Boerboel

Boerboel is a large and powerful breed known for its loyalty, courage and protective nature.

Boerboel Breed overview

The Boerboel is a large, intelligent breed that excels at working and physical activity. They are affectionate and protective towards their human family, but may exhibit dominant behavior towards unfamiliar dogs. Training and socialization are important for preventing potential behavioral issues, and they require plenty of physical activity and exercise to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Height:
22-28 inches
Weight:
110-200 lbs
Life expectancy:
10-12 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Boerboel

Training

As a large and powerful breed, the Boerboel requires a firm and consistent owner to provide them with training and socialization.

Early socialization and obedience training is key to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.

Exercise

The Boerboel is a highly active and energetic breed that requires a lot of exercise.

Daily walks and plenty of playtime in a secure, fenced-in area is necessary to keep them happy and healthy.

Nutrition

The Boerboel requires a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their overall health and well-being.

It is important to feed them a high-quality dog food and to avoid giving them table scraps or human food, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Grooming

Boerboels have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming.

Regular brushing and occasional bathing is all that is needed to keep their coat in good condition.

Health

The Boerboel is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.

It is important to keep them on a healthy diet and exercise routine to maintain their overall health.

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Boerboel Traits & Characteristics

The Boerboel is a large and powerful dog breed with a height of 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder and a weight ranging from 140 to 200 pounds.

The breed has a distinctive blocky head and a strong muscular body that is wider at the shoulders and narrower at the hips.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all Boerboels should have a dark mask around the muzzle, and their ears should be floppy and v-shaped.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Boerboel is a highly affectionate breed that loves being close to their human family. They are loyal and protective, often forming strong bonds with their owners.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The Boerboel is known for being excellent with children. They are affectionate and protective, making them great family dogs. However, they are also large and strong, so adult supervision is recommended during playtime.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The Boerboel is generally friendly and sociable with other dogs, especially if they are properly socialized from a young age. However, they may exhibit dominant behavior towards unfamiliar dogs and should be monitored during playtime.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The Boerboel is a highly alert and vigilant breed that is often used as a guard dog. They are protective of their family and territory, and will alert their owners to potential threats or intruders.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

The Boerboel is adaptable to new surroundings and can thrive in a variety of living spaces. However, they do require plenty of indoor and outdoor space to play and exercise. They also require training and socialization to prevent potential behavioral issues.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The Boerboel has a short, dense coat that sheds minimally. However, they are known to shed moderately during shedding seasons. Regular brushing and grooming can help to control shedding and maintain a healthy coat.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Boerboel has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular baths and brushing can help to keep their coat healthy and free of loose hair.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

The Boerboel is a large breed, weighing between 150 and 200 pounds as an adult. They require plenty of space to move and play, and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The Boerboel is a highly active breed that thrives on physical activity and exercise. They require daily walks and playtime to maintain a healthy weight and prevent destructive behavior.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The Boerboel is a highly active and energetic breed that requires a lot of exercise.

Daily walks and plenty of playtime in a secure, fenced-in area is necessary to keep them happy and healthy.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

The Boerboel is a working breed with a history of guarding and protecting livestock and families. They excel at tasks that require physical strength and stamina, and are often used as police and military dogs.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

The Boerboel is a highly energetic breed that requires plenty of physical activity and exercise to maintain their health and wellbeing. They thrive on outdoor playtime and walks, and are happiest with an active owner.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

The Boerboel is a relatively healthy breed with few genetic disorders or diseases. However, like many large breeds, they may be prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues as they age. Additionally, they are sensitive to heat and may develop heat stroke if not properly cooled and hydrated on hot days.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The Boerboel has a tendency to gain weight if they are not provided with enough physical activity and exercise. A healthy diet and regular exercise are key to preventing obesity and related health issues.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The Boerboel has a thick, dense coat that provides warmth in cold weather. However, they should still be provided with adequate shelter and warmth during extreme cold snaps.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The Boerboel is sensitive to heat and may develop heat stroke if not properly cooled and hydrated on hot days. They should not be left outside in extreme heat without proper shade and access to water.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The Boerboel is not recommended for apartment living due to their large size and high energy level. They require plenty of outdoor space to play and exercise.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The Boerboel may have a tendency to wander or roam if left unsupervised or without proper training. They should be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced area when outside.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

The Boerboel may become anxious or stressed if they experience criticism or negative reinforcement during training. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successfully training a Boerboel.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The Boerboel may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods of time.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

