Dogs > Boerboel
Boerboel
(Hunt Hill Boerboels) 2 yr old maleAlternative names
African Boerboel
South African Mastiff
South African Mastiff
Country of origin
South Africa
Classification and breed standards
Not recognized by any major kennel club
Notes
Listed as an "emerging breed" by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa.
A Boerboel is a large, molosser type breed of dog from South Africa. The word boerboel is Afrikaans for "farmer's dog".
"They are obedient, intelligent, self-assured and bred to have an extremely strong guard-dog instinct. Perhaps surprisingly, this does not make the dog a vicious unsociable animal, because the Boerboel was in constant proximity to the farmers and their children, a badly behaved or aggressive dog was unacceptable and would, perhaps rather harshly, have been put down. This very selective and practical breeding ethic has created a loving pet with an even temperament that is happiest in a family environment for which he can put his protective instincts into action when required."¹
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Appearance
The Boerboel should be substantial and strong in appearance. Though heavily built, it should move freely and with ample agility. The head is a defining characteristic of the breed and should be large, with a strong muzzle and jaws, and broad between the ears. The tail is normally docked short. Males are masculine and imposing, with females being somewhat more feminine. The dog should give the overall impression of immense substance, strength, power, and physical ability.
Size
The ideal height for male Boerboels is from 64 to 70 cm (24 to 27 inches) at the withers. The height for bitches is usually 59 to 65 cm (23 to 26 inches).
A one-year-old male Boerboel's head.Temperament
Boerboels are intelligent, reliable, and obedient, with a strong watchdog instinct. They are self-assured and fearless, but responsive to the needs of the family. Like other dogs with a strong guard instinct, the boerboel needs to be watched around strangers and introduced to friends early on to avoid aggression.
A two-year-old female BoerboelExternal links
- 1. BCD: Erster Boerboel Club Deutschland e.V. - First German Boerboel Club
- UKBC: UK Boerboel Club
- USBA: United States Boerboel Association
- SABT: South African Boerboel Breeders' Association
- SABT-usa: SABT extension in North America
- HBSA: The Historical Boerboel Club of Southern Africa
- EBBASA: Elite Boerboel Breeders Association of South Africa
- RIBC: Russian International Boerboel Club