SABBS vs NABBA vs WBBA: Boerboel Registries Explained
Boerboel breeder profiles are full of acronyms — SABBS, NABBA, WBBA, appraisal scores. Here's a plain-English guide to what they mean and why they matter.
SABBS (South African Boerboel Breeders' Society)
The South African registry that maintains the breed standard and runs the appraisal system in the breed's country of origin. SABBS appraisal scores rate individual dogs against the standard.
NABBA / NABBR (North American)
North American Boerboel organizations that register dogs and, in some cases, run their own appraisals. Membership numbers appear in many US kennel bios.
WBBA (World Boerboel Breeders Association)
An international body; membership and any disciplinary notices are worth verifying, as standing can change over time.
What appraisal scores mean
An appraisal is a trained evaluator's assessment of a dog against the breed standard, expressed as a percentage. A score reflects conformation and type — it is not a health-testing result. For health, look to OFA-style screening on our health testing page.
What this means for buyers
- Registry membership shows a breeder participates in breed structure, but verify it's current and in good standing.
- Appraisal scores describe an individual dog, not a whole kennel.
- Registration is not a substitute for health testing. Ask for both.
For the bigger picture on evaluating a kennel, read how to choose the right Boerboel breeder, then browse verified breeders.