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If you searching for the history of the Boerboel ,you will find different story,s
One story is
Two Assyrian Kings, King Asarhaddon and King Ashurbani-pal, were recorded as having used large dogs to hunt lions and wild horses. This information is evident from the Assyrian chambers at the British museum. Later we find evidence that the King of Albania gave Alexander the Great a gift of a large dog.
Alexander the Great was suitably impressed by the size of the beast, but was soon greatly disappointed when the dog refused to hunt firstly bears, then wild boars and deer. The poor dog was then killed. On hearing of the tragedy, the Albanian king quickly replaced the dog. This time the king gave explicit instructions not to waste the dog's time, if it was going to be used for hunting, it would need a challenge. The dog was offered both lions and an elephant. Without going into any graphic details, the dog impressed the leader greatly.
But this story is also claimed by other molosser breeds, like the Dogue de Bordeaux for example
Another story is
A mastiff type dog was in 1121 a Tibetan Mastiff trained for hunting was given to a Chinese Emperor. The mastiffs where exported to other lands were they where breed with local dogs. The dogs where considered valuable in Babylon. Similar dogs were written about in the cuneiform during the Bronze age around 2600 B.C. Ancient Assyrians used dogs for hunting, protection, and war. Xerxes I of Persia used large dogs in war and after his army was defeated by the Greeks, mastiffs where kept as trophies of war.
In 3,000 B.C. rock art in central Asia depict a large mastiff type of dog and looks much like a Site hound dog. Today in that same area Saluki dogs are used to hunt. This is a breed of dog believed to be very ancient by the local people. The Saluki dog has a build much like that of a Site hound.
Large mastiff types of dogs where written about in 2,500 B.C. were Marco Polo wrote of 5,000 huge mastiff like dogs kept in kennels and used for hunting and war by Kublai Kahn. The Roman leaded Hannibal used mastiffs like dogs in war. The British Mastiff is believe to have been established by the Phoenicians. The Romans later used these dogs in there Colosseum in blood games.
The British have used mastiffs for centuries and it is recorded that Henry VIII gave 400 mastiffs to Charles V of Spain to guard his Castle and Empire. King James I is said to have given 2 mastiffs to Phillip II of Spain.
The dogs of Africa were said to be spread from Assyria by Assurbanipal in 667 when he conquered Egypt.
But what do we really know today is a historic fact that can be confirmed
with certainty it can be found in the journals of Jan Van Riebeeck. Jan Van Riebeeck (born 21 April 1619 in Culemborg) was the first Dutch colonist of South Africa. The Grand Expedition heading north was a very dangerous journey, with the emigrants encountering aridity, cold, mountains, valleys, and wild animals.
It is know that Jan van Riebeeck brought his Bullenbijter with him.
The Dutch colonists who arrived later round 1652 brought with them their strongest dogs, such as the Dutch Sheppard, the Bullenbijter and the Dutch waterflow dogs and also a lot of families brought there crossbreed dogs with (not much farmers owned in that time pure bred dogs) who are proven guardian dogs to protect themselves from the many dangers. Around 1685 the German and French arrived and brought their own local dogs with them, like the German Sheppard and the Dogue de Bordeaux (at that time there where two different types of the Dogue de Bordeaux one of them was simulair to the dog we know today and one was a dark brindle type with white socks till up his knees)
That is where the history of the Boerboel starts, these farmer dogs were crossed among themselves ,and the indigenous population also had a strong native dog, the the primitive African dog from the Khoi Khoi people and the Basenji , this dogs bred with the farmers dogs, and these offspring were the original Boerboel dogs, called Boeleboel.
