BOERBOEL

Temperament: Obedient, Smart, Confident
Height: 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight:  110 to 200 pounds
Life Expectancy:  10 to 12 years
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs

ABOUT THE BOERBOEL

The Boerboel, an Afrikaans word meaning farmer’s dog, is a member of the Mastiff family. He was developed by 17th-century Dutch settlers in South Africa to protect their families, farms and livestock.

In appearance, this breed stands out for his blocky head; large, muscular body; and red, fawn or brown coat, sometimes with a black mask. The breed’s Mastiff heritage is evident in his wrinkled forehead; broad, deep muzzle; and titanic size.

The Boerboel is agile for his size and can be energetic, especially when young. Activities in which this breed tends to excel (health permitting, of course) can include agility, obedience trials, protection sports, rally, therapy visits, weight pulling and working stock. The Boerboel is best suited to a home with a securely fenced yard. He should never be allowed to roam free.

PERSONALITY

Boerboels are playful, intelligent, and eager to please. They are happiest when given a job to do, whether it’s tough farm work, guard dog duty, or preparing for a competition where they can show off their agility and strength. This breed loves human family members, even children, though they are quite overprotective at times. The same instincts that make them good watchdogs and protectors can also make them fiercely territorial and aggressive if they aren’t trained or socialized properly. When having guests over, it is important for a family member to introduce them to the resident Boerboel so the dog doesn’t feel threatened. Usually Boerboels are welcoming of guests that they’ve met and trust, though they may still be on their guard.

FEEDING

A Boerboel diet should be formulated for a large to giant breed with moderate to high exercise requirements. You should consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your Boerboel and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and senior age. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements.

HEALTH

The Boerboel is generally considered to be a healthy breed with few known hereditary conditions. There are, however, a few ailments that they are predisposed to and may develop over the course of their lives. They may suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia, heart disease, conditions that affect the eyelids, vaginal hyperplasia, and bloat. Rarely, they may also suffer from juvenile epilepsy. If you see signs of any of these conditions in your Boerboel, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.

CARE

The Boerboel’s main need when it comes to care is to be mentally and physically stimulated through exercise and play. Beyond that, regular care is fairly simple. Their nails should be trimmed about once every two weeks, and their teeth should be brushed regularly as recommended by a veterinarian. Boerboels’ ears should be checked for debris and wax buildup weekly and cleaned as needed to avoid infection or infestation by pests.

GROOMING

The Boerboel has a short, bristly coat that is easy to care for. Brush him weekly with a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair (and help keep it off your clothing and furniture). Bathe him as needed using a mild, pet-safe shampoo.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails every week or two, and brush his teeth often with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.

Source: dogtime, vetstreet.