Boerboel
Also known as: South African Mastiff
The Boerboel hails from South Africa. The Boerboel comes from South Africa, and has a short, smooth coat. Individual Boerboels vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- South Africa
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- short, smooth
- Colour
- red, brown or yellow, either solid or brindled black (SABBS only)
- Other names
- South African Mastiff
About the Boerboel
The Boerboel hails from South Africa. Boerboel is a large, powerful breed. Males typically reach a height of 24-27 inches.
Overview
The Boerboel ( .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%} pronounced [ ˈbuːrbul ] ) is a South African breed of large dog of mastiff type, used as a family guard dog . It is large, with a short coat, strong bone structure and well-developed muscles. It is recognised by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa , but not by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale .
Health
The Boerboel may develop hip or elbow dysplasia , vaginal hyperplasia , ectropion and entropion . Juvenile epilepsy (with attacks brought on by metabolic changes or stress) has been observed.
History
The name Boerboel derives from the Afrikaans words boer , meaning farmer, and boel , a shortening of boelhond , meaning bulldog. The Boerboel descends from an old colonial cross-breed of mastiffs and bulldogs used both as a guard dog on remote farms and estates and for big game hunting , and known as the Boer Dog : 618 or Boer Hunting Dog. An account from 1909 describes this cross-breed as the best dog for hunting leopards and baboons in packs; a leopard with a leg caught in a trap can be killed by a pack of them. : 186 The Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa describes the Boer Mastiff as an excellent fighter; one killed leopards in four single combats over a number of years, but was killed by a fifth. Breeding of the Boerboel began in the 1950s. A breed association , the Suid-Afrikaanse Boerboel Telersvereniging or South African Boerboel Breeders Association, was established in 1983. A new association, the South African Boerboel Breeders'' Society, was formed in 2012 and registered with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2014.
Legislation
In South Africa, the Animal Improvement Act (62 of 1998) defines a breed of animal indigenous to or developed in the republic to be a landrace , therefore the Boerboel is regarded as a landrace in the republic. The Act grants powers to a registered "animal breeders society", and the South African Boerboel Breeders'' Society (SABBS) is a registered animal breeders society. The SABBS is the only organisation authorised under the Act to officially register Boerboels. As legally registered custodian of the Boerboel dog breed, SABBS is responsible for the standards that govern identification, recording, evaluation and improvement of the breed. The Kennel Union of Southern Africa recognises that Boerboels were registered on its books.
Restrictions
Ownership of the dog is restricted or banned in many countries, among them Bermuda, Denmark, the Faroe Islands , France, Mauritius, Qatar, Tunisia and the Turks and Caicos islands.
Characteristics
The Boerboel is a large dog, with a strong bone structure and well-developed muscles. The head is large and the muzzle is short. 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. There is one minor divergence between breed standards; the Kennel Union of South Africa does not accept black but SABBS does. The dogs show courage when threatened; they may display aggression toward other dogs or strangers.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Boerboel?
The Boerboel is a large dog with a strong bone structure and well-developed muscles. It has a short, sleek coat with dense hair coverage, and recognised colours include brindle, fawn, and brown. The head is large, and the muzzle is short. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance and robust build.
Is the Boerboel a good family dog?
The Boerboel is often used as a family guard dog due to its loyalty and protective nature. However, it requires early socialisation and training to ensure it gets along well with children and other pets. With proper care and attention, the Boerboel can make a loving and devoted family member.
What health problems do Boerboels have?
The Boerboel may be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, ectropion, and entropion. Juvenile epilepsy has also been observed in some cases. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Boerboel puppy cost?
The cost of a Boerboel puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Boerboel puppy can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a large breed dog.
Where do Boerboels come from?
The Boerboel comes from South Africa. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Boerboel, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.