South African Boerboel Mastiff Dog Breed Traits and Care

The South African Boerboel Mastiff is a unique breed that requires careful consideration if you're thinking of bringing one home. They are a large breed, with males weighing up to 150 pounds.

Their massive size is matched by their intelligence and loyalty. They are naturally protective of their families and can make great companions for active families.

However, they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or run is a must to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

Their short coats are easy to maintain, but they do shed heavily, especially during shedding season. Regular brushing can help reduce loose hair and prevent matting.

The South African Boerboel Mastiff is a majestic breed with a powerful build, weighing between 150 to 200 pounds.

Their height varies between 22 to 27 inches, with males being slightly taller than females.

The Boerboel's head is a distinctive feature, being blocky, broad, deep, square, and muscular, with moderate wrinkles when attentive.

Their eyes are medium-sized, forward-facing, and widely spaced, with an intelligent expression and shades of brown preferred.

The Boerboel's body is muscular and athletic, with a level topline, well-sprung ribcage, and broad, straight back.

Their hindquarters are well-angulated, with broad, deep upper thighs and strong, sturdy hocks.

The Boerboel's tail is a natural extension of the spine, set fairly high, and well-covered with hair, tapering to the end and reaching down to the hocks.

Their coat is sleek, short, smooth, and dense, with a thick, loose skin showing dark pigmentation.

Their rear pasterns are relatively short, strong, and of adequate girth, parallel with each other when viewed from the rear.

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

Its body is slightly longer than tall, being approximately 10 to 15 percent longer than the height measured at the withers. This unique proportion gives the Boerboel its impressive demeanor and athletic working abilities.

The Boerboel's skin is relatively loose-fitting and flexible, without major wrinkles, making it a sleek and agile dog despite its size.

The Boerboel's appearance exudes the immense power of which they are capable, and exhibits a fine balance between intimidation and athleticism.

All shades of brown (tan, red) or fawn are accepted colors for the Boerboel breed.

The Boerboel's coat is sleek, short, smooth, and dense, making it easy to care for despite its shedding nature.

The Boerboel's skin is thick, loose, and shows dark pigmentation, adding to its overall sturdy appearance.

The Boerboel's head is blocky, broad, deep, square, and muscular, with moderate wrinkles when attentive but fairly free of wrinkles when relaxed.

The hindquarters of a dog are a crucial aspect of its physical characteristics. They should be well angulated, well-muscled, and deep and broad, especially in bitches.

The croup, or the area at the base of the tail, should be broad and of good length. It should be set slightly sloping, which is a characteristic feature of a well-proportioned hindquarters.

The upper thighs should be broad, deep, and muscular, with substantial thickness when viewed in profile and from the rear. This is essential for a dog's overall athleticism and movement.

The lower thighs must be correctly angulated, of equal length to the upper thigh, and display well-developed musculature down to the hock. This ensures a smooth and efficient movement.

The hocks should be strong and sturdy, of medium length, and in proportion to the rest of the leg. They should also be parallel and in line with the rest of the leg when viewed from the rear.

The rear pasterns are relatively short, strong, and of adequate girth. They should be parallel with each other when viewed from the rear.

The tail of the Boerboel is a natural extension of the spine, set fairly high and well covered with hair. It's a distinctive feature of the breed.

Long tails taper to the end, are sabre shaped, and reach down to the hocks or little below. This shape is typical of many Molossers.

Natural tails hang slightly curved when the dog is standing, and carried with a slight upward curve when the dog is excited or moving. They don't curl over the back.

The natural tail is quite variable from dog to dog due to its genetic diversity. This means you may see some variation in tail shape and size.

Docked tails are traditionally docked at the third or fourth caudal vertebrae. This is a common practice in the breed.

Disqualifications for the breed include kinked, corkscrewed, deformed, or tightly curling tails.

The Boerboel is a powerful breed with a robust physical presence. They are known for their ability to pull, push, and carry heavy loads.

Their powerful jaws and mouths are a characteristic of mastiff breeds. This power extends to their bite force, which is estimated to be between 250 and 350 PSI.

The Boerboel's bite force is not an indicator of aggression, but rather a reflection of their physical strength. With proper training and socialization, they can be wonderful companions.

Explore further: English Mastiff Bite Strength

The Boerboel's bite force is comparable to that of other large breeds, but still falls short of the Kangal breed's massive 743 PSI bite force pressure figure. This is a testament to the unique characteristics of each breed.

Here's a comparison of the bite forces of various animals, including the Boerboel:

The South African Boerboel Mastiff is a loving family dog, but it's not for inexperienced owners. They need boundaries and consistent training from an early age.

Boerboels are big babies at home, loyal to their family, and good with children, making them excellent family pets. They're surprisingly good with kids, but you should supervise playtime due to their size.

A well-socialized Boerboel can fit in well with any and all family members, both two- and four-legged. They're calm and docile, but they do have a high prey drive and may chase small animals.

Boerboels are intelligent animals that need mental stimulation and enrichment to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Imagine the damage a 200-pound bored Boerboel could do to your home.

Intriguing read: Are Mastiffs Good with Kids

They don't tolerate being alone well, so you must consider your time commitment and ensure they receive enough attention and exercise. A Boerboel will reward you with fierce loyalty and abundant affection.

