Boerboel
Encyclopedia
The Boerboel is a large, mastiff
dog
breed
from South Africa
, bred for the purpose of guarding
the homestead. These dogs were often a first line of defense against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game. Old farmers tell many tales of the strength, agility, and courage of their Boerboels.
", the Afrikaans
/Dutch word for "farmer". Boerboel, therefore, translates as either "farmer's dog" or "Boer's dog". The Boerboel is the only South African dog breed created to defend
the homestead.
Despite the Boerboel's long breeding history, there is great uncertainty as to how many and which breeds were used to create it. It is generally believed that the breed was created from interbreeding native
African canine
species and breeds with breeds brought into South Africa from Dutch, French, and British settlers.
The most likely origins are claimed to date back to Jan van Riebeeck
’s arrival to the Cape in 1652. Van Riebeeck brought a Bullenbijter with him. Those with him, and later European settlers, also had large, strong dogs, that almost certainly bred with the indigenous, domestic dog breeds of South Africa.
Later, in 1928, the diamond mining company De Beers
imported Bullmastiff
s to South Africa to guard the mines. This breed was also crossbred with Boerboels in the region.
In 2010, the Boerboel was listed as a "fighting dog
" and outlawed in Denmark
.
The protective character of the Boerboel is still evident and is much sought after, as is the calm, stable, and confident composure of the breed. The dogs are obedient and intelligent and have strong territorial instincts. The Boerboel remains the guarding breed of choice amongst current day farmers and is very popular for the same reason in urban communities.
The name boerboel is commonly misspelled as boerbul, boerbull, and borbull.
The Boerboel is a large, heavy mastiff breed. The height ranges from 60 to 70 cm (23 to 27 in) when fully grown (24 months), and the weight of an adult varies between 50 to 80 kg (110 to 175 lbs). For comparison purposes, a Boerboel is generally heavier than a Rottweiler
or a Doberman
, although the same weight, but not as tall as a Great Dane
.
. The occasional brushing and a monthly bath and nail trim is all that is needed. The breed has an outer coat that is normally coarse and straight, and an undercoat that is soft and dense.
Its coat
is short, dense, smooth, soft, and shiny. Their coat color can be various shades of red, brown, black, or fawn. Many dogs have a black mask around their mouth that sometimes extends to their eyes and ears. The coat patterns that Boerboels can have are piebald
, brindle
, and Irish markings.
, they will invent or discover ways to entertain themselves - ways that are often considered destructive by their owners. They are loyal and can be extremely protective of their family and territory
. Obedience training
is strongly recommended as they are a powerful and headstrong breed. Owners must socialize
their boerboels when they are young by exposing them to unfamiliar adults, children, and animals, and to new situations.
Prospective owners must recognize that owning a boerboel requires a significant commitment in time and energy as they must be well-trained and socialized in order to be happy members of the family.
Boerboels are sensitive to their environment and their owners' moods - they cry and laugh right alongside you. They are quite charming when not being lazy, and will not hesitate to defend you to the death.
This dog is the most protective dog breed that is not aggressive. The potential for aggression if not properly trained and socialize
d, combined with their intelligence, protective instincts, large size, physical strength, and sheer stubbornness, make the boerboel breed unsuitable for first-time or inexperienced dog owners. Boerboels require human companionship and structure. Owners must be able to control their dogs, through physical strength and social dominance, to prevent the breed's natural protective
ness from becoming aggression
.
, vaginal hyperplasia
, ectropion
, and entropion
.
Recently, juvenile epilepsy
(with attacks brought on by metabolic changes or stress) has appeared in the boerboel breed.
The average life expectancy is 10 years.
s, the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Association (SABT), started looking for eligible South African dogs to use as a breeding base. Of the hundreds of dogs found, 72 were evaluated and registered. A development register was also maintained for several years to widen the gene pool
.
The Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA), which is the FCI
recognized South African authority on breed standards and pedigrees has recognized the Boerboel and given it full breed status. Although the SABT was the first breed organization founded for the Boerboel, many other Boerboel breed-specific organizations now exist. The Boerboel is not a breed recognized by the UKC
or Irish Kennel Club
.
Boerboels may be registered at birth with one or more breeders' associations. Here are a few: the South African Boerboel Breeders' Association (SABT), Boerboel International
(BI), World Wide Boerboels (WWB), the Elite Boerboel Breeders' Association of Southern Africa (EBBASA), or the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA).
In order to be registered, a Boerboel must have its birth recorded as having been bred from registered parents and/or must pass an appraisal by a qualified assessor.
. Unfortunately, the exact specifications of the boerboel's breed standard vary depending on the registry
. There are, however, several features that are undisputed.
"Type, conformation, functional efficiency and mentality are equally important in the evaluation of the Boerboel as a whole. The aim with the Breed Standard is to provide clear guidelines for breeders and judges to promote a singular vision of the ideal Boerboel."
The Boerboel is a large dog with well-developed and well-defined musculature. The profile of his head and body is "blocky." His movement is naturally powerful and graceful, despite his size. His grace and confidence create a majestic impression. He must not exhibit any fearful, shy, overly-submissive, threatening, or aggressive behaviors, but needs to be obedient and responsive to his handler. Females are noticeably smaller and less-muscled, but should still exhibit musculature and give the impression of strength and confidence. (See sexual dimorphism
)
The head is impressive and a distinctive feature of the breed. Any eye color other than brown is considered a minor fault
, except blue which is a major (disqualifying) fault. Their expression should always be confident, intelligent, or alert (or a combination, thereof).
The body is blocky, muscular, and solid. The chest is broad and deep with well-developed pectoral muscles. The back, broad and straight. All joint
s must appear sound (sturdy and well-attached
to the body), and must actually be so when the dog is physically examined. All parts of the body should meet and connect smoothly and each area should flow naturally into the next (ex. head to neck to chest).
There should be profuse pigmentation on the skin (and surrounding hair) of : the lips, palate
, eyes, nose, paw pads
, toenails, anus
, and genitals. Only the black, eumelanin pigmentation is acceptable
. It is only acceptable for a dog to possess more than a small amount of pink or salmon-colored skin, if the dog also has white marks, especially on the head.
The legs are strong-boned, sturdy, and muscular. The paws must have curved, black nails and tough, black pads. There should be hair between the toes. The legs, paws, metatarsus
, stifle
s, and hock
s should point straight up (Leg,Paw,Meta.), straight forward (stif.), and straight backward (hock).
The tail should be thick, hairy, and proud. If the tail is docked, it must be at the 3rd or 4th caudal vertebra
.
The ideal height of a male boerboel is 66 cm (26.5 in), and a female is 61 cm (24.5 in). Males shorter than 60 cm (24 in), and females shorter than 55 cm (22 in) may not compete. Height is measured at the withers
.
In the show ring, the Boerboel should appear confident and fearless. It should be easily controlled by the handler, however protective behavior of its handler directed towards judges is permitted.
Some automatic disqualifications are severe underbite or overbite
, blue eyes, excessive amounts of pink skin, overly aggressive behavior, small head, insufficient musculature, abnormal and/or undescended testicles, asymmetric
form, too short, a weak, unsound, clumsy, or plodding gait
, any obvious physical or behavioral abnormality, and any trait that jeopardize the physical functionality of the dog or would severely hinder or prevent the dog from guarding
and protecting.
his dogs or wanting to breed dogs that conform to the breed's standard, it is important to remember that most professional breeders only sell their pet-quality puppies and either keep their show/breeding-quality puppies for themselves or sell them at a higher price (usually to other breeders). Determined, owners should consult the dog's original breeder, if possible. Other resources are local boerboel breed-specific, molosser
-specific, or mastiff-specific breeders and rescue group
s. Many breed-specific rescue groups leave their contact information with local animal shelter
s and veterinarian
offices. Also, keep in mind that the average house pet will not contain enough muscle mass (and perhaps too much body fat) for dog show breed standard without an exercise routine.
