A self-assured, clever guardian that is deeply loyal to its household and keen to please the people it trusts. Naturally watchful of strangers and other dogs, it does best with an experienced owner who provides early socialisation and steady training.132
how to spot oneBoerboel coat and colours
short, smooth
A short, dense and glossy coat over thick, loose-fitting skin on a powerful, muscular mastiff frame.13
Comes inredbrownreddish brownfawncreambrindleIrish markedwith or without black mask (mask preferred)black (accepted by SABBS only)13
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Boerboel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
how busy a day looksBoerboel exercise needs
Needs substantial daily exercise and mental work, around two hours a day according to one breed guide, to stay content.2
where they are happiestBoerboel at home
Best in a home with a securely fenced yard and room to move; historically a farm and homestead dog.13
who they like aroundBoerboel with people and other pets
Very attached and protective toward its own family, including children, but needs supervision and good introductions with unfamiliar dogs.23
the hands-on bitsBoerboel grooming and care
Low-maintenance coat: a weekly brush and an occasional bath keep it in good shape.2
what goes in the bowlBoerboel food and feeding
A diet formulated for large or giant breeds with moderate to high activity; ask a vet about portions.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Boerboel, and at what times?
Feed your Boerboel at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy, as their stomach empties quickly. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and it's best to ask your vet for exact portions and timing.24
What should a Boerboel eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A diet made for large or giant breeds with moderate to high activity is ideal, and your vet can help with portions. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs.25
How often should I bathe a Boerboel?
Bathe your Boerboel at least once every three months, or more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but always use a gentle dog shampoo.6
How often does a Boerboel need brushing?
Brush your Boerboel's short, smooth coat once a week to keep it healthy and shiny. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends weekly brushing, which is simple and helps reduce shedding.26
How do I trim a Boerboel's nails, and how often?
Trim your Boerboel's nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain, and ask your vet or groomer for a demo if unsure.6
How much exercise does a Boerboel need?
Your Boerboel needs about two hours of daily exercise and mental work to stay happy and calm. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and play, which fits their need for substantial activity.2
How do I look after a Boerboel's teeth and ears?
Brush your Boerboel's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks, but never push anything into the ear canal.6
How long does a Boerboel live?
A Boerboel typically lives between 10 and 12 years, which is a good lifespan for a large breed. Regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle can help them thrive.2
Is a Boerboel good with children and other pets?
Yes, a Boerboel is deeply loyal and protective of its family, including children, but needs supervision and early socialisation. They can be watchful of other dogs, so introduce them carefully and with training.132
Can a Boerboel be left alone?
Boerboels are very attached to their family and may not do well alone for long periods. They need a securely fenced yard and plenty of company, so it's best to ask a good breeder or vet for advice on your specific situation.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Boerboel costs
Running costs for a Boerboel, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Boerboel legal where you live?
6 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the Boerboel. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
BannedHundeloven §1a: possession and breeding of these 13 breeds and any cross containing them is prohibited (since 2010); commercial import is banned.
BannedLChiens Art. 23 and RChiens Art. 17 (15 'chiens listés' and their crosses): these dogs are banned in the canton. Dogs already kept when their breed was listed may stay only with a keeping authorisation, and owners of newly listed dogs must apply within 12 months of the listing; listed dogs must pass a behaviour test (RChiens Art. 16).
Import bannedMAST (Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority) does not permit import of these breeds, their crosses for 5 generations, wolf hybrids for 10 generations, or other dogs of comparable origin, physique or temperament.
Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people.
Insurance requiredPart 1 licensing conditions: leashed and muzzled in public, sterilised over 6 months, insurance of at least 100,000 SGD, 5,000 SGD banker's guarantee, obedience training.
Import bannedDepartment of Veterinary Services Malaysia: these breeds and their crosses are banned from import (as published on the Australian government MICoR page for Malaysia).
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Boerboel tip
Boerboels are prone to weight gain, so keep treats modest and factor them into daily calories. For fast eaters or those with a sensitive stomach, split meals and avoid exercise right after eating to support comfortable digestion. Ask your vet about dental chews to help manage periodontal disease in this stoic breed.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The name comes from Afrikaans: 'boer' means farmer and 'boel' is short for boelhond, meaning bulldog.3
2
In South Africa it is classed as a landrace under the Animal Improvement Act.3
3
Early Boerboels guarded homesteads against leopards and other large wildlife.3
4
The two main breed registries differ on colour: SABBS accepts black dogs, while KUSA does not.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name "Boerboel" comes from the Afrikaans words "boer" (farmer) and "boel" (a type of dog), meaning "farmer's dog."7
I wake up and stretch, my tail thumping against the floor. My human laughs and says I'm too big for the bed. We head outside, and I sniff every bush, this is my territory. Then it's breakfast and a game of fetch. I love carrying the ball back slowly, just to see my human's smile. In the afternoon, we walk to the park where I guard the bench and watch kids play. Home again, I curl up by the couch, feeling the day's warmth. Belly rubs end the evening. I'm not just a dog; I'm the heart of this home.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganBoerboel history
The Boerboel grew out of mastiff and bulldog types brought by European settlers to southern Africa from the 1600s, which were used to guard farms against predators. Organised breeding started in the 1950s, and the first breeders' association was founded in 1983.132
Bullmastiff
Cane Corso
English Mastiff
Dogue de Bordeaux