**Mother Raises Awareness of Boerboels as Loyal Family Companions**
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Stephanie Fallon, a 46-year-old stay-at-home mother from Georgia, has developed a unique relationship with the Boerboel breed over the past 15 years. Known for their strength and protective instincts, these powerful South African dogs have become an integral part of her family life, leading Fallon to share her experiences with her followers on social media.
Fallon first encountered a Boerboel in 2008 while searching for a large guardian dog after the family lost their beloved Jack Russell. Her immediate impression was one of awe. “They have this presence that is hard to describe,” Fallon reflects, highlighting the difference between seeing these dogs online and in person. After discovering a breeder nearby in Blue Ridge, Georgia, she and her husband were quick to meet the dogs and were soon convinced of the breed’s suitability for their home.
On Christmas Eve that year, the couple brought home their first Boerboel puppy, surprising their children with the new addition. Sadly, their initial family member passed away in 2018 after ten wonderful years. However, Fallon’s experience with this breed was just beginning. Since then, her family has owned a total of five Boerboels. Currently, they are the proud guardians of two: a male named Gronk and a female named Gigi, both named after the Dave Matthews Band.
As well as being cherished companions, Fallon emphasises the critical importance of managing Boerboels strategically due to their territorial nature. “We believe in having a male-female pair,” she explains. “They complement each other and help maintain a sense of balance in our home.” This approach helps alleviate potential same-sex aggression that can arise within the breed.
Fallon appreciates the protective instincts that come with owning Boerboels, which allows her to feel safer in various day-to-day situations. “It’s empowering to know I’m safe,” she admits, noting the comfort of having her dogs accompany her to places like the ATM or petrol station. This sense of security resonates with her followers, many of whom are women seeking inspiration for outdoor activities.
Having established a significant online presence, Fallon began sharing her daily experiences with her Boerboels through videos that highlighted both their playful and training moments. “Initially, I didn’t anticipate how popular my posts would become,” she admits. Yet, as her audience grew, so did her commitment to tackling misinformation about Boerboels that she encountered online.
The online community that has formed around Fallon’s content reflects her desire to create an inclusive space for dog lovers and prospective Boerboel owners. “Many of my followers are women who connect with my journey,” she notes, adding that she receives messages daily thanking her for inspiring them to engage in outdoor activities with their canines.
However, Fallon is careful to convey the responsibilities associated with raising a Boerboel. “It’s not a cheap endeavour,” she cautions, explaining that larger dogs generally incur higher food and veterinary costs. Currently, she spends around £800 each month on a meticulously curated raw diet for her dogs, which includes rotating protein sources and nutritional supplements.
Adding to her commitment to dog safety, Fallon trains her Boerboels to wear muzzles in specific situations, which she insists is a precautionary measure rather than an indication of aggression. “Muzzles often carry a negative stigma,” she explains, “but they can help prevent dogs from eating harmful substances they may encounter while out.” With a bite force measuring between 500 to 800 PSI, ensuring her dogs are well-managed is a priority for Fallon, especially considering their territorial instincts.
Through her active presence on social media, Fallon strives not merely to entertain her audience but also to educate them about the breed’s history and the care required. Her content is designed to remain genuine and relatable, defying the trend of overly polished online personas.
In an age where misinformation about dog breeds can spread with alarming speed, Fallon has positioned herself as a reliable source of accurate information regarding Boerboels. Her goal is to empower others to appreciate the breed’s complexities while equipping them to handle the unique challenges it presents.
As her platform continues to grow, Stephanie Fallon’s mission of positively representing these formidable dogs remains steadfast—showing that with dedication and understanding, Boerboels can be loving, safe, and loyal companions for families willing to embrace the effort they require.