Molosser
Molosser is a category of large, solidly-built dog that includes several breeds, probably all descended from the same root stock. The name derives from Molossia, a subregion of ancient Epirus, ancient Greece, where the large shepherd dog was known as the Molossus.The proper noun "Mastiff", however,...
dog
Dog
The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
breed
Breed
A breed is a group of domestic animals or plants with a homogeneous appearance, behavior, and other characteristics that distinguish it from other animals or plants of the same species. Despite the centrality of the idea of "breeds" to animal husbandry, there is no scientifically accepted...
from South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, bred for the purpose of guarding
Guard dog
A guard dog, an attack dog or watch dog is a dog used to guard against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected people or animals. The dog is discriminating so that it does not annoy or attack familiar people.-Barking:...
the homestead. These dogs were often a first line of defense against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game. Old farmers tell many tales of the strength, agility, and courage of their Boerboels.
Breed History
The word "Boerboel" derives from "boerBoer
Boer is the Dutch and Afrikaans word for farmer, which came to denote the descendants of the Dutch-speaking settlers of the eastern Cape frontier in Southern Africa during the 18th century, as well as those who left the Cape Colony during the 19th century to settle in the Orange Free State,...
", the Afrikaans
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a West Germanic language, spoken natively in South Africa and Namibia. It is a daughter language of Dutch, originating in its 17th century dialects, collectively referred to as Cape Dutch .Afrikaans is a daughter language of Dutch; see , , , , , .Afrikaans was historically called Cape...
/Dutch word for "farmer". Boerboel, therefore, translates as either "farmer's dog" or "Boer's dog". The Boerboel is the only South African dog breed created to defend
Guard dog
A guard dog, an attack dog or watch dog is a dog used to guard against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected people or animals. The dog is discriminating so that it does not annoy or attack familiar people.-Barking:...
the homestead.
Despite the Boerboel's long breeding history, there is great uncertainty as to how many and which breeds were used to create it. It is generally believed that the breed was created from interbreeding native
Indigenous (ecology)
In biogeography, a species is defined as native to a given region or ecosystem if its presence in that region is the result of only natural processes, with no human intervention. Every natural organism has its own natural range of distribution in which it is regarded as native...
African canine
Canidae
Canidae is the biological family of carnivorous and omnivorous mammals that includes wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes, and domestic dogs. A member of this family is called a canid . The Canidae family is divided into two tribes: Canini and Vulpini...
species and breeds with breeds brought into South Africa from Dutch, French, and British settlers.
The most likely origins are claimed to date back to Jan van Riebeeck
Jan van Riebeeck
Johan Anthoniszoon "Jan" van Riebeeck was a Dutch colonial administrator and founder of Cape Town.-Biography:...
’s arrival to the Cape in 1652. Van Riebeeck brought a Bullenbijter with him. Those with him, and later European settlers, also had large, strong dogs, that almost certainly bred with the indigenous, domestic dog breeds of South Africa.
Later, in 1928, the diamond mining company De Beers
De Beers
De Beers is a family of companies that dominate the diamond, diamond mining, diamond trading and industrial diamond manufacturing sectors. De Beers is active in every category of industrial diamond mining: open-pit, underground, large-scale alluvial, coastal and deep sea...
imported Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog. It has a solid build and a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff shares the characteristics of Molosser dogs, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers in England to guard estates and immobilize poachers. The breed's bloodlines are drawn from...
s to South Africa to guard the mines. This breed was also crossbred with Boerboels in the region.
Boerboels Today
Today, Boerboel breeding is both a hobby and an industry in South Africa. These dogs are now exported from South Africa to other parts of the world.In 2010, the Boerboel was listed as a "fighting dog
Dog fighting
Dog fighting is a form of blood sport in which game dogs are made to fight, sometimes to the death. It is illegal in most developed countries. Dog fighting is used for entertainment and may also generate revenue from stud fees, admission fees and gambling....