Boerboels have a sometimes off-putting attitude toward other dogs, which is understandable given their history as guardians. An aggressive or belligerent attitude toward other dogs should not be faulted.

They're not big barkers, but if they have something to say, you should heed the warning. Traditionally, their role was to subdue intruders until the owner could deal with the interloper.

Boerboel puppies experience colossal growth spurts as they develop, with estimates suggesting they may weigh between 5-20 pounds at one month old.

Their growth rate is quite rapid, and by six months old, they can weigh between 80-100 pounds. This means they'll likely continue to fill out and gain weight over the next few months.

To determine how much bigger your Boerboel puppy will get, consider their age, paw size, genetics, and gender. If they're less than a year old, they're likely still growing, and if they're closer to two years old, they're probably close to full-size.

Here's a rough estimate of a Boerboel's weight at different ages:

Boerboels take longer to mature than most breeds, with some requiring up to two years to finish filling out.

Puppy growth is a fascinating topic, and it's essential to understand how your Boerboel puppy will develop over time. Boerboels experience colossal growth spurts as puppies, and it's crucial to keep in mind that every puppy grows at their own rate.

You can estimate your Boerboel's weight at different stages of development using the growth chart. For example, at 6 months old, your Boerboel should weigh around 80 to 100 pounds.

Boerboels take a long time to mature, and it's not uncommon for them to grow for at least a year and a half to reach their full size. In fact, many Boerboels require up to two years to finish filling out.

To predict your Boerboel's size at maturity, you can consider their age, paw size, genetics, and gender. If your pup is less than a year old, they're likely still growing and may have a lot of weight to gain. If their paws look disproportionately large next to their legs and body, it's a sign they're still filling out.

Intriguing read: English Mastiff Weight Chart

Here's a rough estimate of your Boerboel's weight at different ages:

Remember, every puppy grows at their own rate, so don't worry if your Boerboel is a bit behind or ahead of these numbers.

Exercise is crucial for the Boerboel's physical and mental health. Daily exercise will provide welcome enrichment and interaction with other people and experiences.

Long walks are an ideal way to ensure your pet gets enough exercise.

The South African Boerboel Mastiff is a large breed that requires regular grooming to keep its coat healthy and shiny. A weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or grooming mitt will do the trick.

Boerboels are agile dogs that need daily exercise, but a few good walks or playtime in the backyard should keep them happy. They'll also love participating in agility, weight-pulling, and stock competitions if you're up for it.

One thing to keep in mind is that Boerboels are big dogs that need a lot of food to keep them full. This can add up quickly, so make sure your wallet is prepared for the costs.

A Boerboel's lifespan is 9-11 years, which is in line with other giant breeds. However, they can be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and cancer.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:

Regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing or managing these conditions.

A Boerboel's lifespan is 9-11 years, which is comparable to other giant dog breeds. They're generally a healthy breed, but like other giants, they can be prone to hip dysplasia and cancer.

Hip dysplasia and cancer are common issues in giant breeds, with bone cancers being more prevalent in larger breeds. It's essential to be aware of these potential health problems when considering a Boerboel as a pet.

Bloat is another significant concern for large breeds, where the stomach twists and cuts off blood supply, often resulting in death within hours. If not caught in time, it can be fatal.

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Preventing bloat is possible with a simple surgery where the stomach is stitched to the body cavity. This can be done during spaying or neutering, and it's recommended for all large barrel-chested dogs.

In addition to these specific health issues, Boerboels can also suffer from dental disease, ear infections, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart issues. Reputable breeders will conduct the necessary health screenings to minimize the risk of these conditions.

Here's a list of potential health issues to be aware of:

Pet insurance can help mitigate the financial burden of veterinary care, especially for emergencies or chronic conditions. It's a valuable investment for any pet owner, providing peace of mind and ensuring that your Boerboel receives the best possible care.

Taking care of your boerboel is relatively easy, thanks to their short, dense coat that only requires a weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or grooming mitt to keep it looking sleek and healthy.

You'll only need to give your boerboel an occasional bath, unless they get into something smelly or muddy, of course.

Daily exercise is a must, but it's not as demanding as you might think. A few good, long walks or playtime in your backyard should keep them happy.

Boerboels are smart working dogs that excel at agility, weight-pulling, and stock competitions, so if you're up for the challenge, they'll love participating in these activities.

However, be prepared for the fact that boerboels get big, really big, which means they need a lot of food to keep them full – and that can add up quickly.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here's a rough estimate of the costs:

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and can vary depending on your location and the specific needs of your boerboel.

The Boerboel's unique genetic makeup is closely tied to its physical characteristics, such as its large head and stature.

One study found that the Boerboel forms its own distinct line in genetic research, eventually merging with the breed cluster containing the Mastiff and Bullmastiff. This explains their similar physical traits.

The Boerboel's genetic link to these breeds is a fascinating aspect of its history and development.

A Boerboel's bite force can be estimated to be between 250 and 350 PSI, but this is just an estimate.

The Boerboel's bite force is not an indicator of aggression, but rather a reflection of its powerful jaw and size.

A Boerboel's bite force is actually quite comparable to other large breeds, but it still falls short of the Kangal breed's massive 743 PSI bite force pressure figure.

It's essential to remember that a dog's bite force does not determine its temperament or behavior, and proper training and socialization are crucial to prevent any potential issues.