While these dogs did not have physical appearance and characteristics of the Boerboel that we know today, they were strong, resistant to illness and disease and were good guard dogs. These Boeleboel dogs were much appreciated by the farm people (Boeren). Because of the isolated lives that these farm people lived, the dogs often were interbred. These pioneers needed dogs that were friend, worker, guardian and fighter. Disobedience, bad temperament and sickness could not be tolerated as these dogs had to protect their owners, work, fight and even to kill, later almost 2 centuries after the Dutch around 1820 ,Other such as the English, brought their Mastiffs and Bulldogs ,
some farmers who lived near the mines bred their dogs with this newcomers , During the Great trek 1830-1840 many died, people and animals alike. Only the strongest lived. These surviving dogs bred between them during the trek ,and resulting in a new crossbred what was the start of the Boerboel of today.. By the 1900s characteristics of these farm dogs became distinctive, and the dogs became known as the Boerboel. The following years, however, almost proved fatal for the Boerboel breed due to the ensuing crossbreeding that occurred with other dogs as the farm people moved to the cities, and as farmland became urbanized. ,and many people started to breed Boerboels All that barked was being bred together, in the 70ths some breeders crossed other breeds in their lines like the St Bernard also the colour breeding hat his start because some breeders wanted to make exotic dogs out of the Boerboel and started to breed dogs, now called Piebalds and so on the typical Boerboel began to disappear. Several people took the initiative to control the breeding. A search of thousands of miles ensued and selective breeding began, resulting in successes as well as some failures, only 72 dogs where found good enough. At last these 72 dogs ware registered and listed as a pure breed and became the ancestors of our Boerboels from today. Suddenly in 1983 the S.A.B.T. (South African Boerboel Breeders Association) was formed. Their objectives were to establish the Boerboel as the original dog of South Africa and to distinguish it from other breeds of the world This is how the modern breeding program began. Alongside the SABT,. But each time Piet Sprinkhuizen traveled to Europe or America as appraiser, it appeared that many Boerboels did not hold up to an ideal breed standard. The breeders had many complaints about the puppies that were being exported from South Africa. After listening to these complaints, the EBBASA was founded in 2001 . From this moment on the strict breed standard was formed for breeders to follow; as well guidelines for correct kennel management and strict breed selection were emphasized. Because of these strict and devoted measures, after all this it happens a lot the last years, BBI was founded ,Piebalds getting their recognition and later the split of from Ysterberg-Mouzer Boerboele who are now Ysterberg Mastiff, , SABT recognized the Black Boerboels ,after the passing away of the founder Piet Sprinkhuizen EBBASA hit a different direction and teamed with BBI and Kusa. E.E.B.O was founded in 2011
Boerboels however, are still not completely pure bred. As breeders we need to breed selectively and work towards the evolution of the Boerboel.
One story is
Two Assyrian Kings, King Asarhaddon and King Ashurbani-pal, were recorded as having used large dogs to hunt lions and wild horses. This information is evident from the Assyrian chambers at the British museum. Later we find evidence that the King of Albania gave Alexander the Great a gift of a large dog.
Alexander the Great was suitably impressed by the size of the beast, but was soon greatly disappointed when the dog refused to hunt firstly bears, then wild boars and deer. The poor dog was then killed. On hearing of the tragedy, the Albanian king quickly replaced the dog. This time the king gave explicit instructions not to waste the dog's time, if it was going to be used for hunting, it would need a challenge. The dog was offered both lions and an elephant. Without going into any graphic details, the dog impressed the leader greatly.
But this story is also claimed by other molosser breeds, like the Dogue de Bordeaux for example
Another story is
A mastiff type dog was in 1121 a Tibetan Mastiff trained for hunting was given to a Chinese Emperor. The mastiffs where exported to other lands were they where breed with local dogs. The dogs where considered valuable in Babylon. Similar dogs were written about in the cuneiform during the Bronze age around 2600 B.C. Ancient Assyrians used dogs for hunting, protection, and war. Xerxes I of Persia used large dogs in war and after his army was defeated by the Greeks, mastiffs where kept as trophies of war.
In 3,000 B.C. rock art in central Asia depict a large mastiff type of dog and looks much like a Site hound dog. Today in that same area Saluki dogs are used to hunt. This is a breed of dog believed to be very ancient by the local people. The Saluki dog has a build much like that of a Site hound.