" and outlawed in Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
.
The protective character of the Boerboel is still evident and is much sought after, as is the calm, stable, and confident composure of the breed. The dogs are obedient and intelligent and have strong territorial instincts. The Boerboel remains the guarding breed of choice amongst current day farmers and is very popular for the same reason in urban communities.
The name boerboel is commonly misspelled as boerbul, boerbull, and borbull.
Appearance
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a medium to large size breed of domestic dog that originated in Rottweil, Germany. The dogs were known as "Rottweil butchers' dogs" because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat and other products to market...
or a Doberman
Doberman
Doberman or Dobermann most commonly refers to Doberman Pinscher, a breed of dog, or to its creator, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.It may also refer to:*Doberman , a 2003 album by Tomoyasu Hotei*Doberman , a Japanese ska/punk band...
, although the same weight, but not as tall as a Great Dane
Great Dane
The Great Dane , also known as German Mastiff or Danish Hound , is a breed of domestic dog known for its giant size...
.
Coat
The Boerboel is an average shedder and an easy to groomDog grooming
Dog grooming refers to both the hygienic care and cleaning of a dog, as well as a process by which a dog's physical appearance is enhanced for showing or other types of competition. A dog groomer is a person who earns their living grooming dogs.-Reasons for grooming:Grooming is an important part...
. The occasional brushing and a monthly bath and nail trim is all that is needed. The breed has an outer coat that is normally coarse and straight, and an undercoat that is soft and dense.
Its coat
Coat (dog)
The coat of the domestic dog refers to the hair that covers its body. A dog's coat may be a double coat, made up of a soft undercoat and a coarser topcoat, or a single coat, which lacks an undercoat...
is short, dense, smooth, soft, and shiny. Their coat color can be various shades of red, brown, black, or fawn. Many dogs have a black mask around their mouth that sometimes extends to their eyes and ears. The coat patterns that Boerboels can have are piebald
Piebald
A piebald or pied animal is one that has a spotting pattern of large unpigmented, usually white, areas of hair, feathers, or scales and normally pigmented patches, generally black. The colour of the animal's skin underneath its coat is also pigmented under the dark patches and unpigmented under...
, brindle
Brindle
Brindle is a coat coloring pattern in animals, particularly dogs, cats, cattle, guinea pigs, crested geckos and, rarely, horses. It is sometimes described as "tiger striped", although the brindle pattern is more subtle than that of a tiger's coat...
, and Irish markings.
Temperament
Boerboels are an intelligent and energetic breed. If not provided with adequate stimulationStimulation
Stimulation is the action of various agents on nerves, muscles, or a sensory end organ, by which activity is evoked; especially, the nervous impulse produced by various agents on nerves, or a sensory end organ, by which the part connected with the nerve is thrown into a state of activity.The word...
, they will invent or discover ways to entertain themselves - ways that are often considered destructive by their owners. They are loyal and can be extremely protective of their family and territory
Territory (animal)
In ethology the term territory refers to any sociographical area that an animal of a particular species consistently defends against conspecifics...
. Obedience training
Obedience training
Obedience training usually refers to the training of a dog and the term is most commonly used in that context. Obedience training ranges from very basic training, such as teaching the dog to reliably respond to basic commands such as "sit", "down", "come", and "stay", to high level competition...
is strongly recommended as they are a powerful and headstrong breed. Owners must socialize
Socialization of animals
The socialization of animals refers to the process of training animals to be kept by humans in close relationships, especially cats and working dogs.-Ferality:Feral animals can be socialized with varying degrees of success....
their boerboels when they are young by exposing them to unfamiliar adults, children, and animals, and to new situations.
Prospective owners must recognize that owning a boerboel requires a significant commitment in time and energy as they must be well-trained and socialized in order to be happy members of the family.
