History of the breed
The Boerboel – From Ancient Guardians to a Proud South African Legacy
In the past, the dictionary might have simply defined the Boerboel as "a large farm dog of unknown origin." But that description no longer does justice to this remarkable breed. Today, the Boerboel is a fully recognized, pedigreed working dog—and a great source of pride for South Africa.
Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that the ancestors of the Boerboel may trace back to the time of Herodotus, with roots in ancient regions such as Tibet, Assyria, and Babylon. In early Assyria, large dogs outfitted in protective armor were used in battle long before the conquest of ancient Egypt. These powerful dogs travelled alongside armies, gradually spreading across continents.
By 326 B.C., during the campaigns of Alexander the Great, it is said that he was gifted 156 massive dogs trained to fight lions and elephants. Over the centuries, these dogs evolved into two main types: mastiff-type guardians and hunting dogs. Mastiffs served as protectors and war dogs, while the hunting types were used to track and bring down game.
From these two early types, many of today's Western breeds were developed. Around 600 years ago, European breeders began purposefully refining dogs to suit specific tasks—some bred for herding, others for guarding farms and homesteads, and some strictly for hunting. While their roles diversified, one thing was clear: these dogs were bred for function and resilience, with a strong emphasis on health and utility.
In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck, one of the early European settlers of South Africa, brought mastiff-type dogs with him—most notably the Bullenbeisser, a powerful guardian dog. These dogs were vital in protecting early settlers from the dangers of the untamed land, including predators and intruders. Later settlers brought their own dogs, and over time, these mastiff-type breeds adapted to the South African climate and conditions.
As the pioneers pushed deeper inland, their dogs became more isolated. Harsh environments, limited access to veterinary care, and natural selection led to the survival of only the strongest, most capable dogs. Over generations, these dogs began to resemble their ancient Assyrian ancestors once again—strong, loyal, protective, and highly functional.
By the early 20th century, this locally adapted dog was commonly referred to as a "Boel" and was known across farms for being both a loving family companion and an unshakable protector. These dogs were valued for their stable temperament, working ability, and strong health. Farmers had no room for sickly or disobedient animals—only the most balanced and capable dogs were kept and bred.
Unfortunately, as urbanization spread across South Africa, the original Boerboel began to fade. The breed faced near extinction as its traditional working role disappeared and typical "boels" became rare. But in the 1980s, a small group of dedicated enthusiasts came together with one shared goal: to revive and preserve this legendary South African farm dog. Their efforts led to the formation of the South African Boerboel Breeders Association (SABT), marking a new chapter in the breed's history.
Today, the Boerboel is not only popular in South Africa, but also gaining recognition worldwide. However, with popularity comes responsibility. Sadly, not all breeders have the knowledge, integrity, or experience needed to protect the breed's true nature. Poor breeding practices can quickly lead to the loss of the very qualities that make the Boerboel so special.
That's why, before purchasing a Boerboel puppy, it's essential to do your research. Ask whether the parents are registered with a recognized Boerboel association such as SABBS, BI, WBBA or other. Request pedigrees and clear photos of the parents, and don't hesitate to contact the breed registry or club directly to verify the quality and background of the litter.
The Boerboel is more than just a dog—it's a legacy, a protector, and a loyal partner. Preserving its future starts with responsible breeding and informed ownership.