Boerboel Dog Breed: Information, Care Guide, Traits & More!

Boerboels are a breed of mastiff that originated in South Africa during the 17th century. Boer was the name given to Dutch/German settlers who arrived in South Africa with large dogs. They brought them to hunt game and protect their families. These large dogs were interbred and bred over time to become the Boerboel, which means “farmer’s pet” in Afrikaans. They guarded their owners’ territory against the imposing African wildlife.

Breed Overview

Colors:

Brindle, brown, cream, red, reddish-brown, tawny

Compatible with:

Families with active dogs, dog owners who are experienced, houses with a yard

Temperament:

Calm, protective, confident, intelligent, loyal

Boerboels have short, thick, muscular coats and are strong, large dogs. They come in a variety of colors, including red, cream, and brindle. Boerboels can be Irish-marked or piebald.

Boerboel Characteristics

Energy:

Low-energy dogs need minimal physical activity, while high-energy dogs are in need of a lot of mental and physical stimulation. When choosing a puppy, it’s crucial to ensure that their energy level matches your lifestyle.

Trainability:

Dogs that are easy to train learn prompts and actions more quickly, with less training. Dogs who are more difficult to train require a little bit of patience and practice.

Health:

Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to genetic problems than others. It doesn’t necessarily mean that all dogs will suffer from these problems, but some are more susceptible than others.

Lifespan:

Some breeds have shorter life expectancies than others, either because of their size or genetic issues. The lifespan of your dog is also affected by proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene.

Sociability:

Some dog breeds have a more social disposition, towards both humans and dogs. Social dogs are more likely to approach strangers and ask for a pet or a scratch, whereas less social dogs tend to be more reserved and cautious. It’s important that you socialize with your dog, regardless of the breed.

Boerboel Puppies

Boerboel dogs require a lot of exercise but are generally calm and healthy. Their intelligence and devotion make them easy to train. Boerboels tend to be a bit reserved and are wary around strangers.

Temperament and intelligence of the Boerboel

Boerboels need to be guided by a firm, but gentle hand. They are devoted to their family and territorial boundaries and will protect them. Because of their temperament and the wariness of strangers, they make great watchdogs or guard dogs.

Boerboels have a high level of intelligence and are devoted to family. They are so devoted to their families that they must be part of them to thrive. Boerboels can be calm, loyal, and confident. They may try to take over if they don’t have a firm, confident and patient owner.

What breeds are good for families?

Boerboels make excellent pets for families, but they would be best suited to homes with older children. They are great family pets because of their protective and loving nature. However, they should not be left alone in a home with small children. All dogs should be respected by children.

Can this breed get along with other pets?

Boerboels require a lot of early socialization, and they need to be introduced to family pets when young. They will accept any pet into the family, especially if they feel protected. If you have other dogs, it is best to choose the opposite sex to avoid same-sex aggressive behavior. Avoid dog parks with your Boerboel if you want to avoid challenges with other dogs.

What to know when you own a Boerboel

Food & Diet Requirements

Feeding your Boerboel the right diet for her age, size, and activity level is important. It should also be high-quality. You should keep an eye on the amount of food and treats that you feed your dog each day. When determining how much food to give your dog, it’s best to refer back to the instructions on the bag. Consult your veterinarian if you are ever worried about the health or weight of your Boerboel.

Exercise

The Boerboel, despite being a calm and easygoing breed, requires daily walks and playtime. Dog parks are not recommended because of their size. It may be necessary to find a house with a large yard so that they can get the exercise they need. Boerboels are protective dogs and should always be leashed.

Training

Boerboels can be trained easily because they are intelligent and devoted. Training should begin at an early age. Boerboel pups are passive and docile, but this does not mean they will become obedient and manageable adults. The training must continue well into adulthood. You should enroll your Boerboel in obedience classes, and socialize him as much as you can.

Grooming

Boerboel’s thick, short coat will require brushing once or twice a week using a hound mitt, rubber grooming glove, or soft bristle brushes. It will keep their coats and skin healthy and there will be less dog hair in your house. The dogs only require a bath every so often, no more than one to two months with a good quality dog shampoo.

Brush your Boerboel’s teeth about 2 to 3 times a week. Trim her nails every 3 to 4 months. And clean her ears once a year.

Health Conditions

Boerboels have a solid build and are robust. They are also a breed that is generally very healthy. Breeders should check their dogs to see if they have any of the conditions this breed is prone to inherit.

Your vet will examine your Boerboel and perform tests, such as radiographs or echocardiograms, on its heart. Your vet will perform a thorough physical examination on your dog and check its eyes.

Male vs female

The size of male and female Boerboels differs significantly. Males and females are typically between 24 and 27 inches tall, with a weight of 150 to 200 pounds.

Next, you will notice the difference in the type of surgery that your dog needs. Spaying a female Boerboel requires more complicated surgery, is more expensive, and takes longer to recover than neutering a male. If you choose to have your Boerboel neutered or spayed, this will reduce your dog’s aggressive behavior. It can also prevent future health problems.

Some people believe there are distinct personality differences between female and male dogs. Some people believe that female dogs are more affectionate than males and that they’re less territorial, but that is not always the case. The personality of a dog is formed by her socialization, training, and treatment as a puppy.

Boerboel: 3 little-known facts

1. The Boerboel has dark skin

The Boerboel has dark skin, which is believed to protect it from the African sun.

2. Boerboels are guarded against African wildlife

Boerboels are known for their massive size, strength, and courage. They make excellent guard dogs, especially against baboons, and even leopards.

3. Boerboels need an experienced owner

These dogs are large, strong, and possess a protective and territorial personality. Someone who is familiar with training and handling these dogs would be a good choice.

Final Thoughts

Boerboels will be a loyal and steadfast friend to your family. They will also become a part of that family.

You can easily find Boerboel Breeders by searching online or using social media. You may have to pay for airfare if there are no breeders near you. You can adopt a Boerboel from rescue groups such as Giant Paws Boerboel Rescue or keep an eye out for any local rescue groups.

The Boerboel is the ideal dog for you if you’re looking for someone to love and protect you, without any hesitation.