The Boerboel Dog Breed

The ancestors of the Boerboel dog breed are said to have been brought to South Africa by the Dutch Boers, when the Dutch expedition led by Jan Van Riebeeck, landed in southern Africa, where Cape Town was built. It is said that it was he who brought with him from the mother country a bullenbjitter, a very strong and courageous mastiff, which has now disappeared, and which by crossing with other local molossi was the ancestor of the present boerboel.

With other settlers came other important dogs, so the breed was crossed with breeds such as mastiffs, bull terriers, Great Danes and bull mastiffs. However, these were also joined by native dogs that were better adapted to the torrid African climate, unlike the European breeds.

These dogs were put to protect the settlers' farms and later to guard the diamond mines of South Africa. They are also called African lions because they are said to be the only animal that can make a lion run away. Its name boerboel comes from two words: boer meaning farmer and boel meaning dog. So, literally translating, it is called farmer's dog.

This dog is not recognised by the major international associations, and in South Africa a club is trying to get this dog recognised by promoting it worldwide. Apart from South Africa we can also find this breed in Belgium, Holland and Northern Europe, but they are not very widespread. In Denmark they are banned because they are considered dangerous.

Character of the boerboel dog breed

The boerboel is the most protective mastiff breed known. When bred as a guard dog, the boerboel takes its role very seriously. In the presence of a secure guide, it turns into a watchdog eager to learn, loyal to its family, with a cheerful, stable and calm disposition. Towards his family he is protective and loyal, he is kind to children and accepts the animals that are part of his pack.

Due to its size and territoriality, it is not a dog for everyone. It must be trained and socialised a lot from puppyhood so that it does not become aggressive.

As far as training is concerned, this dog has considerable self-confidence and in dangerous situations can also make independent decisions. Fortunately, it is a very intelligent specimen, so once it realises that it cannot ‘do its own thing’, it will carry out commands without too much difficulty or resistance.

The Boerboel à is a calm and unflappable dog. It has the typical character of primitive dogs, not very exuberant, on the contrary, very calm and quiet but always alert. It can also adapt to living in a flat, precisely because of its calm character, but it needs some daily outings to run and relieve itself in the open air.

Given its propensity for guarding, a garden to watch over would be ideal, but where it can also be involved in family activities, as it does not like to be alone.

Appearance of the boerboel dog breed

The Boerboel is one of the most massive and imposing mastiffs of all. Both males and females can reach a height of 70 centimetres at the withers and a weight of 95 kilograms. Females are much less muscular but still remain large in size compared to other breeds, with little difference in weight compared to males.

The body has a massive and solid structure, the chest is broad and deep, with well-developed pectoral muscles. Its legs are firmly anchored to the ground and very muscular. The tail, not long and attached high, is strong and broad at the root but then tapers, without exaggeration. It may be darker than the body.

The head is square, very large, broad, with a marked but not prominent stop, ending in a black, voluminous truffle. The jaws are muscular and strong, the skin is taut all over the body, except on the neck where it forms folds. The eyes are large and brown, well spaced out but not protruding. The ears are in the shape of an inverted V and well adhered to the head.

The coat is short and thick, glossy and soft to the touch. The undercoat is very sparse. The coat colour varies from fawn to brown, amber, black or tigerish, but may have white spots. The typical characteristic of this breed is the black mask on the muzzle. When moving, the Boerboel has a smooth and loose gait, expressing calmness and power.

Care and health of the Boerboel dog breed

Boerboels are generally known for their good health. However, these dogs may suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, ectropion and entropion. They have a life expectancy of up to 14 years. It should not be over-stimulated when it is very hot. On the other hand, it bears the weather well but appreciates the comfort of a home life.

Hair loss is moderate and being short, it is sufficient to brush it a couple of times a week.

As far as feeding is concerned, it is good to feed him twice a day to avoid him eating everything at once. He does not tend to put on weight as long as he has his daily dose of outings and runs.