About Boerboels

The Boerboel is a South African mastiff-type large dog with a short coat and a black mask. So, this dog is also called “South African mastiff”. Initially, this dog breed was bred to guard farmhouses in South Africa. This breed of dog is large, having well-developed muscles, and strong bones. The head shows up blocky having a short length between the nose and the stop. The Boerboel dog shows a powerful and confident movement, is unafraid, and shows bravery when intimidated. The average life duration of this South African dog breed is about 10 to 12 years.

If you want to know more about  one of the most loved pet breed, you are at the right place. Read the article to learn about the temperament, health, size, training, and many other important things that you need to know before going for any Boerboel.

1. Size of Boerboels

These are large dogs having males with an average size of 24 to 28 inches by the height at the level of shoulders, whereas the females happen to be from 2 to 25 inches by height. Also, the Boerboel dogs typically weigh between one hundred and ten pounds to one hundred and twenty pounds, although the exception can always be there.

2. Are Boerboels aggressive?

At first sight, you might assume the threatening, large Boerboel to be feral and aggressive. However, this dog breed is surprisingly family-friendly, calm, and loving, particularly towards human kids. However, they can show aggressive behavior towards other dogs, especially when they are their mates, and having the same sex.

This dog breed is known for being shielding when needed without being much aggressive in normal conditions.

3. Are Boerboels dangerous?

These dogs were bred to repel intruders and to guard, as they are powerful and huge. It can be a dangerous combination. But, as mentioned above, the breed is doesn’t harm humans. It is a very rare occurring, that a Boerboel bites a human, and it can be said that when this dog breed (or any other one as mighty as Boerboel) bites, in no time, it can tear through skin, tendons, muscles, and even bones. If unprovoked, the dog is usually seen as a human lover.

So, despite their intimidating stature, the dogs cannot be termed as dangerous to humans as they usually love them if undisturbed.

4. Are Boerboels easy to train?

The Boerboel is very intelligent having innate pick instincts. So, their intelligence makes them easy to be trained animals. Puppies of this breed can be so easy to train if the trainers take their pack instincts into account.

If properly trained, the Boerboel dogs make glorious watchdogs and guards. At an early age, their easy-going behavior makes some pet owners mistakenly assume that there is no need for conventional obedience training. Also, the trainers describe this breed to be very tricky to train.

5. Are Boerboels good family dogs?

Boerboel dog breed falls amongst one of the most protective, loving, loyal, and intelligent dogs which are comfortable with the children. But, for a matter of fact, these dogs are one of the most efficient guardians of farmhouses and any other properties and are unafraid. Also, they would not be reluctant to guard their family members.

6. Are Boerboels hypoallergenic?

No, this dog breed is far from being hypoallergenic. A Boerboel has a dual coat that regularly sheds, and resultantly, drops the pet dander in your house.

Although some researchers put forward the possible actuality of some hypoallergenic dog breeds, there is a lot of variability to infer that such a dog breed exists.

7. Are Boerboels smart?

The Boerboel dogs are a territorial, protective breed. They are known to be incredibly loyal, highly intelligent, calm, and steadfast.

8. Can Boerboels swim?

It might sound weird but the Boerboel breed is extremely fond of swimming. So, their exercise schedule should include swimming, starting from a young age. Swimming renders these dogs more active and stimulated; both mentally and physically.

9. Can Boerboels be left alone?

The reality that the Boerboel dogs love their family and owner means they do not tolerate being left alone. Also, these dogs are sometimes referred to as “velcro dogs”, because they like being alongside you. Because of this reason, they can also suffer from separation anxiety when left out alone.

10. Can Boerboel live with other dogs?

Boerboel breed does well with the other animals it has been raised with and occupies the same living space. However, they can turn out to be territorial standstill with other strange dogs. Also, they can behave aggressively with other dogs of the same breed and sex.

11. Can Boerboel live outside?

Yeah, the Boerboel dogs can live outside. However, they stay happy when surrounded by a family and children they are raised amongst. Also, they do not like strangers much. So, they should preferably be kept at home.

12. How to regularly take care of Boerboel?

When it comes to caring, the main need of Boerboel is to be physically and mentally stimulated via play and exercise. Apart from that, regular care of this dog breed is extremely easy and simple. Their nails should be cut almost once every fortnight, and their teeth should be regularly cleaned with the brush as suggested by a vet. Also, their air should be regularly examined for wax buildup and debris once a week. Moreover, the ears should be cleaned to prevent any infestation by pests, or infections.

13. Health of Boerboel

The Boerboel is generally thought to be a healthy dog having only a few genetic disorders. There are, anyway, a few diseases that they are predestined to and might catch during their lifespan. They might suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia, heart disorders conditions that affect eyelids, bloat, and vaginal hyperplasia. In very rare cases, they might also suffer from some liver disorders. If you see your pet Boerboel showing symptoms of any of these ailments, immediately consult your vet.

So, the above description of the Boerboel breed provides enough information about different aspects of these dogs. If you are looking for a smart and loyal pet dog, no other breed would make a better choice than Boerboel!