The Boerboel was first introduced to purebred enthusiasts throughout the world, including the United States, by the American anthropologist Dr. Carl Semencic, first in an article in Dog World Magazine and later in his book entitled Gladiator Dogs, which was first published by T.F.H. Publications in 1998.
Since 1980 and with the forming of various South African clubs like SABT and later the HBSA and the EBBASA, selective breeding of the dog has resulted in what we know today as the South African Boerboel. The emergence of this fine breed, after a century of neglect and indifference in its native land, and its subsequent stabilization into a distinct canine race, is not only a tribute to its loyal fanciers but also to the dogs themselves.
“How virile they must be to survive the climate; how robust to survive the terrain and fearsome wild opponents; how dependable in remote locations to inspire their owners to continue with them and how strong the genotype to triumph after a century of anything but pure-breeding. This information accounts for the fact that the boerboel has a structure far superior to any other mastifftype breed.
Today, Boerboel breeding is both a hobby and an industry in South Africa. These dogs are now exported from South Africa to United States of America, United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa.