Our Breeding Objectives and Strategy

Introduction

Constant sentiments we get from potential buyers are,

  • I want a big dog
  • I want a particular color
  • Do you breed x, y or z
This section will help to give you an understanding of what we are trying to achieve in our breeding program and to address some of these sentiments, so that you can make an informed choice about buying a puppy from us.

To be a successful breeder of any dog breed requires a plan and then a strategy to bring that plan to fruition. In formulating our plan, we held numerous discussions with Craig Bloom (of Ataraxia Kennels) and Kobus Rust (2nd SABT Chairman and author of the revised SABT Breed Standard issued in 2003). Both are close personal friends of ours. Kobus also identified some key aspects of the breed that require serious attention by ALL breeders.

Our primary objective

The founders of the Boerboel set out a vision for this breed. They tried to convey the picture of the perfect Boerboel in the breed standard. Kobus estimates that 99% of breeders today have no idea what that picture looks like. So it became an imperative for us to have a clear understanding of the picture they had in mind. And so, we set our primary goal to be one that brings that vision to reality!

Boerboel breeders need to establish "type" first. That means ensuring the 3 defining attributes of the breed are cemented into their lines. Those 3 attributes are:

  • The unique temperament
  • The blocky or cube-shaped head
  • The heavy bone, thick legs and big feet
The breed today, is losing these defining traits and we must restore them (before it’s too late) to ensure that the breed has its “type” cemented into the gene-pool.

Kobus Rust (author of the 2nd SABT breed standard revision in 2003)