Boerboel Dog Breed Information:
At first glance, you might think the large, intimidating Boerboel would make an excellent guard dog, and you’d be correct. However, this breed is equally known for being loving, calm, and family-friendly, especially towards human children. Although Boerboels are generally docile, easy to groom, and have few health problems, don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re an easy breed to handle for first time owners.
Boerboel Dog Group: Working Dogs.
Boerboel Height: 22 to 28 inches.
Boerboel Weight: 110 to 200 pounds.
Boerboel Life Span: 10 to 12 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
The Boerboel is a massive dog and incredibly muscular. They weigh as much as Great Danes, even though they are significantly shorter in stature. Boerboels are known to be especially loving and protective of their human children. They are excellent guardians, though they can be overprotective. The Boerboel is considered to be the most agile of the Mastiff type dogs.
Boerboel History:
The name "Boerboel" comes Afrikaans/Dutch words for farmer ("boer") and dog ("boel"), and indeed they were farmers' dogs when they were bred by Dutch settlers in South Africa starting in the 1600s. They were needed to defend the homestead and hunt dangerous wildlife such as hyenas, baboons, leopards, and other big cats. Eurpoean settlers brought large, strong dogs with them to South Africa, which bred with indigenous domestic dogs and a variety of other breeds over the course of several centuries. Bulldogs and Mastiffs were also brought by the English and crossbred with Boerboels, and the Da Beers diamond mining company imported Bull Mastiffs to guard their mines, which also bred with Boerboels to make them what they are today. The Boerboel gained popularity in South Africa and started to be exported around the world. The breed, however, is still fairly rare outside of South Africa.
Boerboel Size:
Boerboels are large dogs with males averaging 24 to 28 inches in height at the shoulder, while females tend to be between 22 and 25 inches in height. Boerboels usually weigh between 110 and 200 pounds, though some can be larger or smaller.
Boerboel Personality:
Boerboels are playful, intelligent, and eager to please. They are happiest when given a job to do, whether it's tough farm work, guard dog duty, or preparing for a competition where they can show off their agility and strength. This breed loves human family members, even children, though they are quite overprotective at times. The same instincts that make them good watchdogs and protectors can also make them fiercely territorial and aggressive if they aren't trained or socialized properly.
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Boerboel Health:
The Boerboel is generally considered to be a healthy breed with few known hereditary conditions:
Hip or elbow dysplasia.
Heart disease.
Vaginal hyperplasia.
Bloat.
Boerboel Care:
The Boerboel's main need when it comes to care is to be mentally and physically stimulated through exercise and play. Beyond that, regular care is fairly simple. Their nails should be trimmed about once every two weeks, and their teeth should be brushed regularly as recommended by a veterinarian.
Boerboel Feeding:
Boerboel diet should be formulated for a large to giant breed with moderate to high exercise requirements. You should consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your Boerboel and the correct portion sizes.
Boerboel Coat Color And Grooming:
Boerboels have short, straight overcoats that are smooth and shiny, which cover their soft, dense undercoats. They can be shades of red, fawn, brown, brindle, or black. Some have spots of white on their coat, especially around the neck, face, and paws, though it is considered a fault if more than 30 percent of the coat is white. Weekly brushing and monthly baths should help catch the shedding fur and keep the coat healthy.
Boerboel with Children And Other Pets:
Boerboels love their human families and are especially known for being protectors of their children. Boerboels do well with animals that they have been raised with and live in the same household, but they can be quite territorial and standoffish with unfamiliar dogs.