The Boerboel dog is known for its strong guard dog instincts and trustworthiness. Even when their owners are not home, they take their role of protecting the property and defending their family and friends very seriously. They are extremely cautious about letting anyone they don’t know inside, often going to great lengths to keep strangers out. On the flip side, they are also playful and love to engage in activities like chasing and running for long periods. They are highly energetic and generally get along well with children, often showing great patience and allowing kids to crawl all over them. This breed is renowned for its loyalty and faithfulness to its owners. However, it is important for owners to establish strong leadership right from the start to ensure the dog follows rules and instructions. Given their powerful jaws and strength, it is crucial to provide proper guidance and prevent any harm to others. Additionally, Boerboels need to be introduced to guests before they will accept them.
In summary, the Boerboel dog possesses strong guard dog instincts and is a reliable breed. They diligently guard the property and protect their loved ones when their owners are away. They are also playful and enjoy activities like running and chasing. With children, they exhibit remarkable patience and willingly tolerate being climbed on. Their loyalty and faithfulness to their owners are commendable, but it is essential to establish firm leadership to ensure they follow rules. Due to their strength and powerful jaws, it is crucial to prevent any harm by providing proper guidance from a young age. Additionally, guests must be introduced to the dog before they are accepted.
Below, we look at Boerboel dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Boerboel, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Boerboels!
| Dog Breed | Boerboel |
| Size | |
| Weight | 150-190 lbs (average) |
| Height | 23-27″ (average) |
| Location | South Africa |
| Ancestry | Mastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane |
| Date of Origin | 1820s |
| Group | Protection, guarding farm |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The name Boerboel is derived from the Afrikaans language, where “boer” means farmer and “bul” means big. Essentially, the name translates to farm dog. The exact origins of this breed are not well-documented, but it is believed that they developed from dogs brought to South Africa by British, French, and Dutch settlers. Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutchman, is known to have brought a dog similar to a Mastiff to the Cape, and more settlers in 1820 introduced Bulldogs and Mastiffs, among other breeds. The De Beer mining company imported a Bullmastiff in 1938 to guard the diamond mines, which also contributed to the development of the Boerboel.
During the Great Trek, the Boer dogs, as they were called, were spread by the Voortrekkers, and breeding continued during this time. According to records, after the Anglo Boer War in 1902, the Boer dogs were crossbred with the English long-legged Bulldog and the Bullmastiff in the 1950s. In Zimbabwe (previously Rhodesia), the Boerboels gained popularity among settlers. Due to South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe, the dogs became widespread as people moved between the two countries. The American Kennel Club recognized the Boerboel as a member of the working group in 2015.
🐕 Boerboel Appearance
The Boerboel is a large dog with powerful, well-developed muscles and buoyant mobility. The male dog is bigger and more proportionately balanced throughout, whilst the female has a more feminine aspect. With a small, square, muscular face that is broad and flat at the top, this breed’s head reveals its personality. There is a black mask on the face of this breed occasionally, but not usually. Beautiful, horizontally set, brown eyes with well-pigmented eyelids that are frequently darker than the color of the coat. The nasal bone is typically 8 to 10 cm long, is broad, and tapers slightly to the front. The snout is black with wide, huge nostrils. Despite being plump, the top lip does not extend below the lower jaw. They have a scissors bite, incredibly powerful jaws, and a full set of 42 teeth that are white and well-developed. The ears are positioned high and wide against the skull, medium in size, and v-shaped. The neck is robust and well-built. A robust chest is present, and the back is straight. The body is joined high on the short tail. This is one solidly built muscular dog, with front legs that are absolutely vertical and rear paws that are somewhat smaller than the front paw. The dog’s forehead exhibits light crow’s feet while vigilant.