The Boerboel is not a highly vocal breed, but may bark to alert their family of potential threats or intruders. Proper training and socialization can help to prevent excessive barking.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The Boerboel is highly intelligent and requires mental stimulation and engagement to prevent boredom and potentially destructive behavior. Regular training, socialization, and interactive toys can help to keep them mentally stimulated.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

The Boerboel is generally not recommended for novice dog owners due to their large size and strong personality. They require consistent training and socialization from an experienced owner to prevent behavioral issues.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The Boerboel is an intelligent and trainable breed. However, they are also independent and may require a firm hand during training. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successfully training a Boerboel.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Boerboel is a highly affectionate breed that loves being close to their human family. They are loyal and protective, often forming strong bonds with their owners.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The Boerboel is known for being excellent with children. They are affectionate and protective, making them great family dogs. However, they are also large and strong, so adult supervision is recommended during playtime.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The Boerboel is generally friendly and sociable with other dogs, especially if they are properly socialized from a young age. However, they may exhibit dominant behavior towards unfamiliar dogs and should be monitored during playtime.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The Boerboel is a highly alert and vigilant breed that is often used as a guard dog. They are protective of their family and territory, and will alert their owners to potential threats or intruders.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

The Boerboel is adaptable to new surroundings and can thrive in a variety of living spaces. However, they do require plenty of indoor and outdoor space to play and exercise. They also require training and socialization to prevent potential behavioral issues.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The Boerboel has a short, dense coat that sheds minimally. However, they are known to shed moderately during shedding seasons. Regular brushing and grooming can help to control shedding and maintain a healthy coat.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Boerboel has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular baths and brushing can help to keep their coat healthy and free of loose hair.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

The Boerboel is a large breed, weighing between 150 and 200 pounds as an adult. They require plenty of space to move and play, and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The Boerboel is a highly active breed that thrives on physical activity and exercise. They require daily walks and playtime to maintain a healthy weight and prevent destructive behavior.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Boerboel is a highly active and energetic breed that requires a lot of exercise.

Daily walks and plenty of playtime in a secure, fenced-in area is necessary to keep them happy and healthy.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

The Boerboel is a working breed with a history of guarding and protecting livestock and families. They excel at tasks that require physical strength and stamina, and are often used as police and military dogs.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

The Boerboel is a highly energetic breed that requires plenty of physical activity and exercise to maintain their health and wellbeing. They thrive on outdoor playtime and walks, and are happiest with an active owner.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

The Boerboel is a relatively healthy breed with few genetic disorders or diseases. However, like many large breeds, they may be prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues as they age. Additionally, they are sensitive to heat and may develop heat stroke if not properly cooled and hydrated on hot days.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

The Boerboel has a tendency to gain weight if they are not provided with enough physical activity and exercise. A healthy diet and regular exercise are key to preventing obesity and related health issues.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

The Boerboel has a thick, dense coat that provides warmth in cold weather. However, they should still be provided with adequate shelter and warmth during extreme cold snaps.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

The Boerboel is sensitive to heat and may develop heat stroke if not properly cooled and hydrated on hot days. They should not be left outside in extreme heat without proper shade and access to water.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

The Boerboel is not recommended for apartment living due to their large size and high energy level. They require plenty of outdoor space to play and exercise.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

The Boerboel may have a tendency to wander or roam if left unsupervised or without proper training. They should be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced area when outside.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

The Boerboel may become anxious or stressed if they experience criticism or negative reinforcement during training. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successfully training a Boerboel.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

The Boerboel may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods of time.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

The Boerboel is not a highly vocal breed, but may bark to alert their family of potential threats or intruders. Proper training and socialization can help to prevent excessive barking.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

The Boerboel is highly intelligent and requires mental stimulation and engagement to prevent boredom and potentially destructive behavior. Regular training, socialization, and interactive toys can help to keep them mentally stimulated.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

The Boerboel is generally not recommended for novice dog owners due to their large size and strong personality. They require consistent training and socialization from an experienced owner to prevent behavioral issues.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The Boerboel is an intelligent and trainable breed. However, they are also independent and may require a firm hand during training. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successfully training a Boerboel.

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History of the Boerboel

The Boerboel is a breed that originated in South Africa in the mid-1600s. They were bred from a mixture of European and African working dogs and have been used as farm dogs ever since.

Their original purpose was to protect the homestead from predators and wild animals that threatened the livestock.

The Boerboel is still used as a working dog, but also as a family pet and guard dog.

Boerboel Puppies

Boerboel puppies are large and heavy-boned, with the males being typically larger than the females.

They have a playful and curious temperament and require a lot of exercise and socialization at a young age to ensure they become well-rounded adult dogs.