The Making of the Boerboel

The word Boerboel derives from the 'Africans Dutch' word for 'farmer' thus is translated to 'farmers dog' or 'Boer's dog' in 'Africans Dutch'. The word 'Boel' closest translation is 'a whole lot of dog'.

The name Boerboel literally means "Farmer's mastiff" Boer=Farmer and Boel= A lot of dog. The Boerboel is reliable, obedient and intelligent, with strong watch and guard-dog instincts. It is self-assured and fearless.

The Boerboel of pre 1600's was a mighty hunting and war fighting dog breed in Africa. Today's Boerboel was breed from this dog by the Boer farmers to be a better protector of the family, livestock and interest. This breeding took place over a 350 year time period. The original Boerboel is believed to be a dog from the Assyrians of 667 when Assurbanipal conquered Egypt. Two types of dogs were developed from this dog, the Hound and the Mastiff. The Hound was used for hunting and the mastiffs for guard duty.