Your Guardian Boerboel puppy comes with a Birth Certificate issued by the South African Boerboel Breeders Society (SABBS) or North America Boerboel Breeders Association (NABBA). One of the most common misrepresentations is the advertising of Boerboel puppies as ‘registered’. Many potential owners are not aware that SABBS/NABBA will register a Boerboel only after it has been assessed (Appraised) by a SABBS or NABBA Appraiser on individual merit. This involves taking your dog to a SABBS or NABBA sanctioned appraisal to be appraised once the dog reaches 12 months of age or older. SABBS and NABBA recommended age for appraisal is 18 months, but dogs of 12 months are accepted for appraisal. Owners may request a prior consultation (evaluation) with a senior appraiser to establish whether a dog is sufficiently matured to be appraised.

To be eligible for appraisal a dog must have a Birth Certificate (not to be confused with registration certificate) and be microchipped. A DNA profile of both parents must also be on record with SABBS/NABBA. The Birth Certificate contains five generations’ lineage information. Appraisers do not receive this information when appraising a dog. Their focus and task is to assess the dog in front of them and whether it has the qualities to attain the minimum point of 75% for registration as a Boerboel (if in the SP Registry), and 80% if in the Development Registry. If the minimum appraisal score as well as all other requirements are met, the SABBS office will issue a Registration Certificate for the dog. Note that there are different levels of registration: Studbook Proper Register (full registration), Development Register, the Stud Register (requiring 85% or higher to be eligible for entry), and the Pet Register.

The Society unequivocally opposes breeding with dogs that receive less than the minimum score, as their offspring can never be registered. Breeders who use the services of a male belonging to another breeder should insist on a Service (Mating) Certificate from that breeder.

At present, SABBS hosts Appraisals in South Africa, Namibia, Africa, North America, Canada, the UK, Europe and Scandinavia throughout the year. SABBS Appraisals occur in the United States in both the Spring and the Fall. Prospective and first time Boerboel owners may find it worthwhile to attend one of these days before presenting their own dogs for Appraisal. These events also offer ideal opportunities to meet other owners and breeders.

For more information or to join SABBS, please visit: SABBS Website

For more information or to join NABBA, please visit: NABBA Website