Structure & evaluation

The Boerboel is not defined by appearance alone.
It is a functional working dog, and structure must always support that purpose.
A correct Boerboel is balanced, capable, and able to move and work efficiently in real-life conditions.

Evaluating the adult Boerboel

Once a Boerboel reaches maturity, its structure, type, movement, and temperament can be evaluated in an official appraisal. This is not the same as a show evaluation. The purpose is not to reward appearance, but to assess how well the dog represents the breed as a whole. Evaluation looks at the dog as a complete individual. This includes its overall type, balance, structure, movement, condition, and temperament.

The goal is always the same. To preserve the original Boerboel as a capable, stable, and functional farm dog.

From birth certificate to evaluation

Each puppy begins with a documented background. All of our puppies receive a BABS birth certificate, which includes the dog's identity, parentage, and registration details. This document stays with the dog throughout its life. When the dog reaches adulthood, typically around 18 to 24 months, it can be presented for official evaluation. At this stage, the dog is assessed as an individual, but also as part of the breed.

The appraisal system

Organisations such as BABS and SABBS conduct official evaluations using trained assessors and breed standards. The dog is evaluated as a whole, not as separate parts. A scoring system is used, with a maximum of 100 points. In general terms, a score between 75 and 84 represents a correct, breed-typical dog. Scores between 85 and 94 indicate a very good dog. Scores above 95 are exceptional and rarely achieved. The result is recorded in the registry and can be used as part of breeding decisions and long-term evaluation of lines.

Why evaluation matters

Evaluation provides objective information. It helps breeders make informed decisions, follow the development of the breed, recognise strengths and weaknesses, and compare structure and type across different lines. However, evaluation alone is never enough.

Beyond the score

For us, a Boerboel is never defined by points alone. What matters just as much is how the dog is in real life. We look at temperament in everyday situations, behaviour within the family, willingness to work and cooperate, and overall stability. We also consider health results, including hips, elbows, spine, knees, heart, eyes, and DNA testing. Pedigree and background are equally important, especially when working with older and less common lines.

Registration and documentation

Registration is part of responsible breeding, but it is not the goal. We use recognised registries such as WBBA, which maintains an international database and supports breed evaluation. At the same time, we follow the BABS system, which is based on the Namibian studbook standard. This standard remains very close to the original Boerboel type and reflects the breed as a functional farm dog. A registration certificate confirms that a dog has known parentage and traceable lineage.

Some of our dogs were also registered through Boerboel International, and earlier through Boerboel Foundations, both of which focused on documenting original lines and preserving historical genetic material. These records allow us to follow and understand the development of the breed over time.

What makes a Boerboel

A Boerboel is not defined by a single trait. It is the combination of structure, temperament, health, background, and function. Evaluation helps us see this more clearly, but it does not replace real-life understanding.

Our approach

For us, evaluation is not the goal. It is a tool. It helps guide breeding decisions, but it does not replace experience, observation, or responsibility. Our aim is to preserve a Boerboel that is strong but balanced, capable but stable, and true to its original purpose.