01/Overview
The Boerboel is a powerful and confident working dog that originated in South Africa, where it was developed to guard farms and protect livestock. Known for its imposing presence, the Boerboel combines strength with agility, making it an excellent companion and protector. Despite its muscular build and serious demeanor, the Boerboel is affectionate and devoted to its family, thriving in environments where it can form close bonds with its human companions. With proper training and socialization, the Boerboel is both a dependable guardian and a gentle family member.
Highlights
02/History
The Boerboel originated in South Africa, where it was developed as a farm dog capable of guarding property, protecting livestock, and assisting with hunting. The breed’s name, derived from the Afrikaans words "boer" (farmer) and "boel" (dog), reflects its heritage as a reliable companion to farmers who needed a powerful and versatile working dog.
Boerboel's ancestry can be traced back to the 1600s, when European settlers, including Dutch, German, and Huguenot immigrants, brought large, mastiff-type dogs to South Africa. These dogs were bred with native African dogs and other imported breeds to create a strong and adaptable guardian capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the African landscape.
Renowned for their courage and loyalty, Boerboels were used to defend homesteads from predators such as lions and leopards. Over time, they became an integral part of farm life, valued for their ability to work independently while remaining deeply bonded to their families.
The breed faced a decline in the mid-20th century, but dedicated efforts by breeders in South Africa revived and standardized the breed. The Boerboel’s reputation as a protector eventually gained international recognition, leading to its introduction in other countries.
The Boerboel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2015 as a member of the Working Group.
03/Appearance
Male Boerboels typically stand between 24 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder, while females measure slightly less, ranging from 22 to 25 inches.
Males generally weigh between 150 and 200 pounds, with females being somewhat lighter, averaging 120 to 160 pounds.
Skull: The skull of the Boerboel is broad, slightly rounded, and flat between the ears, with well-defined musculature that emphasizes the breed’s strength. Its forehead is slightly furrowed, adding to its alert and confident expression.
Eyes: The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and set wide apart. They are typically brown in color, complementing the coat. The skin and hair around the eyes are well-pigmented, highlighting the dog’s focused and attentive demeanor.
Ears: The ears are medium-sized, V-shaped, and set high on the head. They naturally fold forward and lie close to the cheeks, maintaining a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
Muzzle: The muzzle is broad, deep, and well-filled, maintaining proportional balance with the skull. It tapers slightly from the base to the nose without appearing pointed or narrow.
Nose: The nose is always black, with large, open nostrils that enable efficient airflow, which is important for an active Working breed.
Bite: The Boerboel possesses a strong jaw with a scissors bite, where the upper incisors closely overlap the lower incisors. (An undershot bite uo to ¼ inch is acceptable.) This secure and powerful bite reflects the breed’s historical purpose as a protector and working dog.
The Boerboel has a balanced and well-proportioned body, reflecting strength, agility, and soundness. Its broad chest, solid bone structure, and muscular build emphasize its working heritage as a protector. The breed’s frame is substantial without appearing overly bulky, ensuring both power and efficiency.
Texture: The Boerboel has skin that is thick and loose but fits smoothly. The breed has a short, dense, and smooth coat that lies close to the body. Its texture provides protection while being easy to maintain.
Standard Colors
Standard Markings
04/Consider
The Boerboel is a powerful and loyal breed that thrives in homes where it can receive consistent training, socialization, and physical activity. While it is known for its protective instincts, it also forms strong bonds with its family members, making it a devoted companion. However, potential caretakers should be prepared for the breed’s size, strength, and assertive nature, which require experienced handling and careful management.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The Boerboel is generally a robust and healthy breed, with a lifespan ranging from 9 to 11 years. However, like all large-breed dogs, individuals may be prone to certain health issues that should be monitored throughout a dog’s lifetime. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and following a balanced diet can help to reduce the risk of some common health problems.
Boerboel is confident, intelligent, and deeply loyal. Its protective instincts make it an excellent guard dog, but it is also affectionate with family members. While wary of strangers, proper socialization helps the Boerboel to remain well-mannered in new situations.
Boerboels are sensitive to their environment and dislike being left alone for long periods. They tend to get along with children and other pets when raised together, but require supervision due to their size and strength. With early training and firm leadership, Boerboels can be dependable companions that balance loyalty with a calm demeanor.
Exercise Expectations
While they enjoy activities like hiking or running, Boerboels adapt to moderate routines as long as they remain active. Secure yards provide safe play areas, but supervision is important due to the breed’s protective instincts.
