Cariad boerboels
The Cariad Boerboels Journey
"My journey with Boerboels began over 16 years ago, stemming from a deeply personal experience. I had rescued a working Welsh Sheepdog named Timba, who, sadly, had been mistreated and beaten by a previous owner. Witnessing his fear, I desperately wanted to find a breed that possessed the confidence and gentle nature to help him heal and feel safe.
Then, I saw a huge Boerboel on 'The Dog Whisperer' with Patty LaBelle. Despite his imposing size, which often intimidated people, I could immediately tell he was a very sweet dog. It was in that moment that I knew a Boerboel was the breed I needed to help Timba. This initial desire to provide comfort and confidence to a vulnerable dog ignited my profound passion for Boerboels, and it's a passion that has only grown stronger over the years."
"My journey with Boerboels began over 16 years ago, stemming from a deeply personal experience. I had rescued a working Welsh Sheepdog named Timba, who, sadly, had been mistreated and beaten by a previous owner. Witnessing his fear, I desperately wanted to find a breed that possessed the confidence and gentle nature to help him heal and feel safe.
Then, I saw a huge Boerboel on 'The Dog Whisperer' with Patty LaBelle. Despite his imposing size, which often intimidated people, I could immediately tell he was a very sweet dog. It was in that moment that I knew a Boerboel was the breed I needed to help Timba. This initial desire to provide comfort and confidence to a vulnerable dog ignited my profound passion for Boerboels, and it's a passion that has only grown stronger over the years."
What truly sustains my dedication to this breed, after all these years, is their extraordinary temperament. We believe our Boerboels come from a very special bloodline within an already very special breed. I've witnessed their incredible intuition firsthand, like Lark's (Sandaharr Octopussy) remarkable ability to communicate to me that my wife, Lynne, was unwell. These are not just dogs; they are deeply connected members of our family.
Our Boerboels have grown up alongside my children, camping and even making dens together, demonstrating their gentle and protective nature. They thrive running free at our yard, exploring the forest and enjoying the waterfall in the summer, always happy to meet visitors and engage in activities like shows. This adaptability and joy in their environment is a testament to their balanced temperaments.
It's also a joy to see them interact daily with our four Boston Terriers, living and playing together seamlessly. The Bostons are even allowed to be present when our girls are whelping, showing the incredible trust and harmony within our pack.
Beyond their wonderful family temperament, I deeply appreciate that Boerboels are big, powerful dogs that can work when needed. We love to keep our dogs active, and they are incredibly fit, thanks to my son William's dedication. He spends over 12 hours a day with them, ensuring they maintain their peak physical condition and mental engagement. This combination of strength, intelligence, and a loving disposition is what truly keeps my passion for Boerboels alive."
Our Boerboels have grown up alongside my children, camping and even making dens together, demonstrating their gentle and protective nature. They thrive running free at our yard, exploring the forest and enjoying the waterfall in the summer, always happy to meet visitors and engage in activities like shows. This adaptability and joy in their environment is a testament to their balanced temperaments.
It's also a joy to see them interact daily with our four Boston Terriers, living and playing together seamlessly. The Bostons are even allowed to be present when our girls are whelping, showing the incredible trust and harmony within our pack.
Beyond their wonderful family temperament, I deeply appreciate that Boerboels are big, powerful dogs that can work when needed. We love to keep our dogs active, and they are incredibly fit, thanks to my son William's dedication. He spends over 12 hours a day with them, ensuring they maintain their peak physical condition and mental engagement. This combination of strength, intelligence, and a loving disposition is what truly keeps my passion for Boerboels alive."
Our commitment to the Boerboel breed is also deeply intertwined with the incredible friendship and collaboration we've found within the global Boerboel community. From the very beginning, I've been fortunate to have fantastic mentors, including Craig and Deborah, whom I consider not just close friends but family. Their support has been invaluable, offering profound insights into the dogs within my bloodline – their unique type, temperament, and how they thrived as a pack at the renowned Ysterberg kennel, a dynamic I've proudly managed to recreate here at Cariad Boerboels.
