The Boerboel is a fearless and powerful dog that does not exhibit signs of fear or aggression without reason. With the ability to sense and respond to your emotions, the Boerboel will fiercely protect its owner from any real threats, showing its lion-like courage and loyalty. Originating from South Africa and developed over 400 years from a mix of Bullenbijter, Barenbijter, original bulldogs, and mastiffs, these dogs were selectively bred for toughness and resilience. Initially used for hunting and guarding, Boerboels are now primarily utilized as guard dogs, reflecting their name which translates to ‘Farmer’s Mastiff’. The Romans believed these dogs were descended from a lion and a dog, while Aristotle referred to them as the ‘sons of lions’.
The Boerboel is a unique breed known for its role as a working mastiff solely bred for guarding and protecting. Their temperament is their most important characteristic, making them confident and not nervous. Boerboels are capable of recognizing fear and will fiercely protect their family without concern for their own safety. They were developed to coexist with other animals and are not prone to wandering or excessive barking. Boerboels are loyal companions who easily adapt to family life, instinctively knowing how to interact with friends and family.
They are good with children and have been known to diligently guard babies for hours. The breed is devoted to their entire family and willing to sacrifice their lives to ensure their loved ones’ safety. Boerboels are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, making them the perfect companions for those seeking a protective yet loving pet.
The Boerboel is a unique breed that combines strength, athleticism, and a gentle temperament, making it an ideal family dog and home protector. Originating in South Africa over 400 years ago, the Boerboel was developed from a mix of Bullenbijter and Barenbijter dogs, as well as English bulldogs and mastiffs. Originally used for hunting and guarding, the Boerboel almost faced extinction in the early 1900s due to urbanization and crossbreeding. However, the South African Boerboel Breeders Association was formed in the 1980s to preserve and improve the breed. Through careful breeding practices and an appraisal system, the Boerboel is now a well-established breed worldwide.
Boerboels are known for their loving nature and even temperament, a result of their breeding for both function and personality. Boerboel Australia is committed to continuing this tradition of breeding loyal and strong Boerboels. The name “Boerboel” itself means “Farmer’s Mastiff,” reflecting the breed’s roots as a working dog on South African farms. Today, the Boerboel remains a beloved companion and guardian for families around the world.
The Breed Standard – Shorted
The Boerboel is a large, strong-boned dog with a well-developed musculature and a blocky profile. It has a powerful and confident demeanor, with impressive movement despite its size. There is a clear sexual dimorphism, with the bitch being less prominently developed. In terms of temperament, the Boerboel is intelligent, trainable, loyal, and protective. It is fearless and courageous when threatened, but also calm and balanced in nature. Firm handling and training from an early age is necessary.
The head of the Boerboel is a distinctive feature of the breed, with a blocky, broad, and muscular appearance. The skull is square and flat, with well-filled cheeks and a defined stop. The muzzle is broad, deep, and well-attached, tapering slightly towards the nose. The eyes are medium-sized, round, and forward-facing, with a dark brown color preferred. The ears are set wide and high, with a V-shaped base tapering to a rounded point. The overall facial expression should be intelligent, attentive, and confident.
Overall, the Boerboel has a powerful appearance, combined with a loyal and protective temperament. The head is a defining feature of the breed, with specific proportions and characteristics that contribute to the dog’s intelligent and confident expression. Attention to detail in the conformation and structure of the head is essential in maintaining the breed standard for the Boerboel.
The neck of the Boerboel is powerful and medium in length, with strong muscles and a pronounced crest. In females, the muscles are less prominent but should be in balance with the head and body. The body is 15% longer than the height, with a blocky, muscular build and good depth and width. The back is broad and straight, with well-defined muscles forming a slight arch over the lumber region.
The chest is long, broad, and deep, with well-sprung ribs and strong pectoral muscles. The lumber region is short, straight, and muscular, slightly narrower than the chest and rump, with well-filled flanks. The rump is broad and strong, with a flat croup for powerful reach of the hind legs. The tail is thick, set fairly high, and traditionally docked at the 3rd or 4th caudal vertebrae.
The forelimbs are strong boned, with well-defined muscles and sturdy joints. They should be correctly angulated from the shoulder blade down to the metacarpus, forming a vertical line from the shoulder to the paws. The forepaws are large, round, and compact, pointing straight forward.
Weak or malformed limbs are discriminated against, as they jeopardize the physical functionality required of the Boerboel. Overall, the breed standard emphasizes strength, balance, and correct angulation in the neck, body, chest, and forelimbs for this powerful and muscular breed.
The hindlimbs of the Boerboel are strong, sturdy, and muscular with well-arched toes and black toenails. The joints are sound, properly angulated to support powerful propulsion from the hindquarters. The upper thighs are broad and muscular, while the lower thighs have well-defined muscles down to the hocks. Movement is purposeful and fluent, with legs and body moving in line front to rear. The skin is thick and loose with moderate wrinkles over the forehead.
The Boerboel is well pigmented, with only black eumelanin pigmentation acceptable. The coat is short, dense, smooth, and shiny, with recognized colors including red, brown, yellow, black, brindle, and piebald. Irish markings are also allowed. Ideal height for a male dog is 66cm and for a bitch is 61cm, with good pigmentation required for all colors. Male Boerboels should have two normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Overall, the breed standard emphasizes strong hindlimbs, sound movement, correct angulation, proper pigmentation, short dense coat, and ideal height. Tan markings and other colors/patterns are not acceptable.
FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in direct proportion to its degree.
DISQUALIFICATIONS
1. A dog that is too small (Smaller than the minimum heights stipulated in the Breed Standard).
2. A dog that is too big and out of balance.
3. An overly aggressive dog.
4. A too small and untypical head.
5. A lack of pigmentation.
6. Excessively undershot bite.
7. Excessively overshot bite.
8. Blue eyes.
9. Pricked ears.
10. Any dog clearly showing any physical or behavioural abnormalities.