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 RSA. 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 registry of origin for the South African Boerboel. We proudly support and own only SABT registered Boerboels.
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.
We welcome visitors! If you would like to see our boerboels in person, please contact us at 573-642-0900 (Eric and Gina Gramlich). 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. Eric has been called "too picky" when selecting pups or purchasing breeding dogs, and that is something we consider to be a compliment! 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 Updates page to see some of our pups.
