We joined the South African Boerboel Breeders Association (SABT #106121) in 2007 and we began to study, research and read everything we could find.
Diet and Feeding-I have learned quite a bit from a few other dedicated breeders, especially when it comes to feeding and nutrition. We try to avoid grains and only occasionally feed kibble, so we feed primarily a RAW diet, full of meat, bones and variety.
Chicken necks, backs, organs, leg quarters, eggs, even whole chickens from time to time, Turkey legs and necks, Beef neck bones, ground beef, organs, Pork neck bones, Fish Salmon and Mackerel, cottage cheese, yogurt, green beans, carrots, celery, lettuce, apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, blueberries and even the occasional table scraps are the order of the day.
Coats and skin are much healthier, which is great as Boerboels can have skin troubles. No more stinky dog breath. Stool is reduced and very firm and this helps a young dog in learning to be crate trained. With very little fecal odors we have few flies in warm weather and cleanup is easier. They enjoy eating so much you have no more picky eaters. Food is eaten almost instantly and they drink much less water.
Feeding a RAW diet can be more labor intensive and cleanup is critical when handling RAW food. All of our dogs love it and even with the extra work it has proven to be well worth the effort. It even cuts down on the vet visits.
There are various organizations that register South African Boerboels. We decided on the South African Boerboel Breeders Association. All dogs seeking registration must undergo a detailed assessment on an individual basis at an appraisal.
To become registered, when pups are at least 12 months old, you must attend an appraisal and have your Boerboel scored. They must score a minimum of 75% to become a registered Boerboel. The best dogs in the world score in the low to mid 90's.
We attended and passed the Sabt Breeder/Appraiser course for 2009. We have made every effort to educate ourselves, trying to improve the breed. We have been selective and started with 2 impressive males in Nostras Zulu 92.6 and Spitsvuur Motto 91.0. Neither are perfect but they posses a great many positives and very few negatives.
Our foundation females were from proven parents (Cabaret Pavarotti 93.3, Gretchen Angus 87.4 and Cabaret Straat-Kat 87.8) who have all contributed towards improving the Boerboel. Some worked out well for us, but most did not. Just because a kennel in South Africa is popular, and produces lots of Boerboels, does not mean they will provide you with a healthy dog. Others are learning this as we speak. Overall, if you put in the work, you will breed your best Boerboels, not buy them.
In just a short time we have been able to produce top notch dogs in appraisal scores such as Electric Zena (92.5), Electric Helga (89.9), Electric Copper (89.7), Electric Blue (88.4), Electric Zaire (87.7) and Electric Tundra (87.1) and hip health scores such as Electric Helga's Penn-hip (L.29 R.34).
They were born right here at our house, not overseas. Its a good feeling to own high quality dogs, but an even better feeling of accomplishment that we are able to produce them. Its a journey and we are constantly trying to get better.
Its a shame that many breeders have been producing Boerboels for a number of years and they still fill their kennels with dogs from overseas or breed the same dogs over and over. To improve the breed you have to put in the work, not buy your way up.
New Boerboel Breeders: Another troubling occurrence is all of the new "Boerboel Breeders" popping up with websites in the U.S. With only puppies and no adult dogs, how can someone be a "Boerboel Breeder"? It used to be a requirement that you have at least one registered female to be considered a kennel or breeder. More and more people are trying to cash in and few are putting in the work.
Be cautious!!
Looking For a Boerboel Pup? Go visit the breeder. Ask to see the parents and interact with them. A Boerboel should
be confident with tail and head held high, not
aggressive or protective to the point that it cannot be approached with the owner
present.
The farmer's Boerboel is protective, but not aggressive with people who come to visit.
To sum it all up, I would much rather have a Boerboel with an outstanding temperament who is physically imposing and impressive with average hips, than a Boerboel with perfect hips, a small head and temperament issues. So we are breeding accordingly!
"Buying cheap will cost you dearly"
