Boerboel
Woof!
The Boerboel is a large, mastiff dog breed from South Africa, bred for the purpose of guarding the homestead.
In 5 Words
- Obedient
- Confident
- Intelligent
- Dominant
- Territorial
SnapShot
Size:
Males – 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28 inches)
Females – 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28 inches)
Weight:
Males – 50 to 80 kg (110 to 176 pounds)
Females – 50 to 80 kg (110 to 176 pounds)
Origin: South Africa
Life Span: 9-10 Years
Colour: Mahogany, Red, Fawn, Brindle, Cream, Brown, Piebald
Litter Size: 8 to 12 puppies
Characteristics
Learn About the Boerboel
The word “Boerboel” derives from “boer”, the Afrikaans/Dutch word for “farmer”. Boerboel, therefore, translates as either “farmer’s dog” or “Boer’s dog”. The Boerboel is the only South African dog breed created to defend the homestead.
Despite the Boerboel’s long breeding history, there is great uncertainty as to how many and which breeds were used to create it. It is generally believed that the breed was created from interbreeding native African canine species with breeds brought into South Africa from Dutch, French, and British settlers.
The most likely origins are claimed to date back to Jan van Riebeeck’s arrival to the Cape in 1652. Van Riebeeck brought a “Bullenbijter” with him. Those with him, and later European settlers, also had large, strong dogs, that almost certainly bred with the indigenous, domestic dog breeds of South Africa.
Later, in 1928, the diamond mining company De Beers imported Bullmastiffs to South Africa to guard the mines. This breed was also crossbred with Boerboels in the region.
The Boerboel is a big, strong and intelligent working dog. It is well balanced with good muscle development and buoyant in movement. The dog should be impressive and imposing. Male dogs appear noticeably masculine and bitches feminine. All parts of the body should be in proportion with each other. The head is the most important feature of the Boerboel, as it represents its total character. It is short, broad, deep, square and muscular with well filled cheeks. The part between the eyes must be well filled. The top of the head is broad and flat, with prominent muscle development. The face should blend symmetrically with the head, and can be with or without a black mask. The stop should be visible, but not prominent. The muzzle is black with large nostrils which are widely spaced. The nasal bone is straight and parallel to the top-line of the head. It is deep, broad and it tapers slightly to the front. The nasal bone should be 8-10 cm long.
Boerboels are an intelligent and energetic breed. They are loyal, great with kids and tend to be protective of their family and territory.
They are quite charming when not being lazy, and will not hesitate to defend their loved ones to the death. This dog is possibly the most protective mastiff breed and, unlike many other mastiff breeds, is more likely to attack rather than attempt to intimidate an intruder.
Boerboels are generally known for their good health. However, Boerboels can suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia,ectropion, and entropion. Recently, juvenile epilepsy (with attacks brought on by metabolic changes or stress) has appeared in the boerboel breed.
The Boerboel is fairly easily to groom. An occasional brushing and a monthly bath and dip is all they need. This breed is an average shedder.
