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Boerboel

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Boerboel (Brown, Standing)
Brown, Standing

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #118

2021: #118

2020: #123

2019: #127

2018: #121

2017: #124

2016: #131

2015: #126

Name Boerboel
Other names South African Boerboel, South African Mastiff
Origin South Africa
Breed Group Working (AKC:2015)
Size Giant
Type Purebred
Life span 10-12 years
Temperament

Confident

Dominant

Intelligent

Obedient

Territorial

Height

Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm)

Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)

Weight 154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)
Colors

Brindle

Brown

Cream

Red

Reddish Brown

Tawny

Litter Size 7-10 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $2000 - $4000 USD

Across North America, the Boerboel breeders charge anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for a puppy. It could be more or it could be less, depending on the breeder, where the breeder lives, shipping costs and the genetic's of the puppy.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

3 stars

Apartment Friendly

2 stars

The Boerboel is not recommended for apartment life. It should, at least, have a large, fenced-in yard to run and play. The Boerboel can live outdoors. This breed should not be left to run on its own for it is very protective and sometimes does not take too well to strangers.

Barking Tendencies

2 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

2 stars

Child Friendly

4 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. It is also shy toward strangers.

Dog Friendly

2 stars

Exercise Needs

4 stars

The Boerboel will get a lot exercise if it has a large yard to run and play. However it needs to be taken on a long daily walk. Boerboels love to play and would love a good game of ball.

Grooming

1 stars

Low Maintenance: Grooming is only necessary once in a while to maintain upkeep. No trimming or stripping needed.

Health Issues

2 stars

Hypoallergenic: NoBoerboels are generally known for their good health. However, Boerboels can suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, ectropion, and entropion. Recently, juvenile epilepsy (with attacks brought on by metabolic changes or stress) has appeared in the boerboel breed. A boerboel's behavior and comportment may change over time. The average life expectancy is ten years.

Intelligence

2 stars

Ranking: # Full Ranking List

Playfulness

3 stars

Shedding Level

3 stars

Moderate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner.

Stranger Friendly

2 stars

Trainability

4 stars

Easy Training: The Boerboel is an intelligent breed which requires consistent, firm, positive reinforcement. The Boerboel should have a dominant owner who can be strict when necessary and ensure the dog’s obedience.

Watchdog Ability

5 stars

Great Watchdog Ability: This dog will bark and alert its owners when an intruder is present. It exhibits very protective behavior, acts fearless toward any aggressor, and will do what it takes to guard and protect its family.

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Boerboel Puppy (Lying, Muzzle)
Lying, Muzzle

Boerboel Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Max Daisy
02 Buddy Sophie
03 Toby Lucy
04 Charlie Ginger
05 Riley Coco
06 Henry Annie
07 Louie Luna
08 Sammy Roxy
09 Duke Luna
10 Bruno Stella
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The Boerboel is a large dog that is strong, confident and muscular with a distinctive, blocky head. Despite its size, it is the most agile of the mastiff-type breeds. The word Boerboel means "Farm Dog" and it serves as a capable working dog as well as a loyal companion in its home country of South Africa. The skin of a Boerboel should be dark on his stomach and under his fur, as well as the roof of his mouth, which protects against heat and sun. The coat is short, dense coat can be brindle, brown, cream, reddish brown or tawny.

The Boerboel is self assured and fearless. It is highly devoted to family and affectionate with children it knows, but can be aggressive toward strangers. Friends and other pets should be introduced with care, preferably early in the dog’s life. The Boerboel has an unusually high requirement for human companionship—periods of isolation will result in destructive and disobedient behavior.

History

The Boerboel (‘farmer’s dog’ in Afrikaans) originates in South Africa. It is a guard dog which was created by mixing various African and European breeds, possibly including the Bulldog, Bullmastiff, and Rhodesian Ridgeback. By some reports, the Boerboel was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck, the founder of Cape Town. Boerboels were used to protect diamond mines by the De Beers Corporation and for personal protection by Dutch settlers during British rule. Today, most are bred in South Africa.

References

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