The South African Boerboel is the guardian of choice in its native land. The Boerboel, or South African Mastiff, originated on the isolated farms as the family protector. Boerboels are still in use today as a guard dog and companion in South Africa. The Boerboel averages in size from 100 - 125lbs for females and from 120 - 150lbs for males. The minimum height at the shoulder is to be 23.5" females and 25.5" for males. For a detailed history of this breed, visit the SABT website. The SABT is the first registry/association for the South African Boerboel.
When we first began breeding, there was only one option available to us so far as registration was concerned, the SABT in South Africa. Over the past 14 years (it is now 2014), several organizations have been formed and the boerboel has many options available for registration. While this gives individuals more choices so far as breeding philosophy, it also divides the breed and breeders into many factions that are not working towards a common goal for the boerboel. We became members of the American Boerboel Club in 2012, which is the breed club for the American Kennel Club in the United States. We would like to be a part of the future of this breed in the US, and as members of the ABC, we will be able to help steer the breed as it comes to full recognition as an AKC breed in 2015.
The SABT must appraise each dog before it is allowed to be permanently registered and bred. A minimum appraisal score of 75% must be obtained to be deemed breeding quality. Each dog is graded individually against the standard by a trained appraiser at sanctioned appraisal days throughout the world. (See What is an Appraisal ? ) The US held its first appraisal days in June, 2001. We were able to attend and meet many Boerboel owners throughout the USA. There will now be appraisal days at least annually in the US. The appraisal system ensures that only Boerboels which meet the strict criteria of the conformation standard are available for breeding.
All of our BB are hip tested prior to breeding using the Penn Hip method to decrease the likelihood of Hip Dysplasia and the presence of Degenerative Joint Disease. We exercise our dogs frequently on our wooded 13 acres. Each dog is given individualized "house time" and worked in basic obedience. We have two indoor/outdoor whelping pens attached to our garage. This allows us to keep in close contact with our growing pups. The pups are brought into our home each day for socialization and exposure to new things. We will not send a pup home with you that we would not be proud to own ourselves.
If you would like to see our boerboels in person, please contact us at 573-642-0900 (Eric and Gina Gramlich) to schedule an appointment. We enjoy speaking with others about the breed and will try to answer any questions you may have or put you in touch with someone that can. Our goal is to produce the best boerboel possible - true to temperament, type and with good health. We will strive to move forward by improving the quality of each generation of boerboels we produce. Please visit our Planned Litters page to see some of our pups or upcoming breeding plans.
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