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Boerboel Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Boerboel so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank124
Reviews1
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Boerboel dog profile picture
OriginSouth Africa flagSouth Africa
Other Names
What other names does the Boerboel have?
South African MastiffSouth African Boerboel
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Boerboel Size and Weight

Size
Is a Boerboel small, medium or large dog?

How big do Boerboel get?

What is the average size of a Boerboel?

LargeGiant
Weight
How much does the Boerboel weigh? How much should a Boerboel weight? What is the normal weight of a Boerboel? How much does a full-grown Boerboel weight?
154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Boerboel?
177 pounds (80 kg)
Height
How tall is the Boerboel? Boerboel height:
Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Boerboel?
Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)

Boerboel Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Boerboel puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Boerboel in the United States? How much money is a Boerboel?

Where to buy a Boerboel with a good pedigree?

$1500-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Boerboel, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Boerboel for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Boerboel gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Boerboel? How many Boerboel are there in the world?
Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Boerboel Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Boerboel? Is the Boerboel breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Boerboel obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Boerboel ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Boerboel dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Boerboel?
Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Boerboel good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Boerboel dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Boerboel dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Boerboel can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Boerboel will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Boerboel Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Boerboel have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IntelligentConfidentObedientDominantTerritorial
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Boerboel sensitivity:
Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Boerboel a good family dog?
Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the South African Mastiff need? Boerboel social needs:
Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Boerboel to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Boerboel roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Boerboel have high prey drive?
Boerboel dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Boerboel Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Boerboel dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my South African Mastiff bark?
Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Boerboel good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Boerboel in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Boerboel indoors by introducing daily routines.

Boerboel Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Boerboel be left alone? How long can you leave a Boerboel alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Boerboel Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Boerboel has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Boerboel? How much bite force does a Boerboel have? How strong is a Boerboel bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest. The Boerboel bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Boerboel measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Boerboel dogs is impressive, and their Boerboel bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Boerboel PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Boerboel bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Boerboel puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Boerboel bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the South African Mastiff? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Boerboel? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Boerboel do?
Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Boerboel dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Boerboel Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Boerboel dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Boerboel breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Boerboel breed? Most common health risks of Boerboel:
Hip Dysplasia AllergiesEpilepsyJoint DysplasiaVaginal Hyperplasia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Boerboel breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Boerboel see the vet?
Frequent
The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Boerboel dogs live? How old can a Boerboel be? What is the age limit of the Boerboel? How many years can the oldest Boerboel live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Boerboel?

How long is the lifespan of a Boerboel?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Boerboel Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Boerboel have? What is the activity level of the Boerboel?
Boerboel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Boerboel need? How much exercise do Boerboel dogs require per day?

Do Boerboel dogs need a lot of exercises?

Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Boerboel breed need?
Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Boerboel Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Boerboel need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Boerboel breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Boerboel? How much food should I feed my Boerboel?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two mealsA Boerboel diet should be formulated for a large to giant breed with moderate to high exercise requirements.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Boerboel risk for obesity:
Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Boerboel weight regularly.

Boerboel Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Boerboel have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseShinySmooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Boerboel coats?
Red Cream BrownTawny Brindle Reddish
Grooming
How to groom the Boerboel and how often? How often should I take my Boerboel to the groomer?
Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Boerboel is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Boerboel dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the South African Mastiff? Do Boerboel dogs shed a lot?
Boerboel dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Boerboel need a bath? How often should you give a Boerboel a bath? Can I bathe my Boerboel every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Boerboel breed hypoallergenic?
No
Boerboel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Boerboel drool?
The Boerboel drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Boerboel.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Boerboel Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Boerboel dogs get along with other pets? Are Boerboel dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Boerboel temperament with other people:
Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Boerboel dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Boerboel temperament with children:
Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Boerboel dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Boerboel breed live with a cat?
Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Boerboel good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Boerboel dogs get along with other dogs?
Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Boerboel is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Boerboel breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Boerboel breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Boerboel dogs good office canines? Do Boerboel dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Boerboel dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the South African Mastiff temperament with senior people? Are Boerboel dogs good for elderly owners?
Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.

Boerboel As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Boerboel be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Boerboel is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Boerboel be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Boerboel be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Boerboel is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Boerboel be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Boerboel is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Boerboel be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Boerboel is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Boerboel be a boat dog?

Not really

Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Boerboel be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Boerboel breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Boerboel dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. A combat dog is a specially trained dog that is used in warfare to help protect military personnel and assets. Combat dogs are often deployed in areas where there is potential for contact with the enemy, such as during raids or search operations. Combat dogs are typically assigned to either infantry or special operations units. They are used for a variety of tasks including area security, sentry duty, trackers, and explosive detection. In addition to their combat roles, combat dogs also play an important role in troop morale by providing companionship and emotional support.

Boerboel Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Boerboel pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Boerboel breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Boerboel: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Boerboel have in a litter? How many puppies can the Boerboel breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Boerboel have? How many puppies can a Boerboel give birth to?
7-10 puppies

Boerboel Recognition

AKC Group
Is Boerboel recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Is Boerboel recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Boerboel breed?
American Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

Boerboel Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
  • Watchdog Ability: Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Health Issues: Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Boerboel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Boerboel drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Cat Friendly: Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Boerboel Breed

Boerboel Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • JLN115

    Jul 17, 2019, 3:52:08 PM:

    Literally will not find a better guard dog!!