Boerboel

The Boerboel dog has its history as far back as the 1600s in South Africa when similar dogs were brought for protection from the Netherlands. These dogs were bred with Bulldogs, Mastiffs, and potentially even Rhodesian Ridgebacks and native African dogs to create the Boerboel dog. The name Boerboel means “farmer’s dog,” which is fitting as these dogs protected farms from dangerous animals in the rural areas of Africa. The dogs would perform duties ranging from guarding to guiding ox to helping farmers make their rounds. The breed is rare in the United States. 

Owners who are confident in handling large dogs are a must for the South African Boerboel. They are smart and can be independent thinkers which requires an extra layer of motivation when it comes to training. They need firm yet gentle guidance and someone who can provide consistent leadership. While they don’t need a ton of vigorous exercise, they do need someone who can manage and handle a dog of this size—and its protective instincts.

The Boerboel is a large dog and needs a moderate amount of exercise. Long walks or short jogs are good for them, and they enjoy challenging dog sports like tracking. They are less inclined to romp and play with dogs at a dog park.

As large dogs, the Boerboels require large spaces indoors and outside. A secure and fenced-in yard is a good place for them to exercise and unwind.

The coat of the Boerboel dog breed is low-maintenance and needs regular brushing to remove dead hair. They can get an occasional bath when dirty.

Smart but strong-willed, the Boerboel dog needs positive reinforcement to be successful at training. Early socialization is important, as is obedience training, with a particular focus on counteracting their protective nature. They are sensitive souls despite their large size and don’t like to be spoken to or treated harshly. They’ll look to an owner for consistent and fair leadership.

A well-mannered Boerboel dog can be a good family dog as they are loyal and protective. However, they are very large and might not be suitable for families with small children or frail or elderly family members. Calm and stable environments are where they can really thrive.

The cost of a Boerboel from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.