PURCHASING A BOERBOEL
Owning a Boerboel (like any other dog) is a responsibility and that responsibility includes
making sure your puppy or dog comes from sound parents and responsible breeders.
First:
 Make sure you are ready to own a large and dominant breed. This should be a whole
family decision.
 Be prepared to invest in the costs of your dog such as training, food, collars, leashes,
travel expenses and veterinary care.
 Research the breed carefully and remember that many breeders will romanticize their
breed.
They are not throw away items!!! Know that you should be prepared to make a minimum
of a 10 year commitment.
ONLY BUY FROM ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS:
An Ethical breeder is one who breeds physically sound, healthy, mature dogs of stable
temperament.
Responsible breeders;
Value their reputation for seeking to preserve and improve the breed.
They are a member of the AKC affiliated Breed parent Club and have agreed to uphold the clubs
Code of Ethics and adhere to the Breed Standard.
Have years of experience with the breed. Demonstrating extensive knowledge of the breed's
history, traits, temperament, and conformation is essential, but experience is what allows you to
“connect the dots”. If involvement has been brief and puppies are already being produced
approach with caution.
Evaluate the health of their dogs using standardized genetic and other testing recommended for
their breed (Minimally; hip and elbow x-ray certification) prior to breeding a litter. Additionally
cardiac testing, CERF eye testing, knees, and thyroid are all useful to gain a full picture of
breeding stock. Thorough genetic screening enables responsible breeders to minimize their
chances of producing a health-compromised puppy. Ask to see written proof of any testing
results.
Personally screen and selects homes for their puppies, placing pups only with people who
demonstrate they can provide safe, responsible homes. Provides advice and guidance to
purchasers.
Provides a written guarantee covering genetic disease. Remember, even the best intentions do
not always produce 100 percent guaranteed results. Defects sometimes occur, even with healthy
parents and proper care. All these things should be take into consideration before the purchase,
with an amicable written contract. Additionally, a 3 generation pedigree, record or inoculations
and/or worming as well as registration papers should be provided with the puppy at the time of
sell.
Takes back the dog at any point in his or her life for whatever reason the purchaser no longer
wants or can care for the animal.
Places all pet quality animals (those that do not conform to the breed standard, including color)
with a contract requiring the purchaser to spay/neuter the pup and registers them “restricted
breeding”.
Are involved in some form of third party evaluation (obedience trials, conformation showing,
herding, therapy work, dock diving, etc.) that enable responsible breeders to ensure that their
dogs display the desired physical and behavioral traits desired for the particular breed. Not just
spend their lives sitting in a kennel.
YOU MUST ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE:
If you are a first-time buyer you should study the breed standard and have a picture in your head
of what a good specimen of the breed looks like, what the allowable colors are and the breed’s
historic function. When you make your first contact with a breeder, remember that most
breeders are hobbyists whose kennel is part of their home. So, please call ahead at a reasonable
hour and make an appointment. If you do not feel comfortable with the answers you get from
the breeder, politely thank them for their time and move on to the next breeder. Most breeders
genuinely love dogs and will do their best to help you select the right puppy.
Do not be swayed by the argument that health testing is not necessary. No one can accurately
"see" what is going on internally and structurally without testing.
1.
2. Do not base your judgment wholly on appraisal scores. They are one small part of a big
picture and are extremely subjective.
3. Do not believe everything you hear from breeders or see on fancy websites. Check and double
check the facts.
4. Do not believe that the Boerboel "loves everyone and every dog". More often than not this is
not the case.
5. Do not buy from a "producer". Find a breeder that knows ALL their dogs inside out and
wants a long term relationship with their puppy buyers.
6. Do not buy from a person who cannot demonstrate to you that they have invested time and
effort in their own dogs and breeding program. Anyone can buy two dogs and put them together.
Do they have any dogs who have obtained titles with known, reputable organizations? Do they
participate in any activities with their dogs, such as Obedience, Rally, Herding, Schutzhund,
conformation? If they do not, then how can they make any claims that their Boerboels will be as
advertised?
7. Do not buy from breeders who advertise in places such as craigslist, puppy finder, Hoobly
and other classified type advertisements. People who generally advertise in these areas generally
have little to no investment in their breeding stock, do not screen buyers and will sell to anyone
who can provide the money they are seeking. With a breed like the Boerboel, a strong, dominant
dog, this is a recipe for disaster and where a great many of the “rescue” dogs are found to be
from.
ORGANIZATIONS/REGISTRATION:
Ask of your breeder what organization they belong to and how their dogs are registered. Know
that if your breeder in America registers his dogs with the AKC that a Code of Ethics and
regulations will govern his ability to continue to breed under that registry’s name.
The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is the most recognized and premier registry in the
United States. The integrity of their registry is unmatched. They are dedicated to promoting the
sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. They AKC and its affiliated
organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and
well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership.
If the registry your pup belongs to does not invest in your country and needs, as well in scientific
advances, wellness programs and breeder support you may want to reconsider.
For a limited time the AKC will accept the registries of other organizations for AKC registration,
the ABC (American Boerboel Club) and KUSA (Kennel Union of Southern Africa), with whom
the AKC has a reciprocal agreement. Once this window of opportunity has closed, you will no
longer be able to register Boerboels with the AKC. If your Boerboel is registered with any other
registry, you will need to contact the ABC for information on possible registration with AKC.