Stephanie Fallon, a 46-year-old stay-at-home mother from Georgia, has become a notable figure online as she shares her experiences raising Boerboels, a powerful breed of dog originating from South Africa. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Fallon discusses the common misconceptions surrounding this breed and highlights the significant financial commitment required for their care.
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Boerboels are known for their impressive strength and protective instincts. However, Fallon is keen to clarify that owning such a dog is not a decision to be taken lightly. “If you’re going to get into this breed, it’s not cheap,” she states. According to Fallon, potential owners often underestimate the expenses associated with larger dogs, which include increased food needs and higher veterinary costs. Having raised five Boerboels since encountering the breed in 2008, she has emerged as an experienced advocate for responsible ownership.
Fallon’s journey began when she and her family welcomed their first Boerboel puppy on Christmas Eve. That dog lived with them for ten years before passing away in 2018. This experience laid the groundwork for Fallon’s understanding of the complexities involved in caring for a breed of such size and might. The family’s financial commitment has evolved over the years, particularly relating to their dietary choices for the dogs.
Currently, Fallon spends approximately £800 a month solely on food for her Boerboels. She credits this high cost to the specialised raw diet she prepares under the guidance of a canine nutritionist. The diet includes a variety of organ meats and different protein sources to ensure her pets receive a well-rounded nutritional intake. She cautions potential owners against hastily adopting a raw diet without proper knowledge, as an unbalanced feeding regime can lead to serious health issues.
In addition to food, Fallon points out that routine healthcare can be substantially more expensive for larger dogs. Preventive medications often require multiple doses based on weight. “What an average-sized dog needs is one tablet — my dogs need like three tablets,” she explains. This amplification of costs is something that Fallon has accounted for in her family’s budget and lifestyle choices, remarking that she makes sacrifices to ensure her dogs’ needs are met.
Alongside financial considerations, Fallon emphasises the importance of training, particularly in safety protocols. She incorporates muzzle conditioning as part of her training regimen for the dogs, despite their overall stability in public environments. Given that Boerboels are known to have one of the strongest bite forces among dog breeds, reaching pressures of between 500 to 800 PSI, Fallon views this training as a responsible measure for any owner of such a powerful breed.
Fallon acknowledges that training should extend beyond aggression management. “All dogs should be muzzle conditioned,” she asserts, stressing the unpredictability of situations where such training may become necessary. Her proactive approach aims to ensure that both her dogs and those around them remain safe and comfortable during interactions with veterinary staff and in social settings.
Sharing her insights on social media, Fallon has gathered a community of dog lovers and interested owners, offering guidance based on her experiences. She often shares videos of her training sessions, including tips on establishing commands and fostering engagement with her dogs. By documenting her journey, Fallon hopes to provide others with a realistic expectation of what it means to raise a Boerboel.
In conclusion, while Boerboels can be magnificent companions known for their loyalty and protective nature, Fallon’s detailed account serves as a reminder of the dedication required in terms of time, finances, and training. Her experience stands as a testament to responsible dog ownership and underscores the importance of thorough research before welcoming such a powerful breed into one’s home.