Boerboel
You would be right to believe, at first look, that the massive, frightening Boerboel would make a great security dog. Nonetheless, this breed is renowned for being peaceful, kind, and amiable to families, particularly when it comes to offspring of humans.
Originally, these guardians were raised by South African farmers to safeguard their homesteads from lions, hyenas, and other dangerous predators. These guardians provided priceless company as an extra benefit. Words from Dutch and Afrikaans that loosely translate to “farmer’s dog” are the source of the Boerboel’s name (pronounced “boo-r-bull”).
Bole, Borbull, South African Mastiff, and South African Boerboel are just a few of the many names given to this enormous household friend.
Boerboels typically have minimal health issues, are easy to groom, and are gentle. However, don’t assume that they’re a simple breed for novice owners to manage. These dogs tend to pull and chew things, and they are self-assured and possessive.
They require a firm, knowledgeable owner with lots of room for a large dog that needs to be exercised. Any prospective pet owner who is considering bringing a Boerboel puppy into their house may want to give this some thought.
Adopting from rescue groups or shelters should be your top priority when thinking about a South African Boerboel in order to provide a needy dog a loving home. On the other hand, picking a trustworthy breeder is essential if you decide to buy.
Make sure the breeder values the health of their dogs and adheres to moral standards by doing extensive research on them. Reputable Boerboel breeders provide careful consideration to their dogs’ temperament and overall health, perform any required health examinations, and provide their puppies a loving home.
In addition to preventing unethical breeding techniques, our proactive strategy guarantees that you will bring home a happy and healthy puppy.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- Origin: South Africa
- Size: Large, usually reaching between 110 and 170 pounds and measuring 24-27 inches tall.
- Breed Group: Working dogs.
- Lifespan: 9–11 years
- Coat: Smooth, short, and thick.
- Temperament: Loyal, trainable, clever, and protective.
- High need for exercise: They must exercise for at least two hours every day.
- Training: Boerboels are rather simple to teach and clever canines. They may be obstinate at times, too, so early training and socialisation are crucial.
- Health: Although generally in good condition, South African Boerboels may be more vulnerable to certain conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia and heart disease.
An early progenitor of the Boerboel, the Bullenbjiter, was introduced to what is now South Africa by Dutch colonists. These canines were fierce and courageous enough to take on big predators like leopards.
Overview
The strength of the Boerboels’ commitment to their homes and families is equal to or greater than their physical power. The dogs that Dutch settlers brought to South Africa to protect their homeland from lions, leopards, hyenas, and other hazardous animals are the ancestors of the Boerboel breed.
These days, they are valued for their abilities as protectors, watchdogs, dog show participants, and fiercely devoted family members that adore children.
They may, however, be quite territorial, and in the absence of appropriate socialisation and training, they may become hostile towards outsiders and other dogs.Boerboels need a lot of mental and physical stimulation.
Due to their high level of intelligence and astonishing agility for their size, they have a great demand for mental and physical stimulation.
If you leave them alone for an extended period of time, they may become bored and anxious, which may trigger harmful behaviour.They require a trainer who is calm and patient, as well as a house big enough to meet their workout requirements.They may make wonderful family pets and priceless watchdogs in the appropriate home.
Highlights
Large and Muscular: Boerboels are among the biggest dog breeds in the world, because to their size and muscle. They usually weigh between 110 and 170 pounds and are 24 to 27 inches tall.
Loyalty and protectiveness: Boerboels are renowned for their protectiveness and loyalty. They have an unwavering devotion to their family and would stop at nothing to keep them safe.
Trainable and clever: Boerboels are intelligent canines that are not too difficult to teach. They may be obstinate at times, too, so early training and socialisation are crucial.
Good with kids: Boerboels are by nature kind with kids. They are wonderful playmates since they are kind and tolerant.
Low-maintenance coat: The short, thick coat of a Boerboel is simple to maintain. Brushing them is sufficient a couple of times each week.
Generally healthy: All things considered, Boerboels are typically healthy canines. They may, however, be more vulnerable to conditions including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart disease.
History
When Dutch immigrants began breeding Boerboels in South Africa in the 1600s, the term “Boerboel” refers to the Afrikaans/Dutch words for “farmer” and “dog.” In fact, the canines were farmers’ dogs. In addition to hunting hazardous animals like baboons, leopards, and other large cats, they were required to protect the homestead.
Throughout several centuries, South African domestic dogs and a diverse range of other breeds were crossed with the massive, robust canines that were introduced to the country by European immigrants. In addition to the English, the Da Beers diamond mining corporation imported Bull Mastiffs to defend their mines, and these dogs also crossed with Boerboels to become what they are today.
Bulldogs and Mastiffs were also introduced by the English and brought into Boerboels. The precise breeds that comprise the Boerboel’s heritage are unknown, but the Boerboel’s persistence and strength were shaped by their ability to endure the harsh climate and confrontations with animals. In the 1800s, colonists in South Africa started to relocate inland in protest against British authority.
Their dogs were thus dispersed and frequently adopted by remote groups, where they were required for hunting, herding, security, and defence against hostile individuals. Due to South Africa’s increased urbanisation during the World Wars, Boerboels began interbreeding with other canines without maintaining breed integrity.