Boerboels are sensitive to their environment and their owners' moods - they cry and laugh right alongside you. They are quite charming when not being lazy, and will not hesitate to defend you to the death.
This dog is the most protective dog breed that is not aggressive. The potential for aggression if not properly trained and socialize
Socialization of animals
The socialization of animals refers to the process of training animals to be kept by humans in close relationships, especially cats and working dogs.-Ferality:Feral animals can be socialized with varying degrees of success....
d, combined with their intelligence, protective instincts, large size, physical strength, and sheer stubbornness, make the boerboel breed unsuitable for first-time or inexperienced dog owners. Boerboels require human companionship and structure. Owners must be able to control their dogs, through physical strength and social dominance, to prevent the breed's natural protective
Guard dog
A guard dog, an attack dog or watch dog is a dog used to guard against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected people or animals. The dog is discriminating so that it does not annoy or attack familiar people.-Barking:...
ness from becoming aggression
Aggression
In psychology, as well as other social and behavioral sciences, aggression refers to behavior between members of the same species that is intended to cause humiliation, pain, or harm. Ferguson and Beaver defined aggressive behavior as "Behavior which is intended to increase the social dominance of...
.
Health
Boerboels are generally known for their good health. However, Boerboels can suffer from hip or elbow dysplasiaElbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint in the dog, specifically the growth of cartilage or the structures surrounding it. These abnormalities, known as 'primary lesions', give rise to osteoarthritic processes...
, vaginal hyperplasia
Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia means increase in number of cells/proliferation of cells. It may result in the gross enlargement of an organ and the term is sometimes mixed with benign neoplasia/ benign tumor....
, ectropion
Ectropion
Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards. It is one of the notable aspects of newborns exhibiting congenital Harlequin type ichthyosis, but ectropion can occur due to any weakening of tissue of the lower eyelid. The condition can be repaired surgically...
, and entropion
Entropion
Entropion is a medical condition in which the eyelid folds inward. It is very uncomfortable, as the eyelashes constantly rub against the cornea. Entropion is usually caused by genetic factors and may be congenital...
.
Recently, juvenile epilepsy
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by seizures. These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms of abnormal, excessive or hypersynchronous neuronal activity in the brain.About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, and nearly two out of every three new cases...
(with attacks brought on by metabolic changes or stress) has appeared in the boerboel breed.
The average life expectancy is 10 years.
Space and Exercise
If you are considering adding a boerboel to your family or already own a boerboel and are thinking of moving (to a smaller home), remember this - bored boerboels are destructive boerboels and a 150 lbs, lion-fighting dog can do a lot of damage. Although more suitable for large yards, Boerboels are adaptable and can live in small environments as long as they receive regular exercise and a lot of attention. Whatever the amount of space available, they need to have plenty of physical and mental exercise. The Boerboel can be exercised in a large yard with enough space to run and play, but at a minimum this type of dog needs to be taken on a long walk every day.Organizations
In 1990, when the Boerboel breed was in danger of becoming extinct, a group of fancierAnimal fancy
Animal fancy is a hobby involving the appreciation, promotion, or breeding of pet or domestic animals.Fancy may include ownership, showing, trialling and other competitions, breeding and judging. Hobbyists may simply collect specimens of the animal in appropriate enclosures, such as aquaria and...
s, the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Association (SABT), started looking for eligible South African dogs to use as a breeding base. Of the hundreds of dogs found, 72 were evaluated and registered. A development register was also maintained for several years to widen the gene pool
Gene pool
In population genetics, a gene pool is the complete set of unique alleles in a species or population.- Description :A large gene pool indicates extensive genetic diversity, which is associated with robust populations that can survive bouts of intense selection...
.
The Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA), which is the FCI
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Fédération Cynologique Internationale is an international federation of kennel clubs based in Thuin, Belgium. The English language translation, World Canine Organisation, is not often used.Its goals are described in Article 2 of their regulations:...
recognized South African authority on breed standards and pedigrees has recognized the Boerboel and given it full breed status. Although the SABT was the first breed organization founded for the Boerboel, many other Boerboel breed-specific organizations now exist. The Boerboel is not a breed recognized by the UKC
United Kennel Club
The United Kennel Club is the second oldest all-breed registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States and the second largest in the world. According to the website, the club records 250,000 registrations annually. The UKC is not part of the International Canine Organisation, Fédération...
or Irish Kennel Club
Irish Kennel Club
Irish Kennel Club is an organization dedicated to supporting dog breeds and their owners.-History:The Kerry Blue Terrier increased dramatically in the Dublin area as it gained admirers in the early 1920s. On St. Patrick's Day, 1921 a conformation dog show was organized, which included other breeds...
.
Boerboels may be registered at birth with one or more breeders' associations. Here are a few: the South African Boerboel Breeders' Association (SABT), Boerboel International
Boerboel International
Boerboel International is an international representative association of breeders, members, and Boerboel owners. The Boerboel is a large, mastiff breed of dog which is originally from South Africa....
(BI), World Wide Boerboels (WWB), the Elite Boerboel Breeders' Association of Southern Africa (EBBASA), or the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA).
In order to be registered, a Boerboel must have its birth recorded as having been bred from registered parents and/or must pass an appraisal by a qualified assessor.
Breed Standard
Like other dog breeds, the boerboel has a breed standardBreed standard
A breed standard in animal fancy and animal husbandry is a set of guidelines which is used to ensure that the animals produced by a breeder or breeding facility conform to the specifics of the breed....
. Unfortunately, the exact specifications of the boerboel's breed standard vary depending on the registry
Breed registry
A breed registry, also known as a stud book or register, in animal husbandry and the hobby of animal fancy, is an official list of animals within a specific breed whose parents are known. Animals are usually registered by their breeders when they are still young...
. There are, however, several features that are undisputed.
"Type, conformation, functional efficiency and mentality are equally important in the evaluation of the Boerboel as a whole. The aim with the Breed Standard is to provide clear guidelines for breeders and judges to promote a singular vision of the ideal Boerboel."
The Boerboel is a large dog with well-developed and well-defined musculature. The profile of his head and body is "blocky." His movement is naturally powerful and graceful, despite his size. His grace and confidence create a majestic impression. He must not exhibit any fearful, shy, overly-submissive, threatening, or aggressive behaviors, but needs to be obedient and responsive to his handler. Females are noticeably smaller and less-muscled, but should still exhibit musculature and give the impression of strength and confidence. (See sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is a phenotypic difference between males and females of the same species. Examples of such differences include differences in morphology, ornamentation, and behavior.-Examples:-Ornamentation / coloration:...
)
The head is impressive and a distinctive feature of the breed. Any eye color other than brown is considered a minor fault
Fault (dog)
The term fault is used in animal breed standards to describe an aspect of appearance or temperament that is considered detrimental to the breed type of the animal's breed. In dogs, faults have to do with the externally observable qualities of the dog such as appearance, movement, and temperament...
, except blue which is a major (disqualifying) fault. Their expression should always be confident, intelligent, or alert (or a combination, thereof).
The body is blocky, muscular, and solid. The chest is broad and deep with well-developed pectoral muscles. The back, broad and straight. All joint
Joint
A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...
s must appear sound (sturdy and well-attached
Dysplasia
Dysplasia , is a term used in pathology to refer to an abnormality of development. This generally consists of an expansion of immature cells, with a corresponding decrease in the number and location of mature cells. Dysplasia is often indicative of an early neoplastic process...
to the body), and must actually be so when the dog is physically examined. All parts of the body should meet and connect smoothly and each area should flow naturally into the next (ex. head to neck to chest).
There should be profuse pigmentation on the skin (and surrounding hair) of : the lips, palate
Palate
The palate is the roof of the mouth in humans and other mammals. It separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. A similar structure is found in crocodilians, but, in most other tetrapods, the oral and nasal cavities are not truly separate. The palate is divided into two parts, the anterior...
