We find an unsurpassed peace and happiness running somewhere on a trail in any season or any type of weather in the Rockies. In a very fast paced world full of mounting pressure, demands on time, and too much noise we unwind together running to the sound of running water and wind in the trees. We stand on high ridges, survey vast summits, and climb endless peaks seaching for the still small voice that God uses to speak answers to our greatest questions. Hard to put into words but we easily get lost in the absolute serenity of nature and find that silence is golden....for both dogs and people.
It was only after a year of exhaustive Big Dog research with American Bulldogs, Boxers, Danes, and Cane Corsos that we accidentally discovered The Boerboel breed when I sat next to a Hog Farmer Boerboel enthusiast on a plane. His photos were amazing and description of the breeds’ protective and loyal attachment to the smallest members of his family seemed a bit incredulous but now make total sense as we have watched and learned of their devotion to our family members first-hand over 4 years. From moment our pup arrived we have seen her devotion and commitment to protection of her family and have been educated real-time about the world of protective dogs. We now understand first hand how their loyalty and gentle nature can also co-exist with their protective nature in the same animal. Its one of those things you just have to see to believe. We have made the choice to back each of our pups with a replacement guarantee because we are also loyal to our clients as well as our dogs.
Excellence
It only takes a few phone calls to Boerboel Owners, Breeders, and Registry Organizations to discover that although the breed has many devoted people with decades of experience pushing for breed improvement, there are just as many (if not more) that are concerned only with making money with a breed that is rapidly gaining in popularity. With only 100 dogs remaining to be registered to be officially recognized by the AKC, The Boerboel breed is still not very well known in the North America and still requires careful management, consideration, and commitment to Health Testing and Certification (Hips, Elbows, Eyes, and Vaginal Prolapse) to maintain the quality of the breed. We are amongst those very concerned about only breeding when we have “stacked the deck in favor of an improvement of the breed” and not simply playing genetic roulette to sell puppies.
The chances of purchasing a less-than-steller puppy from a breeder that does not post proof of Health Testing (OFA or PENN Hip hip scores) on their website or provide proof of appraisal scores the first time you request it, seem to go up with every additional request you make. If you care at all about the animal you will call part of your family for the next 10-15 years. Do you homework and ask about Health Testing first and follow those questions with more about grandparents Health Testing and Appraisals.
Education
Even if you are looking for a pet and have no intention of ever breeding your Boerboel. Do yourself and your family the favor of learning what the BREED STANDARD is for your target dog and then educate yourself about the nuances of finding a dog that meets BOTH your personal preferences AND the breed standards. You may start by Googling images of the breed to find something that appeals to you personally, but don’t stop there. Call the kennels and each and every time you speak with a Breeder, ask them a list of 5-10 questions that will shorten your learning curve. Dog people are NOT shy about telling you what they think and how they feel about their dog….but your focus needs to be on the strengths AND weaknesses of the parents and the 5 generation pedigree. My old man used to say “better to build a fence around the top of the cliff than have an ambulance parked waiting at the bottom.”
Environment
Whatever your choice you must make a commitment to raising a dog in an environment that maximizes your dogs chances of growing into adulthood as a well adjusted family member. Certainly the FOOD you feed(see attached food grading chart link), the daily EXERCISE you provide your dog, the SOCIALIZATION with other people and dogs in structured environments, and the exposure to working dog ACTIVITIES(pulling, herding, agility, obedience, and tracking) will all contribute to your dogs development and how others see your dog. Nobody wants to have a small dog that is out of control….when you then start to discuss dogs that exceed 100 to approaching 200 lbs, don’t kid yourself, you have got to be in control from day one with a plan for growth and development. If your time or experience is limited and you decide to pay for help with the proper environmental cues mentioned….good for you.
Commitment
The entire experience of bringing home a Boerboel is one about making and keeping a commitment to a lifetime of investing time, money, and resources to the wellbeing of the one member of your family that cannot speak or ask out-loud for your attention. We ask you to consider that these dogs are much more than guard dogs because they bond with the people that own them just like a child would a parent. If you want to keep your dog in a kennel never to run on a leash or at the park and you don’t have the time to spend daily working with your dog then you should probably re-evaluate your position and maybe look at spending the same money on a fish tank and some sweet salt water fish that swim slowly and don’t need any exercise. These dogs are working dogs and absolutely require daily time and attention and exercise if you want them to be happy. You will get in return exactly what you put into your dog in terms of time, energy, and love. No success in life can compensate for failure in the home is our motto.
Loyalty