Understanding the Boerboel

Most people are very specific about the kind of temperament which they would like to have in their Boerboel.
" A good temperament is very important to us!"
But what really is a good temperament Boerboel?
What is a Boerboel? What was it bred for?
The need for a real farmdog occurred as the settler started their farms in SA. But there was no breed which had all the criteria which they needed. So they started breeding.
The selection process was simple:
Not the looks but the workability of the dogs were the criteria for the selection and use for further breeding.

1. Be good with the kids and the family
2. Leave the livestock alone
3. And protect family and property against unwanted strangers.

On the farms there were no fences and many people came and went. Therefore a highly aggressive dog which had to be locked away everytime had no use.

The boerboel is very good with knowing what is right or wrong. On many farms we see that they accept the farm workers during working hours. As soon as the sun sets this acceptance changes and they show a no tolerance policy.

It is impossible to bred into a dog what to like and what not to. The only thing which can be bred in is a certain suspicion towards the unknown.

Be nice with what you know?
Don´t nice with want you don´t know?

Now it is up to the owner to introduce to many strange people as wanted. Dont´expect the Boerboel to like anything which he is not properly socialized with. And you can expect the Boerboel to be very nice with everything it is properly introduced to.

Our male Kekoa is an absolute monster behind the fence and in the car. Our neighbours were terrified of him until they actually met him. " He is so cute and friendly!! We would have never thought of what we have seen of him before." Outside the car and property is is the sweetest thing. We take him everywhere with us without a lead. Even with us anybody can enter the property with any problems. He only stays close to us and supervises everything.
He loves children and other dogs, male or female. He plays with all of the puppies. But I attack work the whole image changes again. Fast, agile and extremely protective.
And that is what we consider a good BB temperament.
A REAL FAMILY PROTECTION DOG