Boerboel at a glance
- Height
- 56–69 cm
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Size, Typical adult weight, Exercise, Energy, Grooming, Shedding, Training, Barking, Home, Garden, Time alone, Typical lifespan.
Is the Boerboel right for you?
Like every breed, the Boerboel is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have children and can supervise them with the dog.
- You have a cat and can introduce them carefully.
Consider another breed if…
- This would be your first dog.
- You would like to keep several dogs together.
How would the Boerboel fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Boerboel
The Boerboel is a big, strong, athletic dog with a blocky, broad head, a short, shiny coat and powerful, free-flowing movement. It is typically calm, stable and confident, with strong protective instincts, and it forms very close bonds with the whole family.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Exercise
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Energy level
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Grooming
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Shedding
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Trainability
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other dogs
Can be selective
Can be selective about other dogs.
- Good with cats
Often fine
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Time alone
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
The breed developed in South Africa as a general farm dog for the pioneers who settled there from the 17th century. These dogs were often the first line of defence against predators and were also used to track and hold down wounded game. The harsh conditions meant only the fittest dogs survived. Its name translates as "farmer's dog".
The Boerboel is a South African mastiff, and its breed club considers it the most agile of the mastiff-type breeds. Its protective character and calm composure are still the qualities people value in it today.
Boerboel temperament
Boerboels are usually intelligent, reliable and obedient, with a strong watchdog instinct. They are self-assured and fearless, yet perceptive to the needs of their family, and they tend to be protective when necessary without being aggressive in everyday life. Some are very sociable with new people, while others are more reserved and can show a self-assured aloofness.
This is a dominant breed, which brings challenges. Boerboels need to live as part of the family. Kept outside and away from their people, they can become bored and depressed and may turn to destructive behaviour.
They are not really suited to dog parks. Many do not react well to dominant behaviour from other large dogs, especially of the same sex, so introductions to new dogs need care. If a dominant dog already lives with you, a puppy of the opposite sex is far more likely to lead to a peaceful household.
Size and appearance
Boerboels are large dogs. The breed standard gives a preferred height at the shoulder of 24 to 27 inches for males, about 61–69 cm, and 22 to 25 inches for females, about 56–64 cm. Males are larger framed and heavier boned than females. Balance and sound movement matter more than size.
The coat is short, dense, smooth and shiny over thick, loose skin. Recognised colours include red, brown, reddish brown, fawn, cream, brindle in any accepted colour, and Irish marked, with or without a black mask.
How much exercise does a Boerboel need?
Boerboels are intelligent, sensitive and athletic. They need mental stimulation, interaction and an outlet for their energy, and focused work and training are a good way to provide all three.
Training a Boerboel
Boerboel puppies are known for being easy to train and live with, and this easy-going stage leads some owners to think training is not needed. As they mature, their confidence, reactivity, dominance and willingness to protect increase a lot, and owners must be able to read their dog and stay in control in any situation.
- Socialise your puppy early and widely with different sights, sounds, animals and experiences.
- Protect your puppy from encounters with aggressive dogs, as bad experiences can stay with them.
- Commit to structured obedience training, practising commands around many different distractions.
- Involve the whole family in training so the dog understands that children rank above it.
- Give them work to do: they are known to do well in obedience, rally, agility and other structured activities.
Living with a Boerboel
Boerboels are typically very good with children, especially those in their own home, and the breed standard describes them as loving with children and family. Children should be taught to treat dogs with kindness and respect. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Many Boerboels also do well with livestock and house cats, and with the right introduction they will accept new animals into the family.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Other dogs
Can be selective about other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Boerboel health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The sources used here do not list specific inherited conditions for the Boerboel. Its US breed club advises careful research before buying a puppy and recommends choosing a breeder who has health certification for their breeding dogs, third-party temperament evaluations and a strong knowledge of their dogs' lineage.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Boerboel home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Boerboel cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Boerboel home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, not just the first year.
Buying a Boerboel
If you have decided the Boerboel suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Boerboel
Boerboels do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Boerboels looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Boerboel adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Boerboel FAQs
Is the Boerboel good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Boerboel good with cats?
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How big does the Boerboel get?
Adults typically stand 56–69 cm at the shoulder.