The Boerboel is a large working molosser type breed of dog from South Africa. The word boerboel is Afrikaans for
"Boer's dog". They are obedient, intelligent, self-assured and bred to have an extremely strong guard-dog instinct in a domestic situation".

A natural and selective practical breeding ethic has created a very functional working dog, that is very dominant
but thrives best in a responsible family environment with correct and careful training where he can put his natural
protective instincts into action when required.

The Boerboel, the only South African breed of dog solely and specifically bred to defend the homestead, it has a
long history of breeding in many far flung and different regions of South Africa. After this long history of breeding,
the breed’s refinement continues to date, however regional differences though slight, are considered part of the entire makeup of the breed.

While there is ample literature on the Boerboel’s descent, there is still uncertainty as to how many and which dogs
it is bred from.

The most likely origins are claimed to date back to Jan van Riebeeck’s arrival to the Cape in 1652. Dutch, French
and British settlers have all brought with them certain breeds of dog, these were used with indigenous breeds
of domestic African dog to create the Boerboel.

It has been confirmed the Jan van Riebeeck brought a “bullenbijter” with him, and others with him had large
strong dogs. Over many years, natural selection would determine that the fittest among them would survive and breed.

Today, Boerboel breeding is both a hobby and industry in South Africa. Only a few of the best studs are kept to
breed with females. These dogs are now exported from South Africa to other parts of the world.