The Kingdom Boerboel is a majestic dog breed that originated in South Africa. They are a large and powerful breed, with males weighing between 110-145 pounds.
To care for a Kingdom Boerboel, you'll need to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Kingdom Boerboels are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent family pets. However, they can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is crucial.
With proper training and care, Kingdom Boerboels can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with large yards.
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Physical Characteristics
The Boerboel's physical characteristics are truly impressive. They have a wide, block-like head.
Their strong jaws and broad chest give them a powerful presence. With substantial muscles from their necks to rumps, they're built for strength and agility. Thick, arched necks and sloping shoulders complete their athletic build.
Their coat is short and dense, providing protection from the elements. You'll find that their skin is dark-colored, including the roof of their mouth, which helps shield them from the sun's heat.
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Physical Characteristics
The Boerboel's head is a distinctive feature, characterized by a wide, block-like shape and strong jaws.
Their broad chest is a testament to their muscular build, which is evident from their necks to their rumps.
Boerboels have thick, arched necks that add to their overall sturdy appearance.
Sloping shoulders are another defining feature of this breed.
The Boerboel's skin is a dark color, which helps protect them from the heat of the sun.
Their coat is short and dense, and it can be one of several colors, including brindle, brown, cream, reddish-brown, or tawny.
Grooming
Boerboels have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately.
To keep their coat looking its best, they need to be brushed weekly with a soft-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt, or hound glove.
Removing loose hair with regular brushing also promotes hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat, keeping it healthy.
Boerboels don't need frequent baths, but their nails should be trimmed regularly.
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Temperament and Care
The Boerboel is a breed that requires a lot of socialization to become a well-adjusted companion. They can become bored and destructive if left to their own devices.
Their protective tendencies and strength mean they need proper training to behave safely around other animals and people. This training should be firm and dedicated.
Boerboels need to be introduced to a variety of sights, sounds, species, and experiences while they're young to improve their social skills. This will help them become confident and calm in new situations.
With the right training and socialization, a Boerboel can make a loyal and loving companion. But without it, they may become bored or even develop undesirable behaviors.
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Health and History
The breed's exact ancestry is unclear, but experts believe it comes from a mix of native African canine species and breeds brought over by Dutch, French, and English settlers.
Genetic Health Conditions
Genetic Health Conditions can affect your Boerboel's quality of life, and it's essential to be aware of the potential risks.
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1) is an eye disorder that can cause retinal decay, which may impact vision, but very rarely results in blindness.
Some Boerboels are carriers or at-risk for Hyperuricosuria (HUU), a condition that predisposes affected dogs to the formation of urinary stones, such as kidney or bladder stones.
Knowing the genetic health status of your Boerboel can help you and your veterinarian plan for your pup's lifelong care.
History
The Boerboel's history is a fascinating story of origins and development. The breed was developed to defend homes or farms in South Africa.
The name "Boerboel" is derived from the Afrikaans/Dutch word "boer", meaning farmer. This makes sense, given the breed's purpose.
Experts believe the Boerboel's exact ancestors are unknown, but they're thought to come from native African canine species.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make a Boerboel?
The Boerboel is a cross between mastiffs and bulldogs, bred for guarding and hunting. This unique heritage makes the Boerboel a formidable and versatile breed.
Is a Boerboel stronger than a pitbull?
Yes, Boerboels are significantly stronger than Pitbulls, with a bite force 3.5 times greater and a substantial weight advantage. This impressive strength is matched by their agility and muscular build, making them a formidable breed.
Are Boerboels legal in the US?
Boerboels are generally allowed in the US, but importation from countries with active rabies, such as South Africa, may be restricted or require special permits. Check with the US Department of Agriculture for specific regulations and requirements.
Sources
- Boerboel Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Boerboel Facts - Wisdom Panel™ Dog Breeds (wisdompanel.com)
- History of the Boerboel (guardianboerboels.com)
- Boerboel - Price, Temperament, Life span (dogbreedslist.info)
- Boerboel Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Temperament, & Facts (hepper.com)
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