Boerboel

Breed Profile

The development of the Boerboel is believed to have originated with the arrival of the first European settlers to South Africa. These mastiff type dogs may have been bred with indigenous dogs which eventually resulted in the Boerboel as he is known today — a very versatile, adaptable, sound and agile dog.

In the harsh South African environment, the settlers were largely dependent on their dogs for protection and as a warning against danger. For these tasks, a strong, agile and watchful dog was required to protect their home and property from wild animals such as lions and leopards as well as raiders. The dogs were also used as livestock guardians and trackers of large game.

The Boerboel is a large, well-muscled, powerful and balanced dog. The breed is intelligent, self-confident, protective, calm and obedient. This is a working dog, bred to guard and protect. He is extremely devoted and loyal to his family and has a special liking toward children. The Boerboel’s temperament is considered to be one of the breed’s most attractive and important qualities. Typically, the Boerboel is not a one-man dog but is equally devoted to the entire family and will protect and guard with great courage.

The Boerboel’s coat is short, dense and smooth. The skin is tough and supple with strong pigmentation in order to protect them against the sun.
 

Health Issues

As with all breeds of dogs, the Boerboel may be susceptible to certain health problems, including but not limited to: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Eye problems including Ectropian/Entropian, Wobbler’s Syndrome, Prolapse and Vaginal Hyperplasia.

In addition, another concern for all large breeds is Bloat or Gastric Torsion. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms — This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) – Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada’s Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.

If you are considering the adoption of a Boerboel puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• OFA – Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Breed Standards

• AKC Breed Standard
• UKC Breed Standard
• Official Breed Standard of the Kennel Union of South Africa — Boerboel

Grooming Information

• Grooming> — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

The Boerboel has very strong protective and guarding instincts. Early training and socializing are a must for this breed.

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• Boerboel Pedigree Database
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

*NOTE: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.