Boerboel – character, disposition, price

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The Boerboel, a powerful and muscular dog native to South Africa, is one of the most highly regarded defense and guard dogs in the world. His extraordinary strength, steadfast character and devotion to his family make him indispensable for those who are looking for a dog that will not only be a faithful companion, but also a reliable watchdog. We invite you to take a closer look at this remarkable breed.

Boerboel – description and appearance of the breed

Boerboel is a large dog with a massive and muscular body structure. The height of dogs of this breed varies from 60 to 70 cm, and their weight can range from 50 to 70 kg. The Boerboel’s coat is short, dense and strong, with colors ranging from light brown to dark brown. Strong jaws, well-developed chests and wide, strong paws give these dogs the appearance of true warriors.

Character of the Boerboel dog breed

Skills – what should you know?

The Boerboel is a defensive dog by nature, but with the right training it can also be an excellent companion dog. They have a natural ability to protect their territory and family. Boerboels are also very intelligent, which makes them easy to learn and ready for different challenges.

What kind of personality does it have?

Despite their powerful build and reputation as a defense dog, Boerboels are usually gentle, calm and very devoted to their families. They are loyal, loving and have strong emotional bonds with their owners.

Boerboel – how to train and raise?

Boerboel training should begin as early as possible. These dogs are very intelligent, but they can also be stubborn, so consistency and patience are key during training.

Who is the Boerboel suitable for?

Because of its requirements, this breed is suitable for people who have experience with large, dominant dogs. Boerboels require a lot of physical activity, regular mental work and steady, consistent training.

Boerboel – price

The price of a Boerboel can vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, pedigree, health and reputation of the kennel. In general, the price for a puppy of this breed from a good kennel in USA can range from $6000 to $7000.

Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

Despite their many advantages, Boerboels also have some disadvantages. Due to their size, they require a lot of space and are not suitable for living in small houses or apartments. They can also be dominant and stubborn, requiring experience and consistency in training from the owner.

Advantages

The advantages of Boerboels are primarily their steadfast character, intelligence and loyalty. They are very devoted dogs to their families, who will always defend their territory and loved ones. They are also healthy dogs that rarely get sick.

Boerboel – Health, diseases and grooming

Nutrition

Boerboels are large dogs that require specialized nutrition. Their diet should be rich in protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates that will provide them with the necessary energy.

Grooming

Grooming the Boerboel is relatively simple, due to its short, dense coat. Regular brushing is recommended to keep the coat in good condition.

Diseases

Boerboels are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are prone to certain diseases, such as hip dysplasia, heart disease and eye problems.

Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?

When preparing to welcome a Boerboel into your home, it’s a good idea to get a large, comfortable bed, sturdy chew toys, a wide collar and leash, and large food and water bowls.

History of the Boerboel dog breed

Origins

The origins of the Boerboel breed date all the way back to the 17th century, when the first European settlements began in South Africa. The Dutch, British and French, who decided to make a new life in this unknown land, brought their dogs with them. Many of them were large, sturdy breeds, such as Mastiffs and Dogi. These dogs were used to protect the newly established settlements and fields from wild animals.

When the colonists began to expand their settlements, they began to crossbreed their dogs with local African dogs. The goal was to create a dog that could better survive in the harsh climate of South Africa, while also being a strong and reliable guardian. The result of these crossbreedings was the Boerboel – a powerful, sturdy and extremely loyal dog that could stand up to the challenges of its environment.

Development of the breed

In the following years, Boerboels became famous as indispensable guard dogs, and their reputation grew. They showed remarkable courage and determination in defending farms and families, even in the face of such formidable adversaries as lions and hyenas.

During the apartheid period in South Africa, dog breeding was unregulated, leading to the disappearance of many Boerboel genetic lines. However, thanks to the efforts of the breed’s lovers, the breed’s purity was preserved.

Currently

Today, the Boerboel is recognized around the world as one of the best defense breeds. It is valued for its strength, courage and steadfast character, but also for its loyalty and devotion to its family. In 1983 the first Boerboel breed club was established, and in 1990 the first official standard was developed.

The Boerboel is now one of the most popular breeds in South Africa, and its popularity is growing in other parts of the world as well. Despite their powerful build and reputation as a defense dog, Boerboels tend to be gentle, calm and very devoted to their families. They are gaining popularity as family dogs because of their trust and loyalty to household members.

Boerboel dog pattern

The Boerboel is a dog with a massive, strong build, while exhibiting great proportions and balance, giving it the appearance of a harmonious and coordinated dog. According to the breed’s standard, the required height at the withers for males is 60 to 70 cm, while for females it is 55 to 65 cm. The weight for adult dogs of this breed is from 50 to 90 kg.

The Boerboel’s head is impressive, proportional to the rest of the body, with strongly developed jaw muscles. The eyes are placed wide, almond-shaped, with a color that harmonizes with the coat. The breed standard allows various shades from brown to black.

The Boerboel’s ears are medium-sized, V-shaped, set high and hanging down along the head. The neck is strong and muscular, proportional to the rest of the body.

The body of the Boerboel is solid and strong, with well-defined muscles. The chest is deep and broad. The back line is straight and even, with a slightly rounded rump.

The Boerboel’s tail is high-set, thick at the root and tapers toward the tip. Depending on the breed’s pattern, the tail may be completely clipped or left natural.

The Boerboel’s limbs are straight, strong and well-muscled. The paws are large and round, with hard, well-curved claws.

The Boerboel’s coat is short, dense, smooth and well-trimmed. The breed standard allows various shades from cream to brown, with the possibility of a black mask on the muzzle.

The Boerboel’s behavior should be bold, calm and determined. It is a dog that is confident, loyal and inclined to protect its territory and family. At the same time, it should show gentleness and friendliness towards household members.

Boerboel – interesting facts about the breed

1. Breed name: The name “Boerboel” comes from the Afrikaans words “boer”, meaning “farmer”, and “boel”, which can be translated as “bull”. The expression perfectly reflects the role these dogs played on farms – they were the “bulls” among dogs, steadfastly guarding farms from wild animals.
2. Multifunctionality: for centuries, Boerboels were not only guards, but also workers on farms. They helped herd cattle, guard crops, and also as hunting dogs. This makes them multi-talented and extremely versatile dogs.
3. First breed standard: Although the Boerboel breed has a long history, its first official standard was not developed until 1990. It was then that attention began to be officially paid to maintaining the breed’s consistency in both appearance and character.
4. Revered in Africa: Boerboels are one of the most highly regarded breeds in South Africa. They are widely known and respected for their strength, courage and loyalty. Many consider them a national symbol.
5. Strong jaws: The Boerboel has some of the strongest jaws in the dog world. They have a jaw strength of about 800 psi (pounds per square inch), which is comparable to the jaw strength of a Rottweiler or German Shepherd.
6. Color pattern: Although Boerboels can come in a variety of shades from cream to brown, according to FCI standards, a “light ivory” coat with a distinctive black mask on the muzzle is the most desirable.
7. Role in pop culture: The Boerboel has gained some popularity in pop culture. Dogs of this breed have appeared in several movies and TV series, including the popular 2009 film “District 9.”