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Boerboel History

The Boerboel is a large Mollosser dog that has origins in South Africa. It is recorded that Jan Van Riebeeck brought a "bullenbijter", which was a large and strong variety of the mastiff type of dog, with him to the Cape in 1652. Dutch, French and British settlers all brought with them certain breeds of dog, which were bred with indigenous breeds of domestic African dogs to create the Boerboel. Following the Anglo-Boer war at the turn of the century, the locally bred dogs were further cross-bred with various imports, possibly including early varieties of the English Bulldog, the Great Dane, the Saint Bernard and the Bull Terrier. This cross-breeding was undertaken both to enlarge the gene pool and to introduce various desired characteristics. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is alsoknown to have played a significant part, though no sign of a ridge is present in the modern Boerboel. 1938 authenticated Bullmastiffs were imported from Britain by De Beers to serve as guard dogs in the South African diamond mines of the time; the characteristics of these animals were doubtless incorporated into the boerboel breed as we know it today. In 2006, the Boerboel was accepted into the Foundation Stock Services program of the AKC.

Boerboel Temperament

Boerboels are a strong, powerful dog with strong protective instincts. They are effective watchdogs and guard dogs with a natural suspicion of strangers. They are a scocially dominant dog and need a skilled owner, this is NOT a breed recommended for the novice owner. They have a strong tendency to be dog aggressive and do best in a household with no other pets. Early socialization of your Boerboel puppy is a must so that your dog will become a good canine citizen. Boerboels are an intelligent breed but are known to be "hard-headed" and can be difficult to train. This is a breed that is not recommended for a family with small children, since these dogs can be very rambunctious when playing. Boerboels need a lot of exercise, since a bored Boerboel will be a destructive Boerboel.

Boerboel Appearance

Boerboels are a very large and powerful breed that usually weighs between 150 to 200 pounds and stand 23 to 28 inches at the withers. They have very large, blocky heads and smooth, sleek coat that comes in colours that vary from brindle, brown, red-brown, red, fawn, yellow-cream and black, with a black facial mask.

Boerboel Grooming

Boerboels are a fairly easy dog to keep. They are a medium shedding breed that needs a weekly brushing to loosen the dead hair.

Boerboel Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Boerboels are considered a robust and healthy breed. Common diseases seen in this breed are; Hip and Elbow Displasia, Hypothyroidism, Bloat (the stomach twisting over on itself), Cataracts and heart Problems. The average lifespan of this breed is 10 to 12 years.

Boerboels Pros and Cons

This simplified list may help you decide if a Boerboel might be a good fit for your lifestyle.

Do You Want

• a good watchdog AND guard dog?
• a big, powerful dog?
• an atheletic dog?

Do You NOT Want

• a really big dog?
• a dog that NEEDS a confident, skilled dog owner?
• a dog that might be dog aggressive?
• a dog that is naturally suspicious of strangers?
• a dog that is considered "hard-headed" and can be difficult to train?
• a dog that needs a lot of exercise?
• a dog that might frighten some people in appearance alone?

Useful Boerboel Links

The American Boerboel Club

The Boerboel Club of South Africa

The UK Boerboel Club