Grooming Expectations
Boerboels thrive in homes with secure yards and space to move, making them less suited for apartment living. They tolerate warm weather better than cold, but shelter and water are essential in both conditions.
These dogs form strong bonds with their families and dislike being left alone for long periods. Proper socialization and supervision help to manage the breed’s protective instincts, ensuring the Boerboel interacts well with guests and other animals. These dogs are best suited for experienced owners who can provide structure and leadership.
05/Puppies
Bringing a Boerboel puppy into the home is an exciting and rewarding experience. These intelligent and affectionate dogs form strong bonds with their families, but they require structured care and training from the start. Due to the breed’s rapid growth and protective instincts, Boerboel puppies need proper nutrition, socialization, and consistent guidance to develop into well-mannered, confident adults.
Caring for a Boerboel puppy begins with a balanced diet designed for large breeds to support steady growth and joint health. Meals should be divided into 2–3 portions per day to prevent overfeeding and reduce the risk of bloat.
Exercise should be gentle and controlled, such as short walks or supervised play, to protect developing joints. High-impact activities like jumping or climbing stairs should be avoided during growth phases to prevent strain or injury.
Early socialization is critical to help the Boerboel puppy grow into a confident and adaptable adult. Exposure to different environments, people, and animals prepares the pup for various situations and reduces fearfulness or reactivity. Puppy training classes provide structured learning while reinforcing obedience and proper behavior.
Training should focus on positive reinforcement using treats and praise. The Boerboel puppy responds well to clear boundaries and routines, which help to prevent stubbornness or dominance behaviors. Establishing a schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and rest enables the pup to feel secure and adapt quickly to its new homes.
With consistent care, proper nutrition, and early training, the Boerboel puppy will grow into a loyal and watchful guardian and a well-balanced companion.
06/Activities
Obedience: Showcases the Boerboel's intelligence and ability to follow commands.
Agility: Highlights their speed, agility, and ability to navigate obstacles.
Weight Pulling: Demonstrates their impressive strength and endurance.
Protection Sports: Tests their guarding instincts and obedience under pressure.
Conformation Shows: Evaluates their structure, movement, and adherence to the Breed Standard.
Therapy Work: Offers emotional support and comfort due to their calm demeanor and loyalty.
Search and Rescue: Utilizes their strength, endurance, and problem-solving skills in rescue operations.
Guarding: Fulfills their natural role as protectors in homes and farms.
Gallery
07/Standards
The Boerboel is recognized by the world's leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Boerboel is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Breed Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
American Boerboel Club (ABC): The official parent club recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the ABC promotes responsible breeding, education, and participation in events that showcase the breed's qualities.
The Boerboel UK Society: Focused on promoting and protecting the Boerboel in the United Kingdom, this organization offers support for owners and hosts breed-related events.
09/Rescue
Boerboel rescue groups are dedicated to helping Boerboels in need by providing shelter, medical care, and rehoming services. These organizations focus on rescuing abandoned, neglected, or surrendered Boerboels and work to match them with suitable adoptive families.
U.S.A Boerboels in Need Network: This is a national organization committed to rescuing and rehoming Boerboels across the United States.
10/Facts
South African Roots
Developed as a farm guardian, the Boerboel’s name comes from the Afrikaans word "boer," meaning farmer.
AKC Recognition
The Boerboel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as part of the Working Group.
Powerful Protector
Bred to defend against predators like lions, Boerboels are known for their courage and strength.
Low Maintenance Coat
The Boerboel’s short coat requires minimal grooming, making it an easy to care for breed.
Rare Worldwide
Although gaining in popularity, the Boerboel remains relatively uncommon outside of South Africa.
11/FAQ
Yes, Boerboels do shed, but their short coat makes it relatively manageable. Regular brushing helps to control shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
Official Standard of the Boerboel
General Appearance: Historically the Boerboel developed as a general farm dog for the pioneers who settled in South Africa since the seventeenth century. These dogs were often the first line of defense against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game. Old farmers told many a tale of the strength, agility and courage of the Boerboel. The dangers and harsh conditions of southern Africa allowed only the fittest to survive. The protective character of the Boerboel is today still evident and is much sought after, as is the calm, stable and confident composure of the breed. The origin and purpose of the Boerboel should be understood in order to preserve the unique identity and qualities of the breed as a South African developed mastiff. Type, conformation, functional efficiency and mentality are equally important in the evaluation of the Boerboel as a whole. The Boerboel is a large dog that is strong, confident and muscular in appearance with powerful, free-flowing movement. When observing a Boerboel at play or work, standing or moving, it should show strength, suppleness, nimbleness and agility.
