AKC Boerboel: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

The AKC Boerboel is a breed of dog that originated in South Africa and was originally bred for guarding and protection. They are a relatively new breed, recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2001.

The Boerboel is a large dog, typically weighing between 110-200 pounds and standing between 22-27 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

Boerboels are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent watchdogs. However, this also means they can be wary of strangers and may require time to warm up to new people.

With proper training and socialization, Boerboels can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with large yards.

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The Boerboel temperament is truly one-of-a-kind. They're fiercely loyal to their loved ones and will stop at nothing to protect them.

As a breed bred to be guard dogs, Boerboels are naturally wary of strangers and will not let just anyone into your home. You'll need to make proper introductions between new guests and your pup.

They're also incredibly intelligent and strong, making them a great companion for experienced dog owners. However, their strength and size can be intimidating, so they're best suited for someone who's had a dog before.

Their playful nature makes them a great playmate for kids, but it's essential to supervise all interactions between children and dogs, especially if your dog misinterprets a friend's actions as a threat.

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The Boerboel is a fiercely loyal breed that will put itself in harm's way to keep its family safe. They're also great playmates for kids, but interactions need to be supervised.

Boerboels are naturally wary of strangers and will not let someone they don't know into your home. You'll always need to make proper introductions between new guests and your pup.

As a breed bred for protection, Boerboels are on guard duty 24/7, always looking for potential threats. They're strong dogs with a high level of intelligence, and they need a confident and calm owner to show them the ropes.

They do best in a home where they're the only pet, but may do okay with other dogs or cats if raised with them from puppyhood. Proper socialization is key to getting them used to meeting new people, dogs, and situations.

The Boerboel is a large dog, with a strong bone structure and well-developed muscles.

Its head is large and the muzzle is short, giving it a distinctive appearance.

The coat is short and sleek with dense hair coverage.

The recognised colours are brindle, fawn, and brown; it may or may not have a black mask.

The Boerboel shows courage when threatened and may display aggression toward other dogs or strangers.

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Dog Care is a crucial aspect of owning an AKC Boerboel. These strong dogs require a lot of time spent in training and exercising to build a deep bond with your pup.

Brushing your Boerboel once every week or two with a curry comb or soft grooming glove can manage their shedding and keep the coat healthy and shiny. Brushing is a great way to bond with your dog and get them used to being handled.

Ear cleaning is a simple process that can be done while brushing your pup. Check their ears for debris and wax build up, and if you notice anything, speak to your vet.

Boerboels need a bath about every four to six weeks unless they've been super active or super drooly. This can be a good opportunity to check their nails and trim them if necessary.

Brushing your Boerboel's pearly whites daily is essential for their dental care. Get your puppy used to the habit while they're young, so they'll be used to it as they get older.

Here are some key grooming tips for your Boerboel:

Socializing your Boerboel puppy is crucial, start by taking them on walks to meet new people and dogs, and enroll them in puppy preschool as early as 8-10 weeks old.

Consistency is key, use the same commands often and don't give them "days off" or free days when the rules don't apply, they're looking to you to guide them.

Boerboels need a confident and calm pup parent, they're better choices for someone with experience raising dogs.

Boerboels typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for large breeds, choose a formula that matches their stage in life, such as puppy, adult, or senior.

Count all the treats you give during training, as Boerboels are prone to obesity, and consult with your vet for personalized dietary advice.

Training your Boerboel puppy starts at home, where every moment is practice. Start socializing them with new people and dogs from a young age.

Enroll your puppy in puppy preschool as early as 8-10 weeks old, where they'll learn to play nicely with other puppies and meet new people in one location. Puppy school is a great way to lay the foundation for future training.

Follow up puppy school with obedience class, where your Boerboel will learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and how to walk nicely on a leash. Consistency is key, so use the same commands often and don't give your puppy (or yourself) any "days off".

A certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement can be a big help, especially with powerful pups like Boerboels. Positive reinforcement uses praise, treats, and playtime to reward good behavior.

To establish leadership, be a confident and calm pup parent, and don't let your Boerboel fill the leadership vacuum themselves. With their size and power, they need guidance and clear boundaries.

For a Boerboel's diet, it's essential to choose a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for large breeds.

Boerboels are prone to obesity, so be sure to count all the treats you give during training and just because you love your pup.

Look for a formula that matches your Boerboel's stage in life, whether it's puppy, adult, or senior.

Make sure the food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

If you have any questions about your dog's diet or mealtime strategy, chat with your vet for personalized advice.

Boerboels need about an hour of exercise each day, which can include long walks, playing fetch, and swimming or fetching balls in the water.

They thrive in homes with active pet parents who can provide them with mental and physical stimulation every day.

A large fenced yard is a bonus, allowing them to run around and play freely.

However, Boerboels don't enjoy bustling households, and they'll want to vet every person who comes in, using their guarding instincts to protect their family.

They need a calm and confident leader, which is why they often do well with someone who's had a dog before - it helps them understand who's in charge.

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The Boerboel's lifespan is impressive, ranging from 9 to 12 years. This is a testament to their robust health, but it's essential to be aware of potential health issues that may arise.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common concerns, causing pain and discomfort in affected dogs. These conditions can be managed with weight management, physical therapy, or surgery.

A different take: Boerboel Health Problems

Boerboels are also prone to eyelid issues, such as ectropion and entropion, which require monitoring by a veterinarian and may need corrective surgery. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is another genetic heart condition that can affect large breed dogs like the Boerboel.

Here are some common health issues that may affect Boerboels:

While these health issues can be concerning, many Boerboels live long and happy lives with proper care and attention.

Boerboels are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They typically live for 9-11 years.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in Boerboels, where the hip joint is malformed and rubs, causing pain. Symptoms include limping or "bunny hopping", decreased activity, and difficulty getting up.

Elbow dysplasia is another condition that can affect Boerboels, caused by a malformed elbow joint that rubs and causes pain. Symptoms include limping or stiffness and swollen elbows.

Ectropion and entropion are two common eyelid concerns in Boerboels, where the eyelid turns outward or inward. Monitoring by a veterinarian and an ophthalmologist is crucial to prevent complications.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a genetic heart condition that can affect large or giant breed dogs, including Boerboels. Affected pets often need to visit a veterinary cardiologist for an echocardiogram and may require medication.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:

A Boerboel's lifespan is a wonderful thing to consider, especially if you're thinking of bringing one of these lovable dogs into your family. The average lifespan of a Boerboel is 10 to 12 years.

This is much longer than other dog breeds of a comparable size, which is great news for Boerboel owners. However, as with any purebred dog, Boerboels do face a higher risk of developing genetic diseases.

One of the risks Boerboels face is wobbler syndrome, a condition that affects large and giant dogs like the Boerboel. Wobbler syndrome can cause a wobbly gait, neck pain, and a reluctance to walk.

Medical intervention can help improve the condition in 50% of cases, and another 30% will stabilize, allowing many dogs to live long and happy lives after a diagnosis.

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