Boerboels are great family dogs that want nothing more than to be with their families. Their short coat makes them ideal house dogs. They also drool a lot less than other Mastiff breeds. The Boerboels temperament is one of their greatest qualities. They are rarely the dog that will cause a conflict, but they will not back down if they are challenged. If you are a dominant owner, the dog will fall into its place in your pack. If you are not the leader of your house, a Boerboel will definitely assume that rule. You definitely need to be a pack leader to own this breed. Obedience training is recommended. Boerboels are good with kids, other dogs, cats and livestock if they are properly socialized at a young age. This breed is not for everyone; so, I suggest you do some extensive research before you plan to purchase a Boerboel.
Owning a Boerboel brings with it lots of love, pleasure and joy, as well as a sense of security. It also comes with responsibilities – the most important of which is to have the necessary information to make an informed decision at the outset.
First, consider your needs and whether you have the means to care for the dog for its entire life? Do you want a puppy or an adult dog? A male or female/dog? Are you looking for breeding stock and/or a companion for your family? Do you and your family have the necessary time and inclination to give the attention to the very specific raising and training requirements of a Boerboel? Do you have sufficient space and a secure environment for a large breed dog? Do you have the necessary knowledge of canine behavior to raise a large dog with protective instincts? Is the entire family in agreement on owning a Boerboel?
Second, obtain as much information as possible about the Boerboel and breed standards by talking to SABBS office bearers, breeders and members. Go to appraisal days or other events in your area, visit as many breeders and meet as many Boerboels as possible …. and do not hesitate to ask questions.
Owning a Boerboel, like any large breed dog, is a big responsibility, and owners must make the necessary commitment to raising a well-adjusted and balanced dog. This can be more demanding and involve more time, effort and training than a small or medium-sized dog, and owners should make themselves aware of the potential for damage and injury that can be caused by any large breed dog. NABBA/SABBS or Guardian Boerboels can accept no liability for any damage to property or person caused by your Boerboel. It is your ongoing responsibility as an owner to ensure your dog is kept safe, properly controlled and supervised in public, or when around children or people that the dog is unfamiliar with.
Boerboel Basic Characteristics
- Country of Origin: South Africa
- Size: Large: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
- Weight: 120-200 pounds
- Lifespan: 9 to 14 years
- Personality: Smart, dominant, protective, confident; loving with family, especially kids
- Trainability: Easy to train
- Exercise Needs: Occasional exercise
- Energy Level: Medium Energy; Boerboels can move quickly, when necessary, but they’re generally stately and watchful.
- Grooming: Occasional; Brushing Once a Week or Less
- Shedding: Seasonal
- Protective Ability: Very Protective
- Barking Level: Barks When Necessary
- Hypoallergenic Breed: No
- Space Requirements: House with Yard
- Good with other Dogs: With Supervision
- Litter Size: About 5 to 10 puppies
- Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.
Boerboels are a giant breed of dog. While they are healthy for a Molosser breed, they are not exempt from the issues we see with any other giant breed of dog. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, degenerative myelopathy, chryptochidism, bite malocclusion, allergies, cruciate ligament disease, entropian, ectropian, cancer, wobblers, epilepsy, immunological diseases and many more surprises. Regardless of the many efforts that many breeders take with health testing, each individual puppy is at a potential risk for some sort of ailment. Of course, we do our best to make the best breeding decisions to avoid these things. We truly do care for each puppy and their owners.
Boerboel temperaments do have some diversity. Each dog is an individual. The level of energy/excitability varies, as does their drive. Some are more wary of strangers than others. Most of them are very amenable, though not all of them. Generally, Boerboels are intelligent. They can be dominant but often times in a “sneakier” way. Doing things like placing their paws on you, sitting on your feet, mouthing, standing in your way etc. A few things that stand out pretty consistently with Boerboels are trainability, loyalty and an innate urge to stay very close to you. Boerboels do not always do well with livestock (esp. poultry). That does take proper training and introduction. Some Boerboels have too high of a prey drive and will never take well to livestock. Those particular Boerboels may be better suited to hunting or activities such as lure coursing. Regarding their natural guardian instinct, not all Boerboels are naturally good guard dogs. The only way to be truly certain of their guardian ability, is to have them tested by a professional.
It is not unheard of to have a Boerboel (that has been properly socialized as a pup) become completely intolerant of strangers, upon maturity. Some Boerboels are not socialites.
Questions (regarding temperament) to ask yourself before getting a Boerboel puppy: If you end up with an anti-social Boerboel, are you prepared to isolate the dog from strangers? Do you want a dog you can take everywhere?
Same-sex dog aggression is not uncommon in Boerboels. If you are looking to add another Boerboel to your family, we HIGHLY suggest getting the opposite sex. Females tend to be more affectionate, intelligent and obedient. Males can take longer to mentally mature and are usually a bit more aloof. Our puppies are placed keeping temperament in consideration with the new owners.
