Boerboel Complete Breed Guide

The Boerboel (‘farmer’s dog’ in Afrikaans) originates in South Africa. It is a guard dog which was created by mixing various African and European breeds, possibly including the Bulldog, Bullmastiff, and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

The Boerboel has very strong watchdog and guard dog instincts. It has a great instinct for danger and will guard its owners and their property with its life. Boerboels are playful and affectionate with those they love.

Exercise & Activity

The Boerboel loves to play. It requires daily exercise, such as playtime in a large, fenced yard or a long walk. The Boerboel should always be walked on a leash and watched closely around strangers. Due to their size and exercise needs, the Boerboel is not recommended for apartment life.

The Boerboel is self assured and fearless. It is highly devoted to family and affectionate with children it knows, but can be aggressive toward strangers. Friends and other pets should be introduced with care, preferably early in the dog’s life. The Boerboel has an unusually high requirement for human companionship—periods of isolation will result in destructive and disobedient behavior.

The Boerboel has a short, dense, and sleek coat which is brown, red, yellow, black, fawn, or brindle (light/dark stripes), with possible white markings on the head, neck, chest, and legs. A black mask is preferred. The Boerboel is an average shedder.