, eyes, nose, paw pads
Paw
A paw is the soft foot of a mammal, generally a quadruped, that has claws or nails. A hard foot is called a hoof. Paws are used to pad feet for walking and increase friction.- Common characteristics :...
, toenails, anus
Anus
The anus is an opening at the opposite end of an animal's digestive tract from the mouth. Its function is to control the expulsion of feces, unwanted semi-solid matter produced during digestion, which, depending on the type of animal, may be one or more of: matter which the animal cannot digest,...
, and genitals. Only the black, eumelanin pigmentation is acceptable
Fault (dog)
The term fault is used in animal breed standards to describe an aspect of appearance or temperament that is considered detrimental to the breed type of the animal's breed. In dogs, faults have to do with the externally observable qualities of the dog such as appearance, movement, and temperament...
. It is only acceptable for a dog to possess more than a small amount of pink or salmon-colored skin, if the dog also has white marks, especially on the head.
The legs are strong-boned, sturdy, and muscular. The paws must have curved, black nails and tough, black pads. There should be hair between the toes. The legs, paws, metatarsus
Metatarsus
The metatarsus or metatarsal bones are a group of five long bones in the foot located between the tarsal bones of the hind- and mid-foot and the phalanges of the toes. Lacking individual names, the metatarsal bones are numbered from the medial side : the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth...
, stifle
Stifle joint
The stifle joint is a complex joint in the hind limbs of quadruped mammals such as the sheep, horse or dog. It is the equivalent joint to the human knee...
s, and hock
Hock (zoology)
The hock, or gambrel, is the joint between the tarsal bones and tibia of a digitigrade or unguligrade quadrupedal mammal, such as a horse, cat, or dog...
s should point straight up (Leg,Paw,Meta.), straight forward (stif.), and straight backward (hock).
The tail should be thick, hairy, and proud. If the tail is docked, it must be at the 3rd or 4th caudal vertebra
Rump (animal)
The rump or croup, in the external morphology of an animal, is the portion of the posterior dorsum that is posterior to the loins and anterior to the tail. Anatomically, the rump corresponds to the sacrum....
.
The ideal height of a male boerboel is 66 cm (26.5 in), and a female is 61 cm (24.5 in). Males shorter than 60 cm (24 in), and females shorter than 55 cm (22 in) may not compete. Height is measured at the withers
Withers
The withers is the ridge between the shoulder blades of a four-legged animal. In many species it is the tallest point of the body, and in horses and dogs it is the standard place to measure the animal's height .-Horses:The withers in horses are formed by the dorsal spinal processes of roughly the...
.
In the show ring, the Boerboel should appear confident and fearless. It should be easily controlled by the handler, however protective behavior of its handler directed towards judges is permitted.
Some automatic disqualifications are severe underbite or overbite
Overbite
Overbite refers to the extent of vertical overlap of the maxillary central incisors over the mandibular central incisors.Overbite may also refer to:* Overbite , an extension for the Mozilla Firefox web browser....
, blue eyes, excessive amounts of pink skin, overly aggressive behavior, small head, insufficient musculature, abnormal and/or undescended testicles, asymmetric
Asymmetry
Asymmetry is the absence of, or a violation of, symmetry.-In organisms:Due to how cells divide in organisms, asymmetry in organisms is fairly usual in at least one dimension, with biological symmetry also being common in at least one dimension....
form, too short, a weak, unsound, clumsy, or plodding gait
Gait
Gait is the pattern of movement of the limbs of animals, including humans, during locomotion over a solid substrate. Most animals use a variety of gaits, selecting gait based on speed, terrain, the need to maneuver, and energetic efficiency...
, any obvious physical or behavioral abnormality, and any trait that jeopardize the physical functionality of the dog or would severely hinder or prevent the dog from guarding
Guard dog
A guard dog, an attack dog or watch dog is a dog used to guard against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected people or animals. The dog is discriminating so that it does not annoy or attack familiar people.-Barking:...
and protecting.
