Boerboel Guide: Size, Temperament, Lifespan and Adoption

What is a Boerboel?

The AKC places the Boerboel in the Working Group and lists South Africa as its origin. The name means farm dog, and the breed was developed to defend families from large predators. The AKC recognized the breed in 2015.

Where does the Boerboel come from?

The breed took shape in South Africa in the 1650s, when a family dog belonging to Jan van Riebeeck's household bred with local domestic dogs. Paintings from the mid-1800s show dogs that look much like today's Boerboel, so the breed has changed little in centuries.

How big do Boerboels get? Boerboel size, dog size and weight

The AKC puts the Boerboel in its XLarge size category, which gives a first answer on Boerboel dog size. The AKC publishes a weight of 150-200 pounds for the breed. The AKC lists height as 24-27 inches for males and 22-25 inches for females. VCA Animal Hospitals describes the dogs as large and muscular, with powerful but agile movement and a broad, blocky head. The coat is short, dense and shiny in brown, red, fawn or brindle, sometimes with a black mask.

What is the Boerboel temperament? Are Boerboels good family dogs?

The AKC describes the Boerboel temperament with the words intelligent, confident and calm. The AKC rates family affection at 5 of 5 and child compatibility at 4 of 5. VCA says Boerboels are playful and affectionate with their owners and tend to be gentle with the family's children. Many also get along with cats and other household animals once properly introduced. The AKC's rating for compatibility with other dogs is lower, at 2 of 5.

Their guardian instincts are strong, with the AKC rating protective tendency at 5 of 5. On the question of whether Boerboels are aggressive, VCA notes that they can be aggressive when provoked or threatened, so owners need to be careful about the situations they put the dog in. VCA also says a Boerboel left at home may not let anyone in unless the dog knows them very well.

How active is a Boerboel?

The AKC rates the breed's energy at 3 of 5 and its need for mental enrichment at 4 of 5. Per VCA, these dogs enjoy fetch and do well in competitive obedience, rally, weight pulling, herding, agility and even therapy work.

How much grooming does a Boerboel need?

VCA says the short, shiny coat benefits from weekly brushing and does not need frequent bathing. The AKC rates grooming frequency at 2 of 5 and shedding at 3 of 5. Ears, nails and teeth need regular care too.

How hard is Boerboel training?

The AKC rates trainability at 4 of 5. VCA calls the breed loyal and intelligent but also dominant and stubborn at times, so it recommends starting training in puppyhood. Clear, consistent direction and boundaries from an early age help produce a stable pet. Socializing from puppyhood also makes it easier to handle the feet and mouth of a strong adult.

How long do Boerboels live? Boerboel lifespan and health

The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 9-11 years for the Boerboel, which answers the question of how long Boerboels live. VCA considers the breed relatively healthy but notes that allergies and joint problems can be an issue. Like other large, deep-chested dogs, Boerboels can be prone to stomach bloat and torsion. Ask a veterinarian what these conditions could mean for an individual dog.

What should adopters ask before Boerboel adoption or Boerboel rescue?

Because the breed is protective and can be aggressive when provoked, ask the organization caring for the dog how it behaves with strangers, children and other animals. Ask what is known about the dog's health history, including any joint problems or allergies.