The Boerboel is the only breed in the world that is specifically bred to guard property and the family as well as for personal protection. This dog will keep watch over you and your family for a lifetime without being instructed to do so (the family includes any other pets). A temperamental dog that remains surly after being reprimanded cannot be called a Boerboel. A Boerboel has a stable and well-balanced nature. This is and will always be their best trait. Your Boerboel must qualify as your best friend. He must know what you are thinking and feeling and when you feel threatened. He must know when you show your disapproval of a stranger by means of words or expressions. He must recognize your anxiety. Any Boerboel owner must be able to confirm this. The character traits should be recognizable from puppyhood. He should be able to growl and clearly tell you: "I'm always here and I will protect you with my life". For his "own" people, he will always be at the ready. If you approve of something, then your Boerboel will accept this without hesitation.

You will realise very quickly that this is a dog you can rely upon. His character is very stable and so he will not easily surprise you. You will also realise that you are dealing with an intelligent dog.

If you allow him to attack, he will growl like a lion and fight ferociously without any concern for his own safety. It's little wonder then that Aristotle named the forefathers of the Boerboel, Leontix, which means "sons of lions". The Romans apparently believed that these dogs were obtained by crossing a dog with a lion.

The Boerboel is also certainly a child's friend and playmate. He does not only accept one member of the household as his master but views the protection of the whole family as his duty and is affectionate to all of them, without exception. He feels the whole family belongs to him and that his sole purpose is to protect them, with his life, if necessary.

The nature of the Boerboel:

• Steadfast
• Reliable
• Intelligent
• A strong guard instinct
• Confident with no fear or pain threshold
• Very attached to family members and children
• A child's friend and playmate
• Obedient
• Love of "good people"