But a group of breed aficionados tried to start producing pure Boerboels again in the 1980s.As a result of their efforts, the Boerboel became well-known in South Africa and began to be marketed abroad. Nonetheless, outside of South Africa, the breed is still somewhat uncommon.
Size
Male Boerboels average 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder, while females typically stand between 22 and 25 inches tall. Boerboels are huge dogs. Although some might weigh less or more, boerboels typically weigh between 110 and 200 pounds.
Personality
Boerboels are smart, gregarious, and have a lively nature. Whether it’s hard agricultural labour, guard dog duty, or getting ready for a competition where they can flaunt their power and agility, they are happiest when they have a task to do. Despite occasionally being extremely overly protective, this dog adores human family members, even kids.
If they aren’t properly taught or socialised, the same impulses that make them terrific watchdogs and protectors may also make them highly possessive and violent. In order to prevent the resident Boerboel from feeling intimidated, it is crucial that a family member introduce them to the dog before inviting them over.
Though they may still be cautious, Boerboels are often hospitable to strangers they have met and gained confidence in. Boerboels need an assertive trainer who will establish boundaries without being harsh and employ positive reinforcement because they are naturally domineering.
This dog is too big for a first-time pet owner. Boerboels should get a lot of mental and physical activity since boredom and anxiety can result in destructive behaviour. Patient, consistent training should be combined with early socialisation to prevent aggressiveness.
They may be kept busy with demanding toys like puzzle feeders, strenuous play sessions, and long walks. Boerboels need room since they are large dogs with moderate activity requirements; thus, apartments are not the best place for them to live.
They thrive in homes with backyards and sturdy fences that provide them with lots of room to run about safely. These dogs are not for the timid, but the appropriate owners will be rewarded with loving family members that will stop at nothing to protect their homes and people.
Health
The Boerboel breed is generally considered to be strong and healthy, with a minimal incidence of genetic disorders. However, there are several conditions to be aware of that they may be prone to and may even worsen as they get older. These prerequisites include:
• A disorder that affects the hip joints is called hip dysplasia.
• Heart disease, which includes a range of heart conditions.
• Eye conditions that might affect their ability to see.
• A disease of the reproductive system called vaginal hyperplasia.
• Bloat, a gastrointestinal issue that might be fatal.
• Juvenile epilepsy, a neurological condition.
If you see any indications or symptoms associated with these illnesses in your Boerboel, you should consult your veterinarian right once.
Care
The primary requirements for Boerboel care are mental and physical stimulation via play and exercise. After that, routine maintenance is rather easy. As advised by a veterinarian, their teeth should be cleaned on a regular basis and their nails clipped around every two weeks. To prevent illness or bug infestation, Boerboels’ ears should be cleansed as needed and examined once a week for dirt and wax accumulation.
Feeding
Coat Color And Grooming
Boerboels have thick, dense undercoats that are covered in short, straight, lustrous overcoats. Shades of red, fawn, brown, brindle, or black are possible for them. Though it is deemed a defect if the coat is more than thirty percent white, some dogs have white patches, particularly around the neck, face, and paws.
The eyes, lips, and noses of many Boerboels are marked with dark markings, and some even have dark patches surrounding their paws. The coat doesn’t need much maintenance and sheds averagely. Monthly baths and weekly brushing should help prevent fur shedding and maintain the health of the coat.
Children And Other Pets
Boerboels are recognised for loving and guarding their human families, especially when it comes to their offspring. Nevertheless, they are big, energetic dogs that might unintentionally topple a kid if things get out of control.
To prevent incidents, children should also get training on how to deal with animals. In spite of how well-trained and submissive a Boerboel may be, no nudging or prodding. Play time needs to be monitored, just like with any dog. When kids have playmates over, the Boerboel’s innate protective nature could also be a problem since the breed may view play as aggression and guard its family.
Having said that, this breed is well renowned for its intense affection for the human children in the home, and a massive, athletic Boerboel is the ideal child guardian. Boerboels get along well with other dogs if they were raised with them and reside in the same home, but they can be a little guarded and aloof with new canines.
When they are among other Boerboels of the same sex, they may also become hostile and competitive. The combative tendencies of the breed can be subdued with early socialisation, however they could fare best in a family with just one dog.
Boerboel Rescue Groups
For those considering adoption, Boerboel rescue groups play a crucial role in facilitating the rehoming process. These organizations focus on finding loving homes for Boerboels in need, often providing valuable insights into the dog’s history and temperament.
Boerboel Breed Organizations
One of the most crucial choices you will make when getting a new dog is finding a trustworthy breeder. Reputable breeders are dedicated to producing healthy, socialised puppies that will grow up to be wonderful friends. They will socialise their puppies from an early age, test their breeding stock for health issues, and offer you lifetime assistance.
However, backyard breeders are less concerned with breeding healthy, well-mannered dogs and more focused on turning a profit. They can fail to check the health of their breeding stock and fail to properly socialise their puppies. Puppies from backyard breeders are therefore more prone to experience behavioural and health problems.
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