The Boerboel
South African Mastiff’s – Boerboels
Boerboels are large dogs, which have been used for farm and protection work in South Africa. They are obedient, intelligent, self-assured and have an extremely strong guarding instinct.
As the dogs were bred to perform a variety of tasks for farmers they have developed with a vigorous constitution, and have few major heath problems. However you should be aware that like many other breeds, the Boerboel can suffer infrequently from Hip or Elbow Dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, and Entropion .Therefore you should check these have been tested for by the breeder.
Due to their breeding as a flock guard / cattle driver (they do not herd) they are independent thinking dogs who can make decisions quickly. When they reach adulthood, they therefore can be steadfast & stubborn, and although generally obedient, if they feel a situation requires their attention they have the confidence to try to take charge.
In a working situation several adult males can co-exist together happily, however when living in a family environment in the UK, just one male adult is advisory. In the home they will guard your territory, and your family with utter devotion, so its important to socialise them from an early age and continue this throughout their lives.
Their athletic ability surprises many newcomers to the breed. Being a big dog, they can be quite deceiving. While they usually sit quietly at your feet, they are quiet capable of taking the chance to tear across open spaces at a sprint, playing with other dogs
Feb 03, 2011 @ 20:54:04
hello just to ask , do you think the boerboel would be right breed for me and my pack! … Breed information on the boerboel is hard to find , but what i see and read is all good , the dog i get next would be a kennel dog along with the rottweiler , and the shar peis will be in doors , kennels are only day kennels as i want to injoy my time with my dogs , i have 3 shar peis 2 female and 1 male , plus a male rottweiler, was going to get a other female rottweiler , or a tibetan mastiff , would of gone for a doberman but they cant stand the cold , all dogs have been neutered apart from 1 female shar pei
Feb 11, 2011 @ 17:59:01
Hi Darren
If you are thinking about adding a Boerboel to your pack you will have to do your homework carefully. Some are very dog aggressive and others are not. Most will live outside quite happily. Boerboels are dominant by nature and, if brought up within the family, will protect its family from whatever treats there may be, human or dog!