The Standard of the BoerBoel.
1 * General Appearance:
The Boerboel is a large dog, strong build and (robust or solid) with a powerfully developed muscular system. His movements should not be clumsy and the body must be more robust, heavier and larger than that of a Boxer but shorter and not as tall in the leg as a Great Dane. A male must not be shorter than 26in or 66cm. A female not smaller than 24in or 61cm.
2 * Temperament:
The BoerBoel must have good temperament * he must be intelligent with a (firm / steadfast / unwavering) and balanced character and be loyal to the death to its owner. He HAS to display good guard dog characteristics and show a love for the household and a predilection for children.
3 * The Head:
One of the most important properties of the dog since it displays the character and type of dog.
a) The head must be large, strong and broad between the ears with clearly visible wrinkles on the forehead between the eyes.
b) The upper jaw must be strong and broad at the rear with only a slight narrowing towards the front and slightly shorter than the lower jaw.
c) The lower jaw must be wide with only a slight narrowing towards the front and a little longer than the upper jaw and must form a straight line.
d) The lips must be loose and fleshy and the upper lips must not overhang by too much, be too rough or too thick. The upper lip below the nose must cover the lower lip so the difference in length of the jaw is not visible.
e) The nose must be black and not liver coloured.
f) The nose bone or bridge of the nose must not too long, between 8-10cm as measured from the end of the nose to a straight line between the starting point of the eyes. The nose bone must be straight with very little or no bending or rising of the nose towards the back like a Boxer and also not long like the nose bone of a Great Dane. The head must be Boel like in appearance with a strong mouth with symmetrically melds together with the head. Not teddy bear shaped. The head of the female will obviously be smaller and display more female characteristics than that of the male.
g) The ears must be (soft or floppy) and medium sized and fit to the shape of the head with long floppy ears or short stubby ears being unwanted.
4 * Shape (build form) of the body:
a) The neck * short and solid with sufficient length that fits with or suits the body whilst strong and muscular with loose skin. The spine must be straight and connect beautifully to the shoulders
b) The back * strong, wide and straight, a slight curve near the Loin area is acceptable.
c) The chest * broad and strong where the loose skin on the neck flows neatly into and stretches between the fore-legs which are wide apart for the strong chest.
d) The legs * strong straight legs which carry and drive the body beautifully and with ease with well-formed paws which fit the legs. Sickle Hocks, bent legs, folding or pointing inward or pointing outward front legs are unacceptable.
e) The tail * can be long but preferable docked. (Typo on the kank).
f) The hair - must be short and smooth without curly hair and stubble beard at the mount of long unsightly hair on the legs.
5 * Colour:
All colours except Black, Black Piebald, Full White or Piebald dogs with one or both eyes white, will not be accepted. The colours Yellow, Fawn, Red-brown, Brown, Dark-brown, Piebald, (except Black piebald), Gray (overcast, possibly shades of gray) and brindle * all the colours with or without white feet, head and or with necks or stomachs with or without black masks will be acceptable.