© Northland Boerboels 2012
Our Foundation Female, Skyview’s Alaskan Sapphire, affectionately known as Saphira, was the cornerstone of our breeding program and embodied everything we value in a Boerboel. She was a striking dark red brindle with a compact, athletic build — weighing a lean 115 lbs — exemplifying the old-world farm-type Boerboel: functional, powerful, and fast. Her speed, agility, and stamina made her a joy to work with, and her temperament made her irreplaceable. In 2007 when we added her to our family it took years on a Boerboel waiting list to get a puppy and we were thrilled to have our very own. As the breed was early to the united states at that time the standards of a working dog were much different than they are today.
Though smaller than some modern Boerboels, Saphira’s pedigree carried the weight of generations of carefully selected, working-line dogs. She had OFA Excellent hips, normal elbows, was cardiac clear, and free from DJD, entropion, ectropion, and vaginal hyperplasia. She held dual registration with both the AKC and NKC.
Saphira took her role as our family and property guardian seriously — intuitive, observant, and deeply bonded to her people. She was not unnecessarily aggressive, but had no issue alerting to potential threats and holding her ground when it mattered. Highly intelligent and eager to please, she picked up on cues quickly and was sensitive to her environment. While reserved with unfamiliar dogs, she was playful with her pack and family, always game for a romp in the yard or cuddles on the couch.
A Pedigree of Legends
Saphira's pedigree reads like a roll call of the Boerboel greats:
Egoli Dilo Brutus – A foundational stud whose progeny influenced both the Dopper and El Shadai lines. Brutus was known for his powerful frame, confident demeanor, and legacy of producing stable, well-balanced dogs.
El Shadai Sprinkels – A revered female and dam to many outstanding litters. Known for passing on strong maternal instincts and structural correctness.
Dopper Caesar – Part of the legendary Dopper kennel, Caesar contributed substantially to type, headpiece, and temperament across multiple breeding programs.
Dopper Storm – Noted for his size, bone, and presence, Storm was a true representative of the classic Dopper stamp.
Dopper Romulus – Though less publicly documented, Romulus was a strong presence in historical pedigrees from the Dopper and Egoli lineages, contributing drive and structure.
Nloemridge Batu – Known for balance and old-style workability, Batu added historical strength and stability to the pedigree.
These bloodlines — Dopper, Egoli, El Shadai, and Nloemridge — are considered the backbone of the traditional Boerboel. We are honored that Saphira carried these genetics and helped us produce future generations rooted in legacy, functionality, and heart.
About 11 months old
