South African Boerboels

*Echo, 10 weeks old

     Many people have not even heard of the noble molossers called South African Boerboels. I am fortunate enough to know a local breed aficionado and breeder of them.  I spent some time with her and her newest pup Echo the other day to see what I could learn about them.


     Kate Nicholson is an experienced dog owner.  She grew up surrounded by all types of animals- horses, cats and dogs primarily.  In 1983 she began working in a Veterinarian's office to learn more.  As a  veterinary technician Kate was exposed to a wide variety of breeds and situations that served to further bolster her living knowledge of dogs.  Her first personal (not family) pet was a Doberman Pinscher. She has personally owned a variety of breeds- an amalgamation from small terriers, a Plott Hound mix, a German Shepherd Dog and Husky mix, Akita, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Rottweiler/Mastiff mix and many more!

*Harley and her pups

     About 9 years ago, Kate and her husband decided they would like another dog.  Her husband favored Mastiffs, so they began their research there.  While neck-deep in Mastiff information, they happened across a picture of a South African Boerboel.  Kate recalls seeing that first image, and the feeling of "Love at first sight", but that she did not want to commit until they knew more about the breed.

     Lots and lots of reading and research followed that initial discovery.  At first, it seemed there was no more information to be found on this rare breed.  Somehow, fate intervened.  Through a chance encounter, Kate met someone who knew a Boerboel breeder!  Through the breeder (who is still a close friend), first-hand information was made available, and Kate and her family could meet the rare breed in person.  In 2004, with guidance from their experienced friend, they brought home their first South African Boerboel Mojo.  A few months later, Macy, a female pup from a breeder in California was brought home to join Mojo as a companion, and hopefully potential mate, if both dogs matured to promising breeding stock.  Regardless of whether they qualified to breed (Kate is adamant that only the best of the best, judging by the physical breed standard and the temperament, should ever be bred), both dogs were in their furever home.

*Hemi, 15 months

     South African Boerboels are NOT for inexperienced handlers or dog owners who have no experience with guardian-type molossers.  Females are about 2 feet tall at the shoulder, males about 26 inches (or more).  Their weight averages 100-175lbs, and it must be "athletic" (no pudginess!).  Typical Boerboel temperament is self-confident and fearless, intelligent and with strong protective instinct.  Being obedient and therefore manageable is strongly desired, but with amateur owners, it would be unlikely.


     The breed gained recognition in South Africa  in 1983, and only recently was added to the list of AKC recognized breeds.  This has been somewhat controversial because in South Africa, the breed standard is upheld differently than here in the USA.  One large difference is that the term "Registered Puppy" is not used since the South African Boerboel Breeders Association (SABBA) will not register a Boerboel until it has been evaluated by a SABBA appraiser, and passed on individual merit, not just pedigree.   A dog is not eligible to be appraised until it is at least 12 months old.

*Mya at appraisal

     In addition to the stringent set or requirements to be met by the South African Boerboel Breeders Association, there are a battery of physical tests that each dog must undergo to see if it will even meet the breeding standard.  Hips, knees and elbows need to be X-rayed and scored.  The eyes must be checked.  the bloodlines (minimum of 5 generations) should be examined for dogs with cancer, wobblers, epilepsy and other ailments.  Extra care must be taken to watch the dog's temperament as it matures, since they are slow to mature, and being a newly recognized breed- some patterns will not emerge for years.

*Mako

     Since there are minimal recognized (by SABBA) breeders in the US, it is a very close community.  Kate knows pretty much all the recognized breeders in the surrounding states, and some from across the country.  She has general knowledge of which dogs have brucellocis (her own have been tested), thyroid testing, some  litters that were lost (still-born or re-absorbed), and some females who succumbed to uterine inertia.  Kate herself has had to take her females in for emergency surgeries during difficult birthing.  Her main concerns are that the breed standard be upheld through not only selective breeding, but selective placement (not everyone who wants a Boerboel should have a Boerboel).

*Mako and Hannah, Kate's daughter, having a laugh

     Kate's family shares a love of animals with her.  Currently at their home they have 6 Boerboels, 3 other small breed dogs, horses, outdoor barn cats, 6 indoor cats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, guinea hens, fish, guinea pigs, rabbits, and an assortment of reptiles..... oh yes, and 2 lovely daughters!  Caring for animals is a family affair at the Nicholson house!



*All photos courtesy of Kate Nicholson and Wilby Boerboels


Kate Nicholson and her Boerboels can be found at http://www.facebook.com/wilby.boerboels


Website (international) for more SA Boerboel information
Website (US and Canada) for additional SA Boerboel information
Information on Appraisal and Registration through SABBA
Another website for SA Boerboel information through EBASSA

Please also visit  www.PawsThenPlay.com