wish to succeed.

Dopper Yster 155lbs:



Dopper Butch (the two dogs are not related) 130lbs:



Fauna female 115lbs approx:


Morocco Yster's son 130lbs:
[/img]http://www.arcadyanboerboels.com/Morocco1.JPG[img]

LAST one... My crew... Riot (butch son) 110lbs 16mos, Askari 90lbs 13mos, Precious (butch daughter) about 50lbs 4 mos.



Okay I'm done...just a brag....couldn't help myself...[/list]

[Samsintentions]

Oh wow!!!! I really like this breed. with your permission I'd like to print this page and take it home to Granvel....I thik he'd like them too. He's always wanted a family dog. that was BIG, but would be agressive and protect if need be, and would withstand a fight if they had to...
NOT saying he wants an attack dog that could whip what ever..but you know what I mean.

Something that you know your kids are safe when the dogs are around, and you know your livestock and house is safe. With their size, looks, and breed abilities, not tomeantion thier instincts to protect. Their perfect.....

[Sara]

Sure and not to sound like a snob or anything if you do decide to get yourself one please let me get you into contact with the reputable breeders... Lots of US and even the SA breeders are breeding for sales rather than purpose and it's causing some issues... Check out my site for info too and you can print whatever you like off of it too... I figured you'd dig them and this is the best description I've found of the breed yet...LOL...

Feel free!

[Sara]

Drop me an email sometime too... I have an idea up my sleeve...LOL

[Samsintentions]

Uh oh!!!

[Sarge'smom]

Sara- That was a great piece about the Boerboel. I got interested in them about the same time I was learning about the Corso. Both dogs just seem so amazing to me. Thanks for the additional info, I wish I could afford one!

[Sara]

Well you might be able to at some point... The better breeders around are willing to work with people to get Boerboels in the right home. So many are being "milled" these days that getting the right dogs in the right hands are priority with US breeders...the best ones anyway...

I'm thinking of doing a test litter one of these days...I'll keep you in mind...and Sam too...LOL

[Sarge'smom]

Don't tease me Sara! I f I could get one, I'd be on a plane tomorrow!

[Samsintentions]

Tomorow!! I'd be packing now!! LOL....I like Riot...he's definately one hot stud! LOL

[Sara]

Not teasing... I'm in the thought/planning process of when I might just do this... If I can get Askari's hips done soon enough, Riot's got OFA style done just not "read" or certified and they look good (hence the "test")... ALSO his Sire produces so well and her dam as well... I want to see what HE'll produce as the breeder needs another Butch producer as Butch is getting older... ANYWAY... "test" in my mind is free w/ updates and required Hip x-rays Penn-hipp or OFA even if they are done but not certified I think I'd go with depending... That's my idea...but won't do it if I don't have enough interrest from people willing to go the extra mile and help me with updates and assessments about the pups, how they are developing, hips, temperment etc...

That's my idea anyway... We'll see if I have enough interrest...LOL

[Sarge'smom]

Riot is kind of hot now that you mention it! But, I kind of like Askari.

Sara- what is the origin and meaning of Askari's name if you don't mind me asking?

[Samsintentions]

Well you know now you can count me in!!! Email me... Mare-Majic@excite.com

[Sara]

Sam you're on my wanted list...LOL...talk about optimal working home...

Askari is Swaheely(sp?) or Afrikaan and the meaning is: defender, protector, watcher...the like... I got it offline and then when my great aunt and uncle were in town I said...I have to go let Askari out and they were like...do you know what that means??? And they went on and on... They were missionaries to Africa for SEVERAL years etc... VERY cool to know it truly meant what I thought it meant...and she lives up to the name too...LOL

I'll put your email in my addy book and we'll see...

I like Askari for her athletic build and lighter bone... Riot is just right in the bone department but could use more of a hind end and that's what Askari's got... Precious is a good idea of what the two of them would produce as she has the same dam as Askari and the same Sire as Riot...so...with luck the two of them will produce as well as their parents do...with the temperment to boot... That's what I'm hoping for...

I had no idea you two were that interrested in the breed honestly...LOL Crazy... I'll drop you an email.

[Sarge'smom]

What a wonderful way to name her! I love that. Oh, I am seriously interested in this breed. I have done a bit of reading on them, the Corso, the Rotts, etc., I just find the "heart" in these dogs to be so amazing and the combo between their work ethic and love of family is so beautiful. I'm envious of the balance they manage between the two ends of their instincts.

[Jamiya]

They're beautiful, but too much dog for me. Kudos to those of you who can handle them properly!

[Sara]

THAT balance is truly something to behold... Drop me an email!! Their ability and stability and heart and loyalty get to me every day... LOL Just want the best for the breed really!

[Samsintentions]

Thats how every breeder should be. For the betterment of the dog. Not their pockets. I've had people tell me, Your dogs are too expensive. And others that tell me their too cheap. Well. Honestly I counter the balance.

One I have to cover the indiviual puppies health, vet bills, food, vaccinations, and what my time is worth training them. Then their supplies that come with them.

So Generally I run my pups for around $350. But I have gone as high as $500 for a pick of the litter female that was going to be a breeder. The only reason she was that high is the cost of the papers. Extra OFA, OFC, and all that to be done, and the testings she has to go through. I want the couple that bought her to be serious, not just get a dog and Boom, breed it. No. She has to prove herself. And until I get all the tests back, and confirm that she's gone with all the requirements, she'll have only the Limited Registration papers for her. When she sends me everything, and I've gotten some of it, I'll hand over and transfer her to the Full registration rights. I also have first pick of the litter, and have to give the concent to who she breeds to the first litter.

I know it sounds harsh, But for anyone that knows the breed, you'd know the "crookedness, and things their doing to it.

[Sara]

On the same page yet again...LOL

[Samsintentions]

I'm definately here for anyhelp you need. Especially with puppies!!

[abbeys-mom]

Sara,

I just read through the post, sounds like an awesome dog!
I also went on your website, just to browse around. Your dogs are all beautiful!
Curious, how do your Boerboels & your Pit Bulls get along, or do they? If not why? If yes, why?