The Boerboel – not only an extraordinary name, but also an extremely impressive dog!
The name of the South African Molosser means “farmer dog”, or “farmer mastiff”.
We will now tell you why only a few people are suitable for keeping a Boerboel, what temperament and nature the strong dog brings with it and what is important in its training and keeping!
Boerboel profile
Let’s start with a small overview of the extraordinary Boerboel:
Size Male: 61 to 66 cm, female: 56 to 61 cmWeightMale: 50 to 90 kg, female: 50 to 75 kgColorsVarious shades of yellow, red and brown, also brindle possible, a black mask is allowed for each colourLife expectancy10 to 12 yearsOriginSouth Africacharacter/temperamentObedient, territorial, intelligent, dominant, loyal, confidentFCI groupnot acknowledged
Appearance – What does a Boerboel look like?
The Appearance of the Boerboel reminiscent of a mix of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Great Dane and Mastiff.
The large and strong dog makes a good impression with its appearance.
When breeding the Boerboel, it is important that Males particularly muscular and strong are while Bitches have a clearly visible feminine touch should have.
With a maximum height of 61 centimetres, bitches are almost 5 centimeters smaller and much more delicately built than males.
The «Fighting Weight» of a Boerboel can be between 50 and 90 kilograms.
The African Shelter Dog has a short, smooth, and shiny coat. The colors can have different shades of yellow, red and brown.
A black mask is allowed for each color. A brindle coat may also occur.
History & origin of the Boerboel
Translated from African, Boerboel means “farm dog” or “peasant mastiff”.
The strong Molossians was kept by farmers to protect their belongings from cattle thieves and wild animals.
The «breeding» of the Boerboel dates back to 1652. However, value was only placed on the dogs’ suitability for work, there were no uniform breed standards with regard to the appearance and nature of the animals.
Later, the South African Boerboels were crossed with British Mastiffs, giving them their current appearance.
So far, the Boerboel has only been recognized by the Kennel Union of South Africa, but is now also bred in Europe, the USA, Australia and Asia.
Today, in addition to the function, value is also placed on a uniform appearance and a peaceful nature.
Nature & character of the Boerboel
The Boerboel is one attentive, confident, courageous and formidable Molossian.
He builds one strong attachment to his caregiver or family and give them lots of love.
The pronounced protective instinct and be territorial behavior every Boerboel owner should be aware of from the start.
This powerful dog’s deep, impressive bark is a sure bet at keeping uninvited guests off the property.
The Boerboel immediately senses insecurity and fear on the part of its owner and this is exactly where it gets exciting:
While the Boerboel often makes a loveable wimp as a pup, owners of the breed are often amazed when they live together.
At some point, the behavior of the initially soft-flushed Molossian baby turns into a protective instinct that needs to be taken seriously.
This is where the overload begins for many owners!
It is extremely important that to read, interpret and predict the behavior of these dogs.
The Boerboel is by no means unnecessarily aggressive or unfair, but if he feels in the role of the protector, he makes full use of his muscular body and strong teeth.
Generally, the Boerboel is a trainable dogwho likes to cooperate with his owner.
However, it is necessary for the latter to face him with at least the same self-confidence as the Boerboel shows!
Despite (or because of) these characteristics, the strong dog loves children adoringly.
He has a high stimulus threshold and is confident in himself.
Danger:
Only if you trust yourself one hundred percent to do justice to a Boerboel and do not push him to live out his protective instinct through your own fear or insecurity, you should think about the purchase of this breed.
Keeping it in a household with children is only an option if you are aware and sure of it!
attitude & upbringing
For the Training a Boerboel it takes trust, loving consistency and mutual respect.
The intelligent guard dog does not need loud words and harsh punishments.
It is necessary to understand the Boerboel’s instincts in order not to be surprised by his behavior.
An example:
Your best friend has known your Boerboel for a long time and the two get along well together.
But then your friend visits you drunk and behaves differently than usual.
In such a situation, your Boerboel’s protective instinct may well come to light!
It is precisely such moments when unprepared owners of this dog breed often reach their limits.
The A Boerboel’s protective instinct you should never intentionally provoke.
If you «allow» him to act out this instinct, it should be done in a controlled setting, such as protection training sessions!
You have to understand 100 percent what triggers his instincts.
Since the Boerboel can get up very quickly, it is all the more important that he learns with you how to get down from this state of excitement.
The Boerboel is definitely not a city and apartment dog.
A species-appropriate husbandry for the former farm dog provides a large area on which he can move freely and watch over it.
Males of this breed are more likely to have problems with other males. It is therefore extremely important that a Boerboel enjoys good socialization from an early age!
Regular attendance at a dog school with the Boerboel is recommended, if not essential, even in adulthood.
Health & Care
The Boerboel is considered broadly robust and healthy dog breed.
However, like many large dogs, he has a tendency to develop hip and elbow dysplasia.
In order for Boerboel puppies to have a chance at a healthy life, it is extremely important that only animals that have tested negative for breed-specific hereditary diseases are allowed for breeding.
for one good joint and bone health it is necessary to ensure, especially during growth, that the Boerboel puppy does not climb stairs and that its diet is optimally tailored to the needs of a growing Molosser.
In the Care the Boerboel is very uncomplicated. His short coat only needs a few brush strokes occasionally.
Is the Boerboel right for me?
A Boerboel only fits a very small proportion of people! The only way to hold a Boerboel is if you:
- You live in a spacious area that your Boerboel is allowed to guard
- Not constantly getting visitors and throwing wild parties
- Are willing to adapt your lifestyle to this dog
- Understand and interpret the character and behavior of this dog 100 percent
- You don’t choose a dog based on false ideas and motives (e.g. as a status symbol because it looks «so fierce»)
- Are willing to work seriously with this dog (possibly in protection work)
- Are confident and strong enough to counter the Boerboel
- Your place of residence allows keeping a Boerboel at all
- The cost of such a large dog can come from
What a badass dog, right? We are fascinated by the nature of the Boerboel.
What are you saying? Still have questions about this stunning dog breed? If so, please leave us a comment below this post!