How to Start
For the average boerboel owner thinking of competitively showingConformation show
Conformation shows, also referred to as breed shows, are a kind of dog show in which a judge familiar with a specific dog breed evaluates individual purebred dogs for how well the dogs conform to the established breed type for their breed, as described in a breed's individual breed standard.A...
his dogs or wanting to breed dogs that conform to the breed's standard, it is important to remember that most professional breeders only sell their pet-quality puppies and either keep their show/breeding-quality puppies for themselves or sell them at a higher price (usually to other breeders). Determined, owners should consult the dog's original breeder, if possible. Other resources are local boerboel breed-specific, molosser
Molosser
Molosser is a category of large, solidly-built dog that includes several breeds, probably all descended from the same root stock. The name derives from Molossia, a subregion of ancient Epirus, ancient Greece, where the large shepherd dog was known as the Molossus.The proper noun "Mastiff", however,...
-specific, or mastiff-specific breeders and rescue group
Rescue group
An animal rescue group or animal rescue organization is dedicated to pet adoption. These groups take unwanted, abandoned, abused, or stray pets and attempt to find suitable new homes for them...
s. Many breed-specific rescue groups leave their contact information with local animal shelter
Animal shelter
An animal shelter is a facility that houses homeless, lost, or abandoned animals; primarily a large variety of dogs and cats.Parrots, for example, are the third most common pet owned by people...
s and veterinarian
Veterinarian
A veterinary physician, colloquially called a vet, shortened from veterinarian or veterinary surgeon , is a professional who treats disease, disorder and injury in animals....
offices. Also, keep in mind that the average house pet will not contain enough muscle mass (and perhaps too much body fat) for dog show breed standard without an exercise routine.
See also
- molosserMolosserMolosser is a category of large, solidly-built dog that includes several breeds, probably all descended from the same root stock. The name derives from Molossia, a subregion of ancient Epirus, ancient Greece, where the large shepherd dog was known as the Molossus.The proper noun "Mastiff", however,...
- guard dogGuard dogA guard dog, an attack dog or watch dog is a dog used to guard against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected people or animals. The dog is discriminating so that it does not annoy or attack familiar people.-Barking:...
- Conformation dog show
- Breed Standard FaultsFault (dog)The term fault is used in animal breed standards to describe an aspect of appearance or temperament that is considered detrimental to the breed type of the animal's breed. In dogs, faults have to do with the externally observable qualities of the dog such as appearance, movement, and temperament...
- Dog breedingDog breedingDog breeding is the practice of mating selected specimens with the intent to maintain or produce specific qualities and characteristics.Dogs reproduce without human interference, so their offsprings' characteristics are determined by natural selection. Domestic dogs may be intentionally bred by...
- genetic defects
- breed standardBreed standardA breed standard in animal fancy and animal husbandry is a set of guidelines which is used to ensure that the animals produced by a breeder or breeding facility conform to the specifics of the breed....
- Kennel Union of South Africa
- Boerboel InternationalBoerboel InternationalBoerboel International is an international representative association of breeders, members, and Boerboel owners. The Boerboel is a large, mastiff breed of dog which is originally from South Africa....
- Fédération Cynologique InternationaleFédération Cynologique InternationaleFédération Cynologique Internationale is an international federation of kennel clubs based in Thuin, Belgium. The English language translation, World Canine Organisation, is not often used.Its goals are described in Article 2 of their regulations:...
- Animal SocializationSocialization of animalsThe socialization of animals refers to the process of training animals to be kept by humans in close relationships, especially cats and working dogs.-Ferality:Feral animals can be socialized with varying degrees of success....
- Obedience trainingObedience trainingObedience training usually refers to the training of a dog and the term is most commonly used in that context. Obedience training ranges from very basic training, such as teaching the dog to reliably respond to basic commands such as "sit", "down", "come", and "stay", to high level competition...
- History of South Africa - Colonization (1652-1815)