A True South African Treasure: The Boerboel
The origins of the Boerboel has long been shrouded in
The origins of the Boerboel has long been shrouded in mystery, with early records simply describing them as “a farm dog of uncertain origin”. However, as we delve deeper into history and tales from around the world, we begin to uncover a clearer picture of where these magnificent animals originate from. The first traces of large dogs being used for hunting can be found as far back as the 7th century BC in ancient Syria. Two Assyrian Kings, Asarhaddon and Ashurbani-pal, were known to use these large dogs to hunt wild horses and lions. The murals in the Syrian rooms of the British Museum in London depict these dogs as being even bigger and heavier than the large dog breeds we are familiar with today. The use of large dogs for various purposes continued through the centuries, with prominent figures and armies across the globe utilizing them. Philemon Holland’s work, translated from Pliny’s Natural History in 1601, contains several references to large dogs being used by Germanic kings and the Cimbrians to guard their belongings during battles.
The King of Albania even gave Alexander the Great a giant dog as a gift, which was eventually used to hunt bears, wild boars, and deer. It wasn’t just in Europe and the Middle East that large dogs were prized - in Africa, the Cynomones tribe in Ethiopia bred dogs described as “Indian dogs,” which were descendants of the Babylonian dog. These dogs were considered a tradeable commodity and were big, strong, and suitable for fighting lions. With the arrival of European settlers in South Africa, their large and strong dogs, such as the Bullenbijter, were brought over and crossbred with the dogs of the native inhabitants of Africa.
This is how the Boerboel, as found on countless farms, and which later trekked north with the Great Trek, originated. It’s fascinating to look at the history of the Boerboel and trace the genetic material that came together to create this magnificent breed. The Bullenbijter from Europe, with its early roots in Albania and Syria, and the African dog of the black tribes of Africa, probably descended from the Cynomones of Ethiopia, with its earlier roots in Babylon during the Persian domination, and the even earlier lineages via India back to Albania and Syria.
The Boerboel is known for its protective instincts and loyalty to its family, making it a popular choice as a guard dog. The South African Boerboel Breeders’ Society (SABBS) is the only organization authorized to officially register Boerboels and is responsible for the standards that govern identification, recording, evaluation, and improvement of the breed.
Owning a Boerboel comes with its own set of responsibilities, and it’s important to have the necessary information to make an informed decision. Consider your needs and whether you have the means to care for the dog for its entire life. Do you have sufficient space and a secure environment for a large breed dog? Do you have the necessary knowledge of canine behavior to raise a large dog with protective instincts? It’s important to obtain as much information as possible about the breed and breed standards by talking to SABBS office bearers, breeders, and members. The Boerboel breed is a fascinating and unique dog with a rich history and diverse ancestry.
From the large dogs used by Assyrian kings to hunt wild horses and lions in ancient times, to the Bullenbijter brought to the Cape of Good Hope by Jan van Riebeeck, to the African dogs of the black tribes of Africa, the Boerboel has been bred from large and strong dogs with good characteristics. Owning one of these giant fur balls can bring a great deal of joy, love, and security to your life, but it’s crucial to remember that this comes with a significant responsibility. It’s essential to consider your needs and whether you have the time, the means and the patience to raise and care for a dog of this caliber, also considering whether you have the necessary knowledge and commitment to raise a well-adjusted and balanced dog. By educating yourself on the breed and seeking guidance from experts, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your Boerboel thrives and brings you years of happiness and companionship.