Large mastiff types of dogs where written about in 2,500 B.C. were Marco Polo wrote of 5,000 huge mastiff like dogs kept in kennels and used for hunting and war by Kublai Kahn. The Roman leaded Hannibal used mastiffs like dogs in war. The British Mastiff is believe to have been established by the Phoenicians. The Romans later used these dogs in there Colosseum in blood games.
The British have used mastiffs for centuries and it is recorded that Henry VIII gave 400 mastiffs to Charles V of Spain to guard his Castle and Empire. King James I is said to have given 2 mastiffs to Phillip II of Spain.
The dogs of Africa were said to be spread from Assyria by Assurbanipal in 667 when he conquered Egypt.
But what do we really know today is a historic fact that can be confirmed
with certainty it can be found in the journals of Jan Van Riebeeck. Jan Van Riebeeck (born 21 April 1619 in Culemborg) was the first Dutch colonist of South Africa. The Grand Expedition heading north was a very dangerous journey, with the emigrants encountering aridity, cold, mountains, valleys, and wild animals.
It is know that Jan van Riebeeck brought his Bullenbijter with him.
The Dutch colonists who arrived later round 1652 brought with them their strongest dogs, such as the Dutch Sheppard, the Bullenbijter and the Dutch waterflow dogs and also a lot of families brought there crossbreed dogs with (not much farmers owned in that time pure bred dogs) who are proven guardian dogs to protect themselves from the many dangers. Around 1685 the German and French arrived and brought their own local dogs with them, like the German Sheppard and the Dogue de Bordeaux (at that time there where two different types of the Dogue de Bordeaux one of them was simulair to the dog we know today and one was a dark brindle type with white socks till up his knees)
That is where the history of the Boerboel starts, these farmer dogs were crossed among themselves ,and the indigenous population also had a strong native dog, the the primitive African dog from the Khoi Khoi people and the Basenji , this dogs bred with the farmers dogs, and these offspring were the original Boerboel dogs, called Boeleboel.
While these dogs did not have physical appearance and characteristics of the Boerboel that we know today, they were strong, resistant to illness and disease and were good guard dogs. These Boeleboel dogs were much appreciated by the farm people (Boeren). Because of the isolated lives that these farm people lived, the dogs often were interbred. These pioneers needed dogs that were friend, worker, guardian and fighter. Disobedience, bad temperament and sickness could not be tolerated as these dogs had to protect their owners, work, fight and even to kill, later almost 2 centuries after the Dutch around 1820 ,Other such as the English, brought their Mastiffs and Bulldogs ,
some farmers who lived near the mines bred their dogs with this newcomers , During the Great trek 1830-1840 many died, people and animals alike. Only the strongest lived. These surviving dogs bred between them during the trek ,and resulting in a new crossbred what was the start of the Boerboel of today.. By the 1900s characteristics of these farm dogs became distinctive, and the dogs became known as the Boerboel. The following years, however, almost proved fatal for the Boerboel breed due to the ensuing crossbreeding that occurred with other dogs as the farm people moved to the cities, and as farmland became urbanized. ,and many people started to breed Boerboels All that barked was being bred together, in the 70ths some breeders crossed other breeds in their lines like the St Bernard also the colour breeding hat his start because some breeders wanted to make exotic dogs out of the Boerboel and started to breed dogs, now called Piebalds and so on the typical Boerboel began to disappear. Several people took the initiative to control the breeding. A search of thousands of miles ensued and selective breeding began, resulting in successes as well as some failures, only 72 dogs where found good enough. At last these 72 dogs ware registered and listed as a pure breed and became the ancestors of our Boerboels from today. Suddenly in 1983 the S.A.B.T. (South African Boerboel Breeders Association) was formed. Their objectives were to establish the Boerboel as the original dog of South Africa and to distinguish it from other breeds of the world This is how the modern breeding program began. Alongside the SABT,. But each time Piet Sprinkhuizen traveled to Europe or America as appraiser, it appeared that many Boerboels did not hold up to an ideal breed standard. The breeders had many complaints about the puppies that were being exported from South Africa. After listening to these complaints, the EBBASA was founded in 2001 . From this moment on the strict breed standard was formed for breeders to follow; as well guidelines for correct kennel management and strict breed selection were emphasized. Because of these strict and devoted measures, after all this it happens a lot the last years, BBI was founded ,Piebalds getting their recognition and later the split of from Ysterberg-Mouzer Boerboele who are now Ysterberg Mastiff, , SABT recognized the Black Boerboels ,after the passing away of the founder Piet Sprinkhuizen EBBASA hit a different direction and teamed with BBI and Kusa. E.E.B.O was founded in 2011
Boerboels however, are still not completely pure bred. As breeders we need to breed selectively and work towards the evolution of the Boerboel.
