General Description

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(African Boerboel) The Boerboel is a large-sized working breed with a powerful presence and a strong, sturdy build. They have good balance and a body that is well-muscled. Male Boerboels are significantly more masculine in appearance than their female counterparts. All parts of the Boerbel’s body are well in proportion. The head of this breed is said to be a representation of the dog’s character. It is short, wide, deep, and square-shaped, and it is well-muscled and features a well-filled pair of cheeks. The face should blend properly into the head for an overall symmetrical appearance. The stop is visible, but it is not prominent. The muzzle is black and features a large set of evenly-spaced nostrils. The Boerbel’s teeth are well-developed and close in a scissors bite. Their eyes are horizontally set and exist in many different shades of brown. Their ears are medium-sized, v-shaped, and are proportionate to the size of the dog’s head. The Boerbels’ muscular neck curves noticeably and is attached high at the shoulder. The skin is loose around the neck and becomes tighter between the front legs. The breed’s body is narrower towards the back than at the front. The rear is strong and broad, and the chest is muscular, well-developed, and sturdy. Tails of this breed are straight and short, and they are attached high to the body. The limbs are perfectly straight. The short, dense coat of the Boerboel comes in a variety of colors including cream white, pale tawny, reddish brown, brown, and all shades of brindle.

Any shade of color is acceptable as long as there are white markings on the chest. The Boerboel is not a working breed. They were bred for guarding.

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Character

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The Boerboel is reliable, intelligent, and obedient. They have strong protective and territorial instincts, and they make excellent guarding and watchdogs. They are courageous and confident, and they are affectionate and playful towards their owners. They love to play fetch and bond with their master(s). While aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, the Boerboel is very kind and gentle with his family and the people he knows. They will guard their families and home with their life, and they will not let anyone enter the home if their owners are away. They will get along well with most people after they are properly introduced. As long as this breed is properly socialized, they will get along with other animals and pets, and they will be friendlier with strangers. This breed needs firm training from a dominant owner.

They love children and spending time with their owners.

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Size

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23 – 28 inches

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Weight

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154 – 200 pounds

Females: 90-150

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General Health

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Due to the natural selection of this breed, the Boerboel has no reported health issues or concerns.

Boeboels are not prone to hip problems if they are bred properly. Hip dysplasia is a result of inbreeding. Poorly bred Boerbulls will be prone to hip dysplasia.

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History

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The Boerboel is a result of significant dedication and efforts that were made in South Africa towards the development of this breed. The honing of the Boerboel is still in its progressive stages. Much has been written in regards to the breed’s descent, but no one can be absolutely certain that the Boerboel is a result of one, two, or more different breeds. What is known, however, is that a man by the name of Jan van Riebeeck brought a “bullenbijter” with him on his arrival to the Cape. This “bullenbijter” was a large, strong Mastiff type dog, and those who followed Jan van Riebeeck brought similar dogs with them. Over the decades, only the hardiest and most capable dogs survived in what is now a desolate area. In 1938, the Bullmastiff was imported to South Africa by De Beers so that it could guard the diamond mines in the area. A champion dog that had been obtained by the Hottentots was imported to South Africa around this time, and this dog played a significant role in the development of the Boerboel. The “Boerdogs” (as they are called in Africa), were scattered during the Great Trek by the Voortrekkers. They were cross-bred with the English Bulldog and the Bull Mastiff throughout the early and late 1950’s.

Boerboels have Saint Bernard and Great Danes ancestors.

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Maintenance

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The short-haired coat of the Boerboel is easy to groom and take care of. This breed should be brushed occasionally and given a monthly bath and dip. The Boerboel is an average shedder.

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Ideal Environment

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The Boerboel isn’t suited for life in a small household or apartment. They are happiest with at least a large, fenced yard. They need plenty of exercise and lots of room to run and play. They enjoy walks and love to play ball. This breed can live happily outdoors, but they shouldn’t be left to run around on their own because of their propensity to be protective and leery of strangers.

Boerboels do just fine in small homes and apartments as long as they are properly exercised on a daily basis. Boerboels are most happy when they are doing what are meant to do, which is protect their families. They are fantastic indoor dogs and love to be around families.

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Boerboel Information