A pivotal moment in our journey was Craig's generosity in allowing us to use Ataraxia Darwin. This exceptional dog produced Blackwood for us, who became a true cornerstone of our lines, serving as a pack leader for almost a decade. Blackwood not only passed on his fantastic temperament but also boasted perfect hip scores, good elbows, and was clear of glaucoma, playing a crucial role in helping to eradicate hereditary glaucoma and improving rear assembly within our breeding program.
This spirit of unwavering support became even more evident during a challenging personal time when my wife, Lynne, bravely battled Stage 4 breast cancer, enduring multiple surgeries and a long recovery. As a self-employed coal merchant with two young children, and facing professional challenges within the Boerboel community, the backing of Craig, Deborah, and Boerboel Australia International (BAI) was profound. They demonstrated immense loyalty by dropping their affiliations with other organizations and standing firmly by my side. This unwavering support during a period of immense personal and professional difficulty is something I will never forget, and it is why my loyalty to BAI remains absolute. It is this foundation of mutual respect, shared knowledge, and steadfast support that truly defines Cariad Boerboels and allows us to continue breeding healthy, strong dogs with true Boerboel temperament, always striving to give back to those who have helped us.
Our dedication to breeding healthy, strong dogs with true Boerboel temperament also means we are vigilant about genetic integrity. We are committed to keeping our lines clean of issues like the 'popular sire syndrome' and the 'K gene'. The 'popular sire syndrome' occurs when a single stud dog is overused in breeding, which can severely narrow the gene pool and inadvertently spread detrimental genes, leading to a decline in overall breed health and genetic diversity. Our philosophy, guided by mentors like Kobus Rust, emphasizes a gradual and proven genetic contribution from males, ensuring long-term health and vitality rather than short-term trends.
Similarly, we meticulously manage the 'K gene', which is associated with dominant black coloration. While black Boerboels exist, black was not part of the original Boerboel breed standard, and its introduction has sometimes been linked to concerns about uncertain heritage. [1] By focusing on lines clean of the K gene, we aim to preserve the historical purity and unique identity of the Boerboel, ensuring that our dogs truly embody the breed's authentic characteristics and temperament, as envisioned by its founders. This commitment allows us to help others who share our vision for the breed's future."
Our Story
At Cariad Boerboels, our journey with the majestic South African Boerboel began over 15 years ago, rooted in the rolling landscapes of South Wales, where our love for animals runs as deep as our heritage. Founded by Gregory Jones, a breeder with a lifelong passion for working dogs and horses, our family has dedicated itself to preserving and enhancing this remarkable breed, blending tradition with a modern commitment to excellence.
A Legacy Built on Experience
Gregory's journey with Boerboels started more than a decade and a half ago, driven by a desire to bring the strength, loyalty, and gentle nature of this breed to the UK. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, he has meticulously developed a breeding program that prioritizes temperament, conformation, and functionality-qualities that define the true Boerboel spirit.
Alongside him is his wife, Lynne Jones, whose nurturing touch and unwavering support have been the heartbeat of our operation. Together, they have honed their skills, raising generations of healthy, confident dogs that thrive as both working companions and cherished family members.
A Family Passion
Cariad Boerboels is a true family endeavor. Our son, William, brings his keen insight into training and handling, ensuring each dog is well-prepared for its new home, while our daughter, Alys, contributes her creative energy to nurturing the puppies and engaging with our growing community. With substantial roles for each family member, we work collaboratively to uphold the highest standards, drawing on our collective experience to produce Boerboels that reflect our motto: "Animals are in our blood."
A Unique Approach to Temperament
What sets Cariad Boerboels apart is our extraordinary ability to manage and foster an environment where so many Boerboels interact daily—a feat accomplished by very few breeders worldwide. This unique setting allows our dogs to develop and showcase their true Boerboel temperament: a perfect balance of protective strength, unwavering loyalty, and a gentle, family-oriented nature. This daily interaction, guided by over 15 years of expertise, ensures our dogs are socialized, confident, and ready to bond with their new families or working roles.
A Commitment That Endures
Over the past 15 years, we've built a legacy of trust and excellence, earning recognition from organizations like SABBS and Boerboel UK through rigorous appraisals and awards, such as "Best Puppy at SABTA 2012" for our beloved Riot. Our breeding philosophy is grounded in health testing-hip and elbow scoring, DNA analysis, and more-to ensure the longevity and well-being of our dogs. Beyond breeding, we take in and rehabilitate many Boerboels in need, offering them a second chance while sharing our expertise with the community. Whether it's a new breeder seeking guidance or an owner needing advice, we're here 24/7 to support you, a promise born from years of dedication.
