Boerboel

Working Group

Also known as: Boer Dog

Size Category:Giant
Height:♂ 24-27 inches♀ 22-25 inches
Weight:150-200 pounds
Life Span:9-11 years
Compare Boerboel

Affectionate With Family

How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.

Good With Young Children

A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.

Good With Other Dogs

How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Openness To Strangers

How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

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Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

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Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Care Guide

  • ●Boerboel grooming requires minimal effort but focuses on coat and nail maintenance
  • ●Short, dense coat sheds moderately and needs weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt, or hound glove to remove loose hair and promote healthy skin oils
  • ●Baths are only needed occasionally
  • ●Regular nail trimming prevents pain and mobility issues from overly long nails
  • ●Brushing also encourages new hair growth and maintains coat health
  • ●Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect walking or running.

Colors & Markings

Colors

BrownBrindleCreamReddish BrownRedFawn

Markings

White MarkingsPiebaldIrish MarkedBlack Mask

Health Information

Boerboels are generally robust, but responsible breeders prioritize health testing for common issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and eyelid disorders such as ectropion and entropion. Regular ear checks and dental care are essential to maintain their overall well-being, as with any breed.

Recommended Health Tests

Hip EvaluationElbow EvaluationCardiac Evaluation

📜 History

The Boerboel originated with Dutch, German, and Huguenot settlers in South Africa during the 1600s, known as Boers or 'farmers.' To safeguard their isolated farms from predators like lions and baboons, they introduced large European mastiff and bull-type dogs. Over time, these breeds interbred, forming the Boer Dog—a versatile guardian and big-game hunter. Through selective breeding, the Boerboel emerged as a refined mastiff-type protector, combining strength, agility, and intelligence to defend homes while distinguishing between threats and family. Unlike aggressive dogs, Boerboels maintain a calm, watchful demeanor unless provoked, balancing power with loyalty. Their versatility extends beyond protection; they excel in weight-pulling competitions and as gentle therapy dogs, especially with children. Officially recognized by the AKC in 2015, the Boerboel remains a symbol of South Africa’s farming heritage and working-dog excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Boerboel is generally excellent with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, making them great family pets. However, supervision with young children is always recommended.
The Boerboel sheds a moderate amount. Regular brushing can help keep loose hair under control.
Yes, the Boerboel is generally intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easier to train than many other breeds. Positive reinforcement works best.
The Boerboel is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Occasional brushing and baths are usually sufficient.
The Boerboel can be a suitable choice for a first-time owner who is willing to do their research and dedicate time to training and care.

🔗Related Breeds

Breeds similar to Boerboel

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

8/10
80% Compatibility
Akita

Akita

8/10
80% Compatibility
Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

7/10
70% Compatibility
Appenzeller Sennenhund

Appenzeller Sennenhund

6/10
60% Compatibility
Compare Boerboel with Bernese Mountain Dog

Overview

About This Breed

The Boerboel is a highly intelligent, confident, and calm breed with a strong protective instinct. They are deeply loyal to their family, displaying a stately watchfulness while remaining sensitive enough to distinguish friend from foe. Though naturally territorial and wary of strangers, they can be affectionate and gentle with children, especially when properly socialized and trained.

🎭Temperament

ObedientConfidentIntelligentDominantTerritorial

Purpose

Protection of hearth and home, big-game hunting, and guarding homesteads from predators

Breed for

Guarding the homestead, farm work.

Best Suited For

Experienced owners in homes with secure fencing, active families with time for training and socialization, and those seeking a loyal guardian

Ideal Owner Profile

This breed is best suited for a responsible, experienced owner who can provide consistent training, early socialization, and a secure environment, ideally in a family that values loyalty and protection.

Training Difficulty

Hard

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Common Challenges

Owners may face challenges with early socialization due to the breed's protective nature and potential stubbornness, as well as managing their strong territorial instincts in multi-dog households or around strangers.

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