Thank you all for participating in my post, but after 43 answers, I am still not clear what dog breed/cross will give me at least 80% of what I asked on my "wish list". After all it's almost Christmas...

I hear from Boerboel owners that the breed sticks next to you at all times while on trails in the wilderness.  Anyone has experienced that with the breed?

I would not want a Boerboel because of it's size, but would consider a Boerboel cross of some sort. Maybe Boerboel x Ridgeback? 

Thank you all