About the Boerboel Breed and Its Breeders

man with 2 boerboel dogs
This is a collaborative post

A mastiff-type dog called the Boerboel is very popular nowadays. These breeds came from South Africa, and they are known for their short coats and black masks. Learn more about the breeds that originated in South Africa in this link here.

These breeds have a larger bone structure and fairly strong muscles. They appear to have short lengths and are a little blocky, but they carry themselves with power and confidence. When threatened, they tend to show courage and fearlessness, which makes them excellent guard dogs. 

According to Rob Cammish and Total K9, the best dog training for protection dogs is achieved with breeds like: German shepherd, Bullmastiff or Dobermann but Boerboel breed is a great option too.

The name Boerboel means farmer’s dogs in Afrikaans. The word “Boer” means farmer, and “behind” is translated into a bulldog. Historical sources dating back to 1909 described various events when a Boerboel was used for hunting baboons and leopards in South Africa.

Leopards are often caught in a trap in their one leg, and the pack will kill it. This is an excellent fighter and can manage to kill leopards in four out of five combats. However, I know that the canine was not precisely a deterrent for a big cat, and in some instances, they can be killed themselves. A missing rottweiler or a Boer mastiff means that there may be a leopard around a property.

In some faraway areas, these breeds were kept by the white population to protect their family and farms. Enthusiasts and anthropologists first introduced them by publishing them in Dog World Magazines. Some of these people have travelled to South Africa and witnessed what the breeds can do first-hand.

Temperament and Personality

These are very large canines, and they are strong as well. They are loyal to their families, and they have excellent reputations when it comes to children. However, the smaller toddlers may find the touch of this pet a little overwhelming. Families who have children over eight years old are a better fit, but there should still be supervision all of the time.

Their temperament is often described as affectionate, friendly, intensely loyal, and even-tempered. However, they hold the record of one of the best guardians in the world. They can easily attack strangers, predators, and intruders even if they were unprovoked. When properly socialized, they can still have a standoffish nature and will not hesitate to show any aggression when they feel uncomfortable. This instinct can be curbed at a young age by introducing the young pup to other dogs, strangers, and children.

Exercises are Essential

2 Boerboel dogs playing
Image by Jan Steiner from Pixabay

Know that these are hardy animals as they can survive the harsher climate of South Africa. You can know more about them through legitimate sources and South African Boerboel breeders, who know a lot about handling them. However, it’s essential to be an experienced owner yourself before you decide to adopt these dogs.

Most of the time, these are the pets that are easy to groom and require little maintenance. All they need is a backyard where they can exercise their large bodies to remain fit. It’s ideal if they develop a routine every day, even if there are times when they are not too enthusiastic about taking a walk. You can start researching longer exercise workouts and sessions for these big dogs, so they’ll remain active and fit.

Another thing about their temperament is that they need a strong pack leader. If your canine notices that you’re not able to handle them, they will be more assertive and aggressive. If possible, place yourself in a position where you won’t tolerate any bullying or misbehaviour to other animals and children. 

Aggression towards the same sex, particularly in males, can occur. However, early socialization can fix things and prevent fights from happening. Dominance is essential whenever there are visitors inside the home.

You need to train them to calm down and sit somewhere whenever your friends and family come over to your home. Read more about training them in this link here: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-training-obedience-training-for-dogs. Know that they don’t take well when an unfamiliar face tries to control them, and they may assert themselves more forcefully if this happens.

There are also health risks that were the result of selective breeding over the years. You may want to look out for hip dysplasia and other hereditary conditions that often result in prolonged limping. To prevent lameness when they get older, consult the vet if you see any health issues and symptoms that your pet may be showing.

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