The Boerboel

The Boerboel is a fearless and powerful breed of dog originating from South Africa. Developed over 400 years, these dogs were selectively bred for toughness and resilience, primarily used for hunting and guarding. Known as the ‘Farmer’s Mastiff’, Boerboels are loyal and protective companions, with the ability to sense and respond to their owner’s emotions. They are confident and not nervous, capable of recognizing fear and fiercely protecting their family. Boerboels are intelligent, affectionate, and good with children, making them ideal family pets. Originating from a mix of Bullenbijter, Barenbijter, bulldogs, and mastiffs, the breed almost faced extinction in the early 1900s but was preserved and improved by the South African Boerboel Breeders Association. Today, Boerboels are well-established worldwide, known for their loving nature and even temperament. Boerboel Australia continues the tradition of breeding loyal and strong Boerboels, ensuring they remain beloved companions and guardians for families globally.

The Boerboel is a large, muscular dog with a blocky profile and confident demeanor. It displays clear sexual dimorphism, with females being less prominently developed. In terms of temperament, it is intelligent, loyal, and protective, requiring firm handling and early training. The breed's distinctive head features a square, broad skull, well-filled cheeks, and a defined stop. The eyes are medium-sized and round, with a preference for dark brown color. The neck is powerful, medium in length, and muscular, with a pronounced crest. The body is blocky and muscular, with a broad, straight back and well-sprung ribs. The chest is long and deep, with strong pectoral muscles. The forelimbs are strong and correctly angulated, with large, round paws pointing straight forward. Overall, the Boerboel has a powerful appearance and a loyal, protective temperament, with attention to detail in maintaining breed standards.

The Boerboel breed standard places a strong emphasis on physical characteristics such as strength, balance, and correct angulation. Weak or malformed limbs are discriminated against in this powerful and muscular breed. The hindlimbs are described as strong, sturdy, and well-muscled, with proper angulation to support powerful propulsion. The upper thighs are broad and muscular, while the lower thighs have well-defined muscles down to the hocks. Movement should be purposeful and fluent, with the skin being thick and loose with moderate wrinkles over the forehead.

The Boerboel is required to have well-pigmented black eumelanin pigmentation, with a short, dense, smooth, and shiny coat in recognized colors. Ideal height for males and females is specified, with good pigmentation needed for all colors. Faults include deviations from the breed standard, while disqualifications cover issues such as size, aggressiveness, lack of pigmentation, incorrect bite alignment, blue eyes, and physical or behavioral abnormalities. It is crucial for a Boerboel to adhere closely to the specified physical characteristics outlined in the standard.