BOERBOEL (SOUTH AFRICAN MASTIFF) DOG BREED INFORMATION & CHARACTERISTICS

When well-trained and socialized from a young age, Boerboels can be gentle and loyal family dogs while still fulfilling their original purpose: guarding those they love.

The name “Boerboel” (pronounced “boo-r-bull”) comes from the Afrikaans language, meaning “farmer’s dog.” In South Africa, where the breed originated, this name reflects their role as protectors of farms.

Weighing up to 200 pounds, Boerboels are best suited for experienced dog owners. They are intelligent, highly trainable, and thrive on attention from their humans. With their size, having one in the family is like feeding another adult, but these affectionate dogs are well worth the extra groceries.

Appearance

The mighty Boerboel is a broad, well-muscled dog that can weigh as much as (or even more than) its owner. Standing up to 27 inches tall and weighing between 150–200 pounds, the Boerboel is a powerful companion with impressive agility for a dog of its size.

Boerboels come in a range of colors, including brindle, cream, brown, rust, and red, with their short, sleek coats often featuring various markings. While they do shed a fair amount, their coats are easy to maintain. Their brown, horizontally set eyes contribute to the Boerboel’s signature alert and intelligent expression.

Temperament

The Boerboel is known for its loving nature as a family dog. While not ideal for inexperienced owners, a well-adjusted Boerboel can be a loyal and affectionate companion with proper guidance.

Danny Jones, an AKC-registered Boerboel breeder and owner of D & K Boerboels in St. Louis, Mo., initially fell for the breed because of their impressive size, but it’s their temperament that truly won him over. “They are big babies at home, loyal to their family, and so good with children,” Jones says. “They are really affectionate.”

Though not every Boerboel may be the perfect fit for a household with kids, a well-socialized dog can integrate seamlessly with all family members, both two- and four-legged.

“In general, when larger dogs like Boerboels are treated with love and raised properly, they tend to be very calm and docile,” says Margaret Coffey, DVM, former hospital director at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University. “When breeding an animal of that size, it’s essential to ensure they have an even temperament, and that’s what breeders focus on.”

As with other giant dog breeds, it’s crucial to begin training and socializing Boerboels early and to remain consistent. According to Jones, Boerboels need clear boundaries, and with positive reinforcement, these intelligent dogs can be easy to train. However, due to their intelligence and tendency to test limits, Boerboels might not be the best choice for first-time dog owners.

Living Needs

Boerboels aren’t extremely active dogs, but they still require daily exercise, whether that’s through long walks on a leash or ample playtime in a fenced backyard.

While a home with a large, fenced yard where they can play with their humans is ideal, Coffey notes that this isn’t a strict necessity for Boerboels.

“A lot of people think, ‘I couldn’t possibly have such a big dog in an apartment,’ but larger dogs often tend to be more relaxed at home as long as their exercise needs are met,” Coffey says. “In fact, big dogs can make great apartment pets and require far less attention than a high-energy breed like a Jack Russell.”

Boerboels can coexist well with other pets in the home, especially if they’ve been raised together. As with any dog, proper socialization and training are key. Boerboels are devoted to their families, particularly their chosen person, and don’t do well when left alone for long periods.

Historically, Boerboels roamed vast farmlands in South Africa, making them excellent companions for long hikes. Jones adds that his dogs also love to swim.

Care

Grooming your Boerboel is straightforward. Their dense, short coat benefits from a weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hairs and distribute natural oils for a sleek, healthy appearance. Baths are only necessary occasionally, such as after a muddy adventure or if they roll in something unpleasant.

Though agile and in need of daily exercise, a few long walks or some playtime in the backyard will keep your Boerboel content. The rest of the time, they’ll be more than happy to lounge and snooze the day away. If you’re interested, your dog would likely enjoy activities like agility, weight-pulling, or stock competitions, as these intelligent working dogs excel in such challenges.

Before bringing home a Boerboel puppy, it’s important to remember that these dogs grow to be very large. As a result, they require a substantial amount of food, which can quickly add up in cost. Along with committing time to training and socialization, make sure you’re prepared for the financial commitment that comes with owning such a large breed.

Health

Boerboels have a lifespan of 9–11 years, similar to other giant breeds. While generally healthy, they can be prone to issues common among large dogs, such as hip dysplasia and cancer. “It’s unfortunate that giant breeds often have shorter lifespans and are more susceptible to cancer,” says Coffey, noting that while all dogs can develop cancer, bone cancers are particularly prevalent in larger breeds.

Another concern with big dogs is bloat, a condition where the stomach twists, cutting off blood supply and potentially leading to death within hours. “It happens so quickly that many owners don’t recognize the symptoms until it’s too late to save the dog,” Coffey warns.

She advises considering a preventative surgery where the dog’s stomach is stitched to the body cavity wall to prevent twisting. This procedure can be done when the dog is spayed or neutered. “We now recommend this for all large, barrel-chested dogs,” Coffey adds.

History

The Boerboel has a rich history that dates back to the Assyrian conquest of Egypt around 677–663 B.C., according to the American Boerboel Club. During this time, Mesopotamian mastiff dogs spread throughout Africa, laying the foundation for the breed’s development.

According to the breed club, this mastiff was introduced to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutch navigator, in 1652. After being bred with other settlers’ guard dogs, the Boerboel began to emerge as a brave, muscular working dog. Primarily used for guarding, these dogs protected everything from family farms to diamond mines.

Over time, these proud and powerful dogs gained recognition beyond South Africa. In 2015, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Boerboel, helping to raise the breed’s profile in North America.

Fun Facts

• Boerboels are the only South African dog breed created to defend homesteads.
  
  
• American anthropologist Carl Semencic is credited with introducing boerboels to purebred enthusiasts worldwide in his 1998 book Gladiator Dogs.
  
  
• A dog named Bilo was the first boerboel to participate in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, in 2016.