Perhaps you have already heard of so-called list dogs. These breeds are considered «fighting dogs» in many states. And because of a supposedly higher aggressiveness.
But it is Boerboel a list dogbecause he has a high bite force?
We will get to the bottom of this question in our following guide.
In a nutshell: Is the Boerboel a list dog?
In short, the answer is: No. The South African Boerboel is becoming topical in any German federal state listed as a dog.
Good to know:
Listed dogs are registered in Germany in three categories divided. Category 1 includes “dangerous dog breeds”.
Category 2 includes breeds that have a “potential danger” can represent. Category 3, in turn, includes dog breeds that “40 cm at the withers and a weight of 20 kg and more” have.
Since the Boerboel is a Crossbreed with a mastiff applies: If a federal state intends to characterize the Boerboel accordingly, it can possibly be listed as a dog.
In which federal states is the Boerboel considered a list dog?
Nevertheless, there is a small restriction here – which, however, does not exclusively refer to so-called fighting or list dogs.
So applies to North Rhine-Westphalia: If you have a dog that weighs more than 20 kg and has a height at the withers of 40 cm or more, you need a so-called certificate of competence.
Already knew?
This certificate of competence also applies to a Golden Retriever or a Labrador. The reason: weight and size.
Even if the Boerboel is not considered a list dog: In the Switzerland, Denmark and France This breed is considered a fighting dog. The reason: Some incidents that were classified as dangerous.
Dangerous or cuddly? – The character of the Boerboel
First of all, no dog is born bad – not even the Boerboel. Unfortunately it’s up to the socialization or upbringingwhen a dog becomes a fighting dog.
In theory, this can also apply to a Shi Tzu – to put it bluntly. Because every dog has a certain basic aggressiveness. This is among other things descent from the wolf and attributed to other wild dogs.
So anyone who tries to «encourage» this aggressiveness has quickly created a four-legged fighting machine – and that goes against the nature of the dog.
The boerboel originates from South Africa. Like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it was bred to hunt predators or to protect farmers’ farms from them.
Possibly implying that this breed does indeed have a higher potential for aggression.
But the same applies here: with one loving and very consistent upbringing the Boerboel is also not an inherently evil and dangerous dog. It is important that you are here as a strong alpha animal perform
Because the Boerboel not only has a mind of its own and a strong character. He also has a very pronounced territorial and possessive behavior.
In fact, that applies «peasant mastiff» – so the German name – as very attentive and affectionate. As a guard dog, nothing escapes the Boerboel. And once he has taken his family to heart, he will protect them.
Of course, you should make sure here that he does not exaggerate with the protective instinct – and this might then become dangerous after all.
Interesting:
The South African dog is only from the Kennel Union of South Africa recognized as a breed. But not from her FCI, the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Is the Boerboel suitable as a family dog?
Anyone who hears the terms fighting dog or list dog will probably think at first: Oh dear, I can’t let these breeds into one family! After all, attack dogs eat small children.
Yes, that too is exaggerated – but unfortunately the reputation that most list dogs still enjoy.
It is a fact that just these breeds real family dogs are. Because behind the supposedly rough shell hides a very soft core.
This also applies to the Boerboel. This breed is considered very loyaldoes not tend to get nervous and is not aggressive per se.
Above all to young children build these dogs a very close relationship on. This may possibly be due to the pronounced protective instinct of this breed.
Good to know:
Since there are special requirements attached to the keeping of the Boerboel, this can also affect the dog tax to be paid. This can be higher than with other dog breeds.
Conclusion
As you now know, the Boerboel is valid in Germany currently not as a list dog. We hope, of course, that this will continue to be the case. Unfortunately we do not have this in our hands.
Because there are people who enjoy training dogs to become fighting machines. That this «works» especially in breeds that are naturally a strong protective instinct have is another sad factor.
Bred as a guard dog, the South African farmer mastiff is predestined to share the fate of other list dogs.
Do you have a Boerboel yourself? What experiences have you had with race and the perception of other people? Feel free to share them with us in the comments.