Our Welsh Roots
Nestled in the scenic Welsh countryside, our kennels are more than a home for our dogs-they're a testament to our journey. From our early days experimenting with bloodlines to now producing puppies sought after by breeders and families alike, every step has been guided by love and learning. With over 15 years of breeding behind us, we continue to evolve, integrating new knowledge to surpass industry standards while staying true to the Boerboel's heritage.
Join Our Family
At Cariad Boerboels, our story is still being written-with every puppy we raise, every dog we rescue, and every family we welcome. We invite you to become part of this legacy, where over 15 years of experience, a rare ability to foster daily Boerboel interactions, and a commitment to true Boerboel temperament meet a heartfelt dedication to the breed.
Contact us today to learn more or visit our Welsh kennels-because at Cariad, every Boerboel is raised with love.
At Cariad Boerboels, our journey with the majestic South African Boerboel began over 15 years ago, rooted in the rolling landscapes of South Wales, where our love for animals runs as deep as our heritage. Founded by Gregory Jones, a breeder with a lifelong passion for working dogs and horses, our family has dedicated itself to preserving and enhancing this remarkable breed, blending tradition with a modern commitment to excellence.
A Legacy Built on Experience
Gregory's journey with Boerboels started more than a decade and a half ago, driven by a desire to bring the strength, loyalty, and gentle nature of this breed to the UK. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, he has meticulously developed a breeding program that prioritizes temperament, conformation, and functionality-qualities that define the true Boerboel spirit.
Alongside him is his wife, Lynne Jones, whose nurturing touch and unwavering support have been the heartbeat of our operation. Together, they have honed their skills, raising generations of healthy, confident dogs that thrive as both working companions and cherished family members.
A Family Passion
Cariad Boerboels is a true family endeavor. Our son, William, brings his keen insight into training and handling, ensuring each dog is well-prepared for its new home, while our daughter, Alys, contributes her creative energy to nurturing the puppies and engaging with our growing community. With substantial roles for each family member, we work collaboratively to uphold the highest standards, drawing on our collective experience to produce Boerboels that reflect our motto: "Animals are in our blood."
A Unique Approach to Temperament
What sets Cariad Boerboels apart is our extraordinary ability to manage and foster an environment where so many Boerboels interact daily—a feat accomplished by very few breeders worldwide. This unique setting allows our dogs to develop and showcase their true Boerboel temperament: a perfect balance of protective strength, unwavering loyalty, and a gentle, family-oriented nature. This daily interaction, guided by over 15 years of expertise, ensures our dogs are socialized, confident, and ready to bond with their new families or working roles.
A Commitment That Endures
Over the past 15 years, we've built a legacy of trust and excellence, earning recognition from organizations like SABBS and Boerboel UK through rigorous appraisals and awards, such as "Best Puppy at SABTA 2012" for our beloved Riot. Our breeding philosophy is grounded in health testing-hip and elbow scoring, DNA analysis, and more-to ensure the longevity and well-being of our dogs. Beyond breeding, we take in and rehabilitate many Boerboels in need, offering them a second chance while sharing our expertise with the community. Whether it's a new breeder seeking guidance or an owner needing advice, we're here 24/7 to support you, a promise born from years of dedication.
Our Welsh Roots
Nestled in the scenic Welsh countryside, our kennels are more than a home for our dogs-they're a testament to our journey. From our early days experimenting with bloodlines to now producing puppies sought after by breeders and families alike, every step has been guided by love and learning. With over 15 years of breeding behind us, we continue to evolve, integrating new knowledge to surpass industry standards while staying true to the Boerboel's heritage.
Join Our Family
At Cariad Boerboels, our story is still being written-with every puppy we raise, every dog we rescue, and every family we welcome. We invite you to become part of this legacy, where over 15 years of experience, a rare ability to foster daily Boerboel interactions, and a commitment to true Boerboel temperament meet a heartfelt dedication to the breed.
Contact us today to learn more or visit our Welsh kennels-because at Cariad, every Boerboel is raised with love.
