Boerboel

The name “Boerboel” originates from Afrikaans and Dutch words meaning farmer (“boer“) and dog (“boel“). Bred by Dutch settlers in South Africa from the 1600s onward, these dogs were crucial for defending homesteads and hunting dangerous wildlife like hyenas, baboons, leopards, and other large predators.

European settlers introduced large, strong breeds which interbred with local dogs over centuries. Bulldog and Mastiff type, brought by the English, had an impact on the Boerboel’s development.

Bull Mastiffs, imported by the De Beers diamond mining company, were used to guard mines and also influenced the breed. Surviving harsh conditions and wildlife encounters, only the strongest dogs contributed to the breed’s tenacity and strength.

1. Boerboel History- Source: AKC.org

During the 1800s, as colonists resisted British rule and moved inland, their dogs dispersed and integrated into isolated communities, where they served roles in hunting, herding, and protection.

Urbanization after the World Wars led to crossbreeding with other dogs, but in the 1980s, enthusiasts began efforts to restore purebred Boerboels.

Their dedication revived the breed’s popularity in South Africa and facilitated its export worldwide, although it remains relatively uncommon beyond its native country. The AKC recognizes the Boerboel under the Working Group.

Boerboels is one of the dog breeds that exhibit a playful, intelligent, and eager-to-please personality. They thrive when given tasks such as farm work, guard duties, or agility competitions, where they can showcase their strength and agility. They are deeply devoted to their human family members, including children, although they can be overly protective at times.

• Boerboel Temperament

Boerboels have a steadfast temperament marked by loyalty, protectiveness, and a strong sense of duty towards their families. They form deep attachments to their human companions, including children, whom they guard with dedication.

However, their natural wariness of strangers and territorial instincts mean they need early socialization and consistent training. This ensures they remain well-adjusted and friendly in different social situations.

• Potential Challenges

Boerboels present potential challenges primarily due to their size, strength, and protective instincts. Their strong-willed temperament requires confident and experienced handling to establish boundaries effectively.

Without proper training and socialization from an early age, Boerboels may exhibit territorial behavior and aggression toward strangers.

The Boerboel is a large dog with a robust bone structure and well-developed muscles. It boasts an impressive appearance characterized by its conformation, carriage, confidence, and powerful, agile movement, despite its size. The skin on its body is moderately loose-fitting and flexible, lacking significant wrinkles.

• Size

Boerboels are large in stature, with males typically reaching heights of 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder, and females ranging from 22 to 25 inches. They generally weigh between 150 and 200 pounds, though some may exceed or fall below these averages.

• Coat color

The Boerboel’s coat is characterized by its sleek, short, smooth, and dense texture, providing both protection and a handsome appearance. The skin is notably thick and moderately loose. Boerboels are recognized for their variety of coat colors, including all shades of brown or fawn, as well as brindle patterns. 

Some individuals may also exhibit piebald patterns with white spots on their coat, typically seen on brown, fawn, or brindle dogs. These distinctive coat colors add to the breed’s striking appearance and robust presence.

1. Brindle Boerboel- Source: AKC.org
2. Fawn Boerboel- Source: AKC.org
3. Black Boerboel- Source: Wikipedia

There is a minimal difference between male and female Boerboels, primarily in size, with males being slightly larger and heavier on average.

A balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of a Boerboel, incorporating essential components such as meat, bone, offal, and a small amount of plant ingredients. These elements provide vital vitamins and minerals during meal times. A raw diet typically contains around 70% moisture, aiding in proper hydration for your Boerboel.

It’s important to tailor their diet to meet the needs of a large to giant breed with moderate to high exercise levels. Adding shrimp as an occasional treat can provide protein but should be served in moderation and without shells.

The Boerboel breed is generally robust with a low incidence of hereditary conditions, but there are specific ailments to be aware of as they age:

• Hip dysplasia: This condition involves abnormal development of the hip joint, which can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis as the dog ages. Regular monitoring and appropriate exercise can help manage symptoms.
• Heart disease: Boerboels are susceptible to various heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle weakens and enlarges, potentially causing heart failure. Routine veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are important for early detection and management.
• Eye Eye Issues: These may include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, affecting vision over time. Regular eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist can help detect and monitor these conditions.
• Canine Gastric Torsion: A serious and life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, leading to the rapid onset of pain, distress, and potential organ damage. Immediate veterinary care is crucial to save the dog’s life.
• Juvenile epilepsy: This neurological disorder can cause recurrent seizures in young Boerboels, necessitating lifelong management with medication and regular veterinary monitoring to minimize episodes and maintain quality of life.
• Elbow dysplasia: A condition where the elbow joint develops abnormally, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis over time. Management typically involves veterinary assessment, possible surgery, and lifestyle adjustments to mitigate discomfort.

Ensuring adequate mental and physical stimulation through exercise and play is important for Boerboels. Regular care for Boerboels involves trimming their nails approximately every two weeks.

Teeth should be brushed as recommended by a veterinarian. Ears should be checked weekly for debris and wax buildup, cleaning as necessary to prevent infections or pests.

These dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Boerboels have substantial exercise needs, requiring vigorous activities like long walks and engaging play sessions to maintain their health and happiness.

Additionally, potty training your dog early on helps establish good habits and contributes to their overall well-being.

Boerboel rescue organizations play a vital role in providing shelter, rehabilitation, and rehoming services for Boerboels in need. These organizations often work tirelessly to find loving homes that understand the breed’s unique needs and can provide the necessary care and attention.

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The price of a Boerboel ranges from $3,300 to $5,000, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and location.

f you are looking for Boerboel puppies for sale, you should prioritize responsible breeding practices and ethical transactions that ensure the well-being of the dogs. Potential buyers should thoroughly research reputable breeders who prioritize health testing, socialization, and breed-specific knowledge.

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• Boerboels are renowned for their strength, capable of exerting a bite force of 850 PSI, making them one of the most powerful dogs in the world.
• They have appeared in the Breed Judging Show 2023.

Boerboels are best suited for experienced owners who can provide consistent training, ample space, and a secure environment. They thrive with active individuals or families who understand the breed’s needs for exercise and mental stimulation, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling life for the dog.