Whit thanks to a the few local people from South Africa who send me some historical facts and helping me with writing of the history of the Boerboel
Annex:
By Kayyne Nynne
The modern day Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, sleek handsome hound that possesses exceptional qualities as a hunter, protector as well as companion. But this was not always the case, at least as far as the large size and lithe refined looks were concerned. The fact is the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog of today actually originated from very humble beginnings. It is believed that the Rhodesian Ridgeback heritage harks back to the pariah dogs of the nomadic Khoi Khoi people (Hottentots).
The Khoi dogs were typically small, slender and somewhat jackal-like in appearance. These dogs seldom attained a height in excess of 171/2 inches and were so far removed from the appearance of the latter day Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that Kolb, a German settler in circa (1705 - 1712) was moved to observe that ..he is such a piece of ugliness, of the dog kind, as is not to be seen, perhaps in any other part of the world. he has a thousand good qualities, you see nothing in his features that is indicative of hem. Appearance never gave such a lie as it does in him...
Kolb was not alone amongst those early settlers in his unflattering observations that ridiculed the native dogs of the Khoi Khoi people, but as one they all had to concede that they had never come across a dog that exhibited such exceptional bravery, courage and loyalty. Moreover the ugly looking dog possessed a unique versatility in dogs being watchdog, hunter, herder and protector all rolled in one. So it was no surprise that they deemed it extremely desirable to crossbreed their larger imported breeds from Europe with the fierce native local breeds.
Such a heritage goes a long way in explaining the African Lion Dog (Rhodesian Ridgeback) legendary courage with respect to confronting much larger foes such as lions.
Dutch settlers also met these people and lend their dogs for a better African dog the boerboel.
The modern day Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, sleek handsome hound that possesses exceptional qualities as a hunter, protector as well as companion. But this was not always the case, at least as far as the large size and lithe refined looks were concerned. The fact is the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog of today actually originated from very humble beginnings. It is believed that the Rhodesian Ridgeback heritage harks back to the pariah dogs of the nomadic Khoi Khoi people (Hottentots).
The Khoi dogs were typically small, slender and somewhat jackal-like in appearance. These dogs seldom attained a height in excess of 171/2 inches and were so far removed from the appearance of the latter day Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that Kolb, a German settler in circa (1705 - 1712) was moved to observe that ..he is such a piece of ugliness, of the dog kind, as is not to be seen, perhaps in any other part of the world. he has a thousand good qualities, you see nothing in his features that is indicative of hem. Appearance never gave such a lie as it does in him...
Kolb was not alone amongst those early settlers in his unflattering observations that ridiculed the native dogs of the Khoi Khoi people, but as one they all had to concede that they had never come across a dog that exhibited such exceptional bravery, courage and loyalty. Moreover the ugly looking dog possessed a unique versatility in dogs being watchdog, hunter, herder and protector all rolled in one. So it was no surprise that they deemed it extremely desirable to crossbreed their larger imported breeds from Europe with the fierce native local breeds.
Such a heritage goes a long way in explaining the African Lion Dog (Rhodesian Ridgeback) legendary courage with respect to confronting much larger foes such as lions.
Dutch settlers also met these people and lend their dogs for a better African dog the boerboel.
If you think you have more information or pictures and drawings, please contact us at info@ironclad-boerboels.be