Long before Integrity Boerboel Kennels existed, I spent 18 years as an OTR (Over The Road) truck driver. In November of 2017, everything changed. On November 27th, while heading toward Canada, I was struck by another truck just 45 minutes into the trip. The collision left me unable to walk and required emergency surgery. A multi-level neck fusion and months of physical therapy followed as I learned to walk again.
Losing the ability to work, provide for my family, and maintain independence took a heavy emotional toll. Anxiety and depression became part of that recovery. At the recommendation of my primary care physician, I began exploring the option of a service dog — one large and strong enough to assist with mobility, yet intelligent, steady, and stable enough to support anxiety and depression.
That search led me to the South African Boerboel. I had never seen or heard of the breed before, but as I learned more, the Boerboel’s temperament and functional purpose stood out. After discussing the idea with my wife, she loved the concept of a service dog, but not the price tag of a well-bred animal capable of fulfilling that role.
For months we went back and forth, until two days before Christmas. I picked an argument, left home in the middle of the night, and drove eight hours to a Boerboel breeder in Pennsylvania. Knowing I was already in trouble, I decided not to return with just one — but with two. On the way home, I called my family and told them I had a surprise. When I arrived, they immediately fell in love. Their names were Isabella and Sophia, and they became the beginning of everything.
Health, Purpose & Integrity
As I learned more about Boerboels in the U.S., I discovered many families had lost young dogs to preventable genetic issues. That reality shaped my approach from the very beginning. Before breeding was ever considered, both females underwent full Embark DNA testing and OFA health screening — including hips, elbows, cardiac, eyes, and breed-related conditions.
Their results came back favorable and clear. Combined with their temperament and functional ability, it solidified my belief that the Boerboel is a breed worth preserving with care, science, and intention.
Building the Foundation
To strengthen the program, a male Boerboel was imported from South Africa. He too completed full DNA and OFA testing with favorable results. With three health-tested foundation dogs, the goal became clear: to preserve, protect, and improve the Boerboel through ethical and transparent breeding decisions.
Our Commitment Today
Integrity Boerboel Kennels was founded on lived experience — on disability, recovery, family, function, and purpose. We are preservation-minded, health-focused, and temperament-first. Every dog used in our program is DNA and OFA tested prior to breeding, and every litter is Embark DNA tested to ensure proof of 100% Boerboel and lineage clarity.
Our guiding principle remains simple:
Temperament. Health. Conformation. Integrity.
For families who love the Boerboel as a loyal companion, and for homes who appreciate a functional working dog, IBK breeds with the future in mind — so that what makes this breed extraordinary is never lost.
Because some things are worth preserving.
