Arizona Boerboels

African dogs

The Boerboel is not as well known in the USA as other African dogs such as the Egyption Basenji and Southern Africa's Rhodesian Ridgeback. Both the Basenji and the Ridgeback have very unique characteristics. The Basenji does not bark and the Ridgeback's hair on its back grows in the opposite direction.

The boerboel appears to feature all the best attributes of the mastiff breeds like immense power combined with great faithfulness, physical stature combined with admirable tolerance and a temperament capable of placidity or ferocity, if its family is threatened. The boerboel breeding program is performance oriented. Breeding for handsomeness and a respect for heritage doesn't necessarily deliver functionality. This is what distinguishes the boerboel from the other mastiff dogs.

History of the Boerboel

The Boerboel is a large, strong and intelligent working dog that has been bred in Africa since approximately the 16th century. Various mastiff-type dogs from Europe as well as large dogs from Africa contributed to the development of the boerboel breed. Typical breed qualities show remarkable resemblance with the Syrian dogs of the period up to 700 BC.

The Boerboel was bred from two sources of genetic material:

1) The "Bullenbijter", with its early roots in Albania and Syria and later Europe.

2) The African dog of the black tribes of Africa which descended from the Cynomones of Ethiopia with earlier roots in Babylon during the Persian domination and even earlier via India back to Albania and Syria.

The genetic material that came together again in Africa has more pure, original Syrian bloodlines than any other breed in the world. The Boerboel is considered to be structurally built better than other Mastiff-type dogs.

Please consult the SABT site for more information about the history of the boerboel breed.

The Boerboel Today

South African farmers are generally not without a Boerboel. These dogs are used in many ways on the farms in South Africa but their most important job is guardian of the family. These dogs are relied on to watch over the women and children while the farmers tend to their farming. They can be a fearsome animal if you are threatening their family, yet they are a loving and tender dog with family members and friends. The popularity of the Boerboel is taking off here in the USA as well as other countries and once you own a Boerboel, you are likely to always be a Boerboel owner. They love to be near their people and are as dedicated as dedicated can ever be. They quickly become an important part of the family. They like to travel and be seen and tend to attract attention wherever they go.

SABT Boerboel Breed Standard

Click here for the SABT Boerboel breed standard.