Size, Proportion, Substance: The preferred height for Dogs - 24 to 27 inches. Bitches - 22 to 25 inches. Balance, proportion and sound movement are of utmost importance-more so than size. The body should have a greater total length than total height and the relation between the length and height should ideally be 10:9. Length of body is measured pro-sternum to farthest point of rump. Height is measured from the top of the shoulder blade to the ground. Depth of the chest reaches down to the point of the elbow, which is approximately half the total height at the withers. Front and rear angulation should be equal for proper balance. Dogs are characteristically of larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches are feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure. Serious fault - Severely out of proportion and balance. Reversal of sex characteristics.
Head: The head is an impressive and a distinctive feature of the Boerboel. It should be blocky, broad, deep, square and muscular, with well filled cheeks and in proportion to the body. Moderate wrinkling is observed over the forehead when the dog shows interest. The skull is square, flat and muscular. The zygomatic arch (cheek bone) is well muscled, but not too prominent. The stop is visible, gradually sloping. It should not be steep. The muzzle is broad, deep and narrows slightly towards the nose, straight and almost on a parallel plane with the skull. The muzzle measures slightly more than a third of the total length of the head. The nostrils are completely black, large and widely spaced, with the septum (vertical line) of the nose perpendicular to the lower jaw. The jaws are strong, deep and wide, and taper slightly to the front. The teeth are white, strong, correctly spaced with complete dentition preferred. Ideally the dog should have a scissors bite. An under bite of up to ¼ inch is acceptable. The upper lip is loose and fleshy. Under the nose, the end of the upper lip must touch the top of the bottom lip. Viewed in profile, the flews must not extend below the lowest level of the jaw bone. The lower lip is moderately tight without excessive jowls. The eyes are medium sized, neither protruding or receding, forward facing and widely spaced, with an intelligent expression. The eyelids must be tight fitting with complete pigmentation, showing no structural weakness. The color of the eye is preferably dark brown but all shades of brown (preferably darker than the coat) are acceptable. The ears are medium sized, V shaped, hanging forward, medium leather, tapering to a rounded point that reaches almost down to a line extending from the mouth. They are set wide and are carried close to the head. When the dog is attentive the top of the ears and the skull give the appearance of widening. The facial expression should be intelligent and attentive. Serious fault - Yellow (bird of prey) eyes. Disqualifications - Blue eye(s), entropion or ectropion, over bite, under bite of more than ¼ inch, wry mouth, prick ears.
Neck, Topline, Body: The neck is powerful, of medium length, and forms a muscular arch. It flows smoothly into the sloping shoulders, gradually increasing in width from the head to the shoulders. (In the female the muscles are less accentuated but should remain in balance with the head and body). The dewlap is noticeable but disappears towards the sternum. The topline is firm and level, extending in a straight line from behind the withers to the croup. The back remains horizontal to the ground while the dog is moving or standing. The underline of a mature dog has a slight tuck-up. The body is blocky, muscular and solid, with good depth and width. The back is broad and straight, with pronounced muscles. The ribcage is well sprung and well filled behind the shoulder blades. The transitions between the chest, loin and rump are well filled and flowing. The loin is strong and muscular, and only slightly narrower than the ribcage and rump. The croup is broad, flat and strong, with well-defined musculature. Its height should not exceed the height at the shoulders. The tail is thick and set fairly high. It should be well covered with hair and without kink. The tail may be docked or left undocked, both being equivalent. If docked, tails are traditionally docked at the third or fourth caudal vertebrae. The undocked tail should reach to the hocks when the dog is standing and be carried with a slight curve upwards when excited or moving. Tail set is more important than the length.
Forequarters: The forelegs are strong boned, with well-defined muscles. Viewed from the side the forearm should be vertical from the elbow to the pastern. When viewed from the front they should be parallel to each other, not bowed or with toes turning inward. Elbows should be held close to the body. Length of the foreleg to the elbow is approximately 50 percent of the dog's height at the shoulder. The chest is broad, deep and wide with well-sprung ribs and strong developed pectoral muscles. The shoulders are moderately sloping, powerful and muscular, with no tendency to looseness. The shoulder blade is long with moderate angulation. The upper arm is equal in both length and angulation to the shoulder blade. The pastern is short, thick and strong and with a slight slope when viewed from the side. The front feet point straight forward, are large, round, strongly boned and compact. The toes are well arched, with short, preferably black toenails and protected by hair in between. Front dewclaws may be removed. The pads are thick, tough and black.
