Boerboel
ConfidentIntelligentCalm
South Africa · 9–11 years
About the Boerboel
The Boerboel (pronounced 'BOOR-bull') is a massive, powerful South African mastiff-type breed developed by Boer settlers to guard homesteads against predators including lions, leopards, and hyenas. Their name translates to 'farmer's dog' in Afrikaans. Boerboels are among the most agile and athletic of the mastiff breeds, combining enormous strength with surprising speed and agility. They are confident, territorial, and deeply devoted to their families. Despite their imposing presence — males can exceed 200 pounds — well-bred Boerboels are calm, stable, and affectionate with their families.
Breed stats
- Height
- 22–27 in
- Weight
- 150–200 lbs
- Lifespan
- 9–11 years
- Group
- Working
- Coat
- Short, dense, smooth
- Origin
- South Africa
Coat colors
- Fawn
- Red
- Brown
- Brindle
- Cream
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
45–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
4–6 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Entropion
Not every Boerboel will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Boerboels eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Boerboels are powerful guardian dogs that require responsible ownership, not dangerous dogs by nature. Well-bred, properly socialized Boerboels are calm, stable, and gentle with their families. However, their enormous size and protective instincts mean they can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Without proper socialization, training, and experienced handling, their territorial nature can become problematic. They are banned or restricted in some countries due to their size and power. Boerboels need confident, experienced owners who understand guardian breeds and commit to extensive socialization from puppyhood.
- Boerboels are among the largest dog breeds. Males typically stand 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 150 to 200 pounds, with some individuals exceeding 200 pounds. Females are slightly smaller at 22 to 25 inches and 120 to 160 pounds. They are more compact and muscular than many mastiff breeds, built for both power and agility. Their growth continues until about 2 years of age, and they may continue to fill out until 3 years old. Their massive size means higher costs for food, veterinary care, and all accessories.
- Boerboels are generally not good with other dogs, particularly dogs of the same sex. They have a strong dominant, territorial nature that often leads to aggression toward other dogs. This trait was bred into them — as farm guardians, they needed to be assertive and uncompromising. Raising a Boerboel with another dog from puppyhood can work, especially with a calm, submissive companion of the opposite sex. However, dog parks, off-leash areas, and interactions with unfamiliar dogs should be carefully managed or avoided. This is a breed characteristic that socialization can moderate but rarely eliminate.
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