The term Boerboel is derived from and used to describe “farm dog.” Large dog breeds, like the boerboel dates back to years well before Christ in some form. As you will read in this description this large breed has been used to protect kings, warriors, and farmers for centuries. Originally, the dogs used in Centuries Before Christ these dogs were much larger than those we know today. The British Museum in London has kings using large dog breeds to hunt wild horse and lions dating back to nearly 7 Century BC.
There are numerous tales of large dog breeds being used to fend off lions and elephants. The story is depicted that Alexander the Great received a dog from King Albania and was told to have the dog fight a lion. The dog destroyed the lion within seconds as the story is told.
The modern large breed dogs were likely introduced to South Africa by Jan Van Riebeeck. The Dutch brought the strongest and largest dogs to survive the land and wild life of South Africa, and very likely these large dogs bred with native large dogs in South Africa. By the 19th Century, English settlers began bringing Mastiff breeds, specifically, the Bull-Mastiff to South Africa. Again, these dogs were able to survive the tough climate and interactions of South Africa. The Bull Mastiffs were used as guard dogs to the diamond minds and in war. By the 1940s the Bull Mastiff began to breed with the long-legged bulldog and other large breeds already inhabiting South Africa. This began to form the modern-day boerboel.
In addition, there are potential for other origins of the boerboel. Cynomones were a large breed in in Africa used to fend off wild life, as well. It is likely, that boerboels were bred to these dogs at some point to create a fearless guard dog. It is likely, the dogs brought to South Africa by Van Riebeeck bred with the native African dogs. With, the England colonizing much of Northern Africa many tribes headed south and brought the native dogs with them (the Mongrel). This dog was known to be muscular and have that v-shape.
What we can conclude, is there are a few possibilities of where the boerboel came from. While, Van Riebeeck is given most of the credit in forming this majestic breed, it is likely the traditional African dog played a critical role in the development of the boerboel. It could also be why the boerboel has a much more muscular features than the traditional mastiff.
The modern day boerboel comes from a strong bloodline. What we can conclude for certain, is the boerboel was used as a friend, playmate, a child’s dog, and protector. The boerboel is loyal and needs an owner who will show great affection for the dog. Boerboel’s can sleep all day and be lazy, but at the first sign of danger will have your back. They are loyal to their owner’s and are great with young children. The boerboel will be your best friend always at your side, and your most loyal protector. The boerboel is more than just another dog.