Hindquarters: The hindquarter is sturdy and muscular. The hind legs are strong boned. The stifle should be sound, strong and moderately angulated and in balance with the forequarters, to support the powerful propulsion from the hindquarters during movement. The upper thighs are broad, deep and muscular as seen from the side and the rear. The lower thighs have well defined muscles and show substance down to the hocks. The metatarsus is broad, relatively short and perfectly upright. The hind feet point straight forward. Rear dewclaws, if any, are generally removed.
Coat and Color: The coat is short, dense, smooth and shiny. The skin is thick and loose but fits smoothly. Skin is well pigmented. The recognized colors / patterns are with or without a mask; however, the black mask is desirable. Red, Brown, Reddish Brown, Fawn, Cream, brindle in any accepted color and Irish Marked. Limited clear white patches on the legs and the fore chest are permissible. Piebald, a white dog, with colored markings, total area of white may not exceed 33 percent or is disqualified, ticking or spots within the white to be disqualified. The Boerboel is well pigmented, especially on the lips, palate, the skin and hair around the eyes, nose leather, paw pads, toenails, the anus and the skin and hair around the genitals. Disqualifications - Blue colored (Powder Coat) dogs, any base color not listed, long coat, and nose leather in any color other than black.
Movement: Movement is the ultimate test for correct conformation. The Boerboel is the most agile of the molosser breeds and it should be reflected in its movement. The Boerboel’s movement is powerful and with purpose. The front reach should complement a strong rear drive. The legs and body should move in line front to rear. As speed increases the legs will converge under body towards a center line. The back remains firm and strong and without excess body roll.
Temperament: The Boerboel is a dominant and intelligent dog with strong protective instincts and a willingness to please. When approached is calm, stable and confident, at times displaying a self-assured aloofness. He should recognize a threat or lack thereof. He is loving with children and family. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted. Boerboels that are shown in competition should be trained to allow examination.
Faults: The foregoing description is that of the ideal Boerboel. Any deviation that detracts from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Severely out of proportion and balance. Reversal of sex characteristics. Yellow (bird of prey) eyes.
Disqualifications:
Blue Eye(s).
Entropion or ectropion.
Under shot greater than ¼ inch or overshot bite.
Wry mouth.
Prick ears.
Blue colored (Powdered Coat) dogs, white exceeding more than 33 percent of the color on a dog, ticking or spots within the areas of white.
Any base color not listed.
Long coat.
Nose leather in any color other than black.
Approved July 13th, 2020
Effective September 30th, 2020
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The tail is traditionally docked at a medium length, although natural, undocked tails are also acceptable. Natural tails are carried with a slight curve, but should not curl over the back. Both docked and undocked tails complement the breed’s powerful appearance.
A Note About Color: The recognized colors and patterns may appear with or without a mask; however, a black mask is desirable. Limited clear white patches on the legs and forechest are permissible. The total area of white on a piebald dog may not exceed one-third. More than this disqualifies, as does ticking or spots within the white, a blue coat, a long coat, or any base color other than those listed. The nose leather must be black, and the lips, palate, eye rims, paw pads, toenails, anus, and the skin and hair around the genitals must be well-pigmented.
Coat Type
Smooth
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Short
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
Growing Boerboels benefit from a high-quality, large-breed puppy diet to support growth and prevent joint issues. Adults typically require 4 to 8 cups of high-protein food per day, divided into two meals.
To prevent obesity, portion sizes should be adjusted based on activity levels, and fresh water should always be available. Consulting a veterinarian helps to tailor feeding plans to meet individual needs and avoid health concerns such as bloat.
Boerboels are intelligent and trainable, but they require firm, consistent leadership due to the breed’s strong-willed nature. Early socialization and obedience training are critical to prevent over-protectiveness and ensure reliable behavior.
Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work well, but clear boundaries are essential. Leash training and recall commands are especially important to manage their guarding instincts and prey drive.
With mental stimulation and structured activities, a Boerboel can thrive as an obedient and versatile working dog.
Bathing is only necessary when the Boerboel is truly dirty, and routine care, such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing, will support the dog’s overall health. The breed’s low-maintenance grooming needs can make this an ideal dog for owners seeking a clean and courageous companion.