| 👀 Eye Color | Varies |
| 🐽 Nose Color | N/A |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Ranges |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Boerboel
The Boerboel is an excellent watchdog who will bravely protect his family, the house, or the company. They are quite lively and full of energy, and they are kind and tolerant with kids and other little animals as long as they do not harm the family. They love to spend all of their time with their owners and are dedicated to them. Unless the dog knows them extremely well, guests won’t be permitted into the family’s house. Your dog has to be appropriately introduced to new people for them to get along with your dog. Although the Boerboel is very trainable and clever, it does require a strong pack leader (owner) to lead it as it matures from a puppy to a fully-grown dog. When a door is unlocked, the owner’s power must be so strong that they won’t flee. They take their responsibilities extremely seriously because they were raised to protect people and property, thus they need to be aware of the laws and limitations that must be followed. They need to be trained to follow instructions since they are a very sturdy dog with powerful jaws. If they are permitted to decide whether something is a friend or an enemy on their own, harm may result. The Boerboel become affectionate, devoted family pets when owned by a powerful and important person.
🤝 Are Boerboels Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 Boerboel Care & Maintenance
The Boerboel breed is quite simple to groom and will take pleasure in all of the care. They are simple to brush because of their short, thick, glossy coat, and maintaining their finest appearance just requires a monthly bath and the odd dip. They shed on average when groomed often. They like playing with the family, especially when it involves fetching a ball, which they will probably end up puncturing with their powerful teeth. However, don’t worry; they will still have a good time whether the ball is flat or inflated. They definitely require a securely fenced yard to keep them contained because they are wary of outsiders and will defend the property with their lives. Even though your Boerboel will gladly spend the day by your side, it requires active exercise to be fit and healthy. They are not suitable as apartment dogs because to their size and temperament; they require a yard to run around in.
🍖 Food: We recommend few cups daily, costing you about $0.49 – $1.49 daily, or roughly $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly few miles per week, which equates to about 15 – 35 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 Boerboel Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Boerboel Dog Breed can be:
- Hip Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Ear Infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Parasites
🤧 Important: Is Boerboel hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Boerboel.
⚡ Boerboel Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Boerboel a great choice for families with young children?
The Boerboel’s strong guard dog instincts make them a great choice for families with young children. They are reliable and will protect their family with their lives, ensuring the safety of the children.
Is the Boerboel breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Boerboel breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They are a large and active breed that requires a significant amount of space to roam and exercise.
How much exercise does a Boerboel require compared to other breeds?
Boerboels require a good amount of exercise compared to other breeds. Due to their high energy levels, they need daily exercise such as long walks, playtime, and running to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Is the Boerboel breed known for being good with other pets?
While the Boerboel can be gentle and patient with children and small animals, they may not be naturally good with other pets. Proper socialization and training are key to ensure they get along well with other animals.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Boerboel?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Boerboel include the Bullmastiff, Great Dane, and Rottweiler. These breeds also have protective instincts and are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families.
What are the common health issues that Boerboels are prone to?
Boerboels are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are important to maintain their overall well-being.
Are Boerboels known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Boerboels are intelligent and trainable, but they require a strong pack leader to guide them. With proper training and consistency, they can be well-behaved and obedient. However, they may not be as easy to train as some other breeds known for their high trainability.
Are Boerboels more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Boerboels can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized from a young age. They form strong bonds with their owners and may become anxious or distressed when left alone for long periods.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Boerboel that are suitable for people with allergies?
There are no dog breeds that are completely hypoallergenic, but some breeds similar to the Boerboel, like the Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel, may be more suitable for people with allergies due to their low shedding and minimal dander production.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Boerboel are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller dog breeds similar to the Boerboel, such as the Boxer or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, may be a better fit. These breeds still have similar protective instincts and can adapt well to smaller living spaces.
Is the Boerboel breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Boerboel breed is known to be good with children, including those with special needs. Their gentle and patient nature makes them a suitable choice for families with children who require extra care and attention.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Boerboel?
The grooming needs of the Boerboel are relatively low compared to some other breeds. They have a short, dense coat that requires regular brushing to remove loose hair. They are moderate shedders and do not require frequent baths unless necessary.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Boerboel dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
