Boerboel facts for kids
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| Other names | South African Mastiff | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Origin | South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foundation stock | mastiffs, bulldogs, Boer Dog | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Notes | not recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Boerboel is a large dog breed from South Africa. It is a type of mastiff and is often used as a family guard dog. These dogs are very strong, with a short coat and well-built muscles.
The Boerboel is officially recognized by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa. However, it is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, which is a big international dog organization.
Contents
What is a Boerboel?
In South Africa, the Boerboel is seen as a special breed that started there. It's called a "landrace" animal. This means it's a breed that developed naturally in a certain area.
There is a group called the South African Boerboel Breeders' Society (SABBS). This group is in charge of officially registering Boerboels. They also set the rules for how the breed should look and act.
History of the Boerboel
The name Boerboel comes from the Afrikaans language. Boer means farmer, and boel is a short way of saying boelhond, which means 'bulldog'. So, the name basically means "farmer's bulldog."
Where did Boerboels come from?
The Boerboel's ancestors were old mastiffs and bulldogs. These dogs were brought to South Africa a long time ago by settlers. They were used to guard farms and big estates. They also helped with hunting large animals. People sometimes called them the Boer Dog or Boer Hunting Dog.
Around 1909, people said these dogs were excellent for hunting animals like leopards and baboons in groups.
When did Boerboel breeding start?
People started to breed Boerboels more formally in the 1950s. A group called the South African Boerboel Breeders Association was created in 1983. Later, a new group, the South African Boerboel Breeders' Society, was formed in 2012. This group is now the main one for the breed.
What are Boerboels like?
Boerboels are very large dogs. They have strong bones and big muscles. Their heads are usually large, and their muzzles (the part of their face that holds the nose and mouth) are short.
Appearance
Their fur is short and smooth, and it's quite thick. Boerboels can be many colors. These include brindle (striped), fawn (light brown or yellowish), and different shades of brown or red. Some Boerboels might also have a black mask on their face.
There's a small difference in what colors are accepted by different groups. The Kennel Union of South Africa does not accept black Boerboels. However, the South African Boerboel Breeders' Society (SABBS) does allow black-colored dogs.
Temperament
Boerboels are known for being very brave, especially if they feel their family or home is in danger. They can be protective. Because of their protective nature, they might sometimes act aggressively towards other dogs or strangers. This is why it's very important for Boerboels to be well-trained and socialized from a young age.
Health of Boerboels
Like many large dog breeds, Boerboels can have certain health problems.
- Hip and Elbow Issues: They might get hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These are conditions where the joints don't form correctly.
- Eye Problems: They can also have eye conditions like ectropion (where the eyelid rolls outward) and entropion (where the eyelid rolls inward).
- Epilepsy: Some Boerboels might experience juvenile epilepsy. This means they can have seizures, sometimes triggered by stress or changes in their body.
It's also important to know that a Boerboel's behavior can change over time.
Rules for Owning a Boerboel
Because Boerboels are very strong and protective dogs, some countries have special rules about owning them. In some places, it's even against the law to own one.
Here are some examples of restrictions:
- Banned or Prohibited: Boerboels are completely banned in countries like Bermuda, France, Mauritius, and Qatar.
- Importation Prohibited: You cannot bring a Boerboel into places like the Faroe Islands, Singapore, Tunisia, and the Turks and Caicos islands.
- Restricted Ownership: In Romania, owning a Boerboel is restricted, and you need a special permit from a court.
- Dangerous Breed: Russia has called the Boerboel an "especially dangerous breed." Owners there might need to register their dog and get it certified. Ukraine also sees them as dangerous. Owners might need to get their dog microchipped, use a muzzle, and have special insurance.
These rules are usually in place to make sure these powerful dogs are handled responsibly and safely.
See also
In Spanish: Boerboel para niños
