Boerboel Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Boerboel?

The Boerboel originates from South Africa, where Dutch settlers bred the dogs and used them for farming duties. They would help defend the home and land surrounding the settlers from big cats, hyenas, baboons and any other wildlife that would pose a threat.

Large, strong dogs were brought over by the Dutch and then bred with indigenous domestic dogs. The English would also go to breed Bulldogs and Mastiff type dogs with the Boerboels, which they then used for guarding mines.

They are certainly strong dogs, and whilst their primary use was to defend, they also hunted and herded for their owners. Even despite its popularity in South Africa, they are few and far between in other parts of the world.

Who are Boerboel dogs best for?

For anyone that's looking for a dog that's family-friendly, the Boerboel is often the only dog of choice, specifically for South Africans.

Whilst they are gentle giants, they do need an assertive guide when it comes to training. Therefore, it would be suitable if the family or owners have experience with owning dogs in the past and know exactly how to look after this type of dog especially.

They also need plenty of exercise, so a family that's active will enjoy this rare breed.

How much grooming does a Boerboel need?

For most Boerboels, it's important to take regular care of their appearance. As such, their nails should get a twice-monthly trim where possible and teeth should be cleaned regularly. The same goes for their ears to help avoid infections, which goes for most dogs.

The South African Boerboel has a short, straight overcoat that comes in a range of shades from black, brown, fawn, red and brindle. There can sometimes be spots of white on the coat, too, with dark marks around the eyes, nose and mouth.

With shedding, the coat will shed an average amount, so a bit of regular brushing here and there should help. Monthly baths will help keep the coat healthy and rid of any dirt and debris from all the outdoor fun they get to have.

Do Boerboel bark much?

With all dogs, barking is something that they do to communicate with their owner or outwards to anything they see whilst out and about.

For some owners, barking can be really important, especially when selecting a dog for the home. Not everyone can deal with excessive barking or a dog that's loud within the home.

The Boer hunting dog is one that barks occasionally. It's not a dog that's constantly yapping like other dogs, so if you want a fairly quiet dog, then this is an excellent choice.

Do Boerboel bite?

It's important to never underestimate the power of some dogs. As an American Kennel Club recognised breed, they're a fairly giant and powerful dog. The dog has a fairly strong bite force that gets close to the pressure of a lion's bite. With that in mind, you don't ever want to get yourself into a position where you're fighting off this breed from yourself or others.

Reputable breeders are important to find, as well as training your dog properly without any aggression on your part.

What is the temperament & personality of a Boerboel?

There's no denying that this breed has done its fair share of duties as a working dog. They're great with any job they're given, whether it's to guard the family home or to get outdoors for an agility or strength class.

As a breed, they're going to be happy with any human family members and can often be the most protective over the children. It's always good to ensure that your Boerboel is properly introduced to any guests that come into the house, as that way, they don't feel threatened or find the need to protect the family household.

Being patient with this breed is important, as is providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation for the dog. That means plenty of long walks and challenging toys that keep them engaged on a daily basis.

They'll need plenty of space, so a flat or studio setting won't be ideal. It will help to have a sizeable outdoor space too!

What is the weight & size of a Boerboel?

The Boerboel is classed as a large dog in comparison to other dogs. Males average around 61 to 71cms in height and females come in at 55 to 63cms.

The weight can vary for this breed but you'll expect them to be anywhere between 49 and 90kgs. Some may be larger or smaller depending on their diet but it's good to try and aim between the average if possible.

How much training does a Boerboel need?

As a breed, Boerboels are going to love any dog sports you throw their way. Whilst they may be protective and loving over family members, they love to get out and about. Training any type of dog is important to do from a young age where possible. For novice owners, it's best to look elsewhere as this breed does require someone with experience.

If you're a new dog owner, then you may want to look at the National breed club for guidance on the most suitable dog breed for you.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Boerboel?

Despite being a dog bred with many other breeds in the past, the Boerboel is relatively healthy. It does have a few conditions that are hereditary and some problems can occur over the course of their life depending on genetics and various lifestyle factors too.

These health conditions include heart disease, elbow or hip dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, bloat and conditions that affect their eyelids. It's always important to get these health conditions looked at immediately by your vet.

What is the lifespan of a Boerboel?

Even though it is a fairly healthy breed in comparison to some other breeds available, these large dogs will only live on average between 10 and 12 years. Dogs become a part of the family, so to only have around ten years with your dog is heartbreaking, to say the least.

However, we're sure you'll provide your dog with a decade of his or her life!

How much should you feed a Boerboel?

With a large dog like the Boerboel, they're not going to be cheap to feed. As such, the dog's diet will need to cater to large or giant dog sizes. Of course, if you're getting them from a puppy, then this will be a gradual change as they get older.

With them needing plenty of exercise, you'll find that they need plenty of food to keep them energised and lean. Make sure to check with your vet about the portion sizes so that you're not giving them too much. It's very easy to overfeed your dogs, and losing the weight is a lot harder than gaining it.

What is the price of a Boerboel in Australia?

If you're looking for Boerboel puppies, then you'll expect to pay anywhere between $1,200 to $3,200 on average. However, the price might be more, depending on the breeder you choose. Always make sure you're buying from a reputable breeder!