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 itself. Our dogs and previous litters have documented pedigrees through recognised Boerboel registries and studbook systems, depending on the dog's origin, age and the system available at the time.

Over the years, this has included imports from SABBS and RKF registers, as well as litters registered through Boerboel International, Boerboel Foundation and WBBA. Going forward, our future litters will be registered through BABS, with official studbook registration through the Namibian Studbook.

A registration certificate confirms known parentage and traceable lineage. Just as importantly, proper documentation allows us to follow bloodlines, preserve old genetic material and understand how the breed develops over time.

For us, registration is not about collecting papers. It is about transparency, traceability and preserving the original Boerboel type as a functional farm guardian, where structure, temperament, movement, stability and working ability all matter.

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.