Boerboels

Contents

Overview of Boerboels

  • Boerboel, therefore, translates as either “farmer’s dog” or “Boer’s dog” and should be pronounced a fewwhat like “boo-er-bool.” The proto-boerboel was a “bullenbitjer,” or “bull-biter,” a bullmastiff-type baiting and fighting dog imported by Jan van Riebeeck, one of the first Dutch settlers to land at Cape Horn, the future site of the city of Cape Town, in 1652.
  • Boerboels that are overweight, and that are on restricted diets still need to have proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and all other nutrients that are essential for good health.Supplements are important too1If you’ve decided to reduce your dog’s calorie consumption each day, it’s important not to eliminate vital nutrition in the process.
  • The Boerboel is a South African working dog whose name is Afrikaans (a language similar to Dutch) for “farmer’s dog” and pronounced with the “oe” making a sound like the “oo” in “boo.” They are a mastiff breed created by introducing a few native African breeds to English and other mastiffs.
  • Boerboels of certain colors are thought not to pass along black eumelanin pigmentation, an effective absorbent of light that can dissipate over 99.9% of absorbed UV radiation, all important in a dog bred to work in a hot, sun drenched environment.
  • The Boerboel is typically a healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions which include elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disease, and two disorders that affect the eyelids: ectropion and entropion.
  • The Boerboel is well pigmented, especially on the lips, palate, the skin and hair around the eyes, nose bulb, paw pads, toenails, the anus and the skin and hair around the genitals.Only dogs with black eumelanin pigmentation are acceptable.
  • Boerboel Pack Blue Eyed Lion Golden Lion; Gray Lion Red Eyed Lion Rhodesian Ridgeback Pack Scarred Lion; Shady Poacher Smug Leopard The Boerboel has a soft spot for children, and he is very tolerant of them touching and pulling him.
  • Boerboels used in hunting – About 50 years ago, when farming was much easier than in the pioneer days, young boys usually used this idle time and slipped away between 10 am and 3 pm to do a few hunting with the dogs.
  • Boerboels standing their ground – Boerboels capable of intimidating a whole team of world wise oxen, was usually big, self assured and intimidating to the degree that a small boy could watch them perform for hours.
  • Boerboels have a bite strength of about 650lbs per square inch, a PitBull has a bite of 235lbs per square inch, believe me, you do not want to be bitten by an adult (or even an adolescent) Boerboel even in play.
  • Breed

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    As the owner, unless you assert authority, a Boerboel will take over and rule your whole household, and you will be left to deal with the unfortunate Boerboel temperament problems that can plague owners of this breed.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],’thebarkspace_com-medrectangle-3′,’ezslot_2′,118,’0′,’0′]));
    We’ll discuss how to safely train your Boerboel as a guard dog later in this article, but you should also always consult a professional dog trainer (and your vet) when doing so.

    Coat

    It carries itself with a confident and powerful movement, is fearless and shows courage when threatened.[3]
    It carries itself with a confident and powerful movement, is fearless and shows courage when threatened.[3] Its head appears blocky with a short length between the stop and nose.The Boerboel [ˈbuːrbul], is a large, mastiff-type dog from South Africa with a black mask and a short coat.[1] This dog breed is large with a strong bone structure and well developed muscles.The Boerboel [ˈbuːrbul], is a large, mastiff-type dog from South Africa with a black mask and a short coat.[1] This dog breed is large with a strong bone structure and well developed muscles.

    Energy

    As a result I’m afraid we had little time or energy to devote to developing this blog into a proper resource for Boerboel owners as we had originally planned.That said, we were successful in re-socialising the pup, so much so that she has now been adopted by a lady with a young son.Dear Obi,thank you for your post.I’m pleased to say they all adore each other and there have been no incidents.However, we will be writing one and I will post it up as soon as I possibly can.In the meantime if you need any specific information on post-puppy stage diet, exercise, care etc.Unfortunately there is no article at the moment which covers the period you mention.We had planned to write one then completely out of the blue we had to do an emergency rescue of a female Boerboel puppy who found herself in a very bad situation indeed.All our focus for pretty much the next year was to save her from being put to sleep and to completely re-socialise her as she had become very child aggressive due to the bad situation she had found herself in.we will be more than happy to try to answer your questions as best we can.

    Grooming

    Boerboels don’t require much to maintain their physical appearance.If you’re looking for a beautiful breed to buy, you’d be making the right choice in getting a Boerboel.Their skin pigment is usually dark, with common colors such as brown and red.With their loose and thick skin, as well as their short shiny coats, Boerboels are relatively low-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming.

    Health

    Consult with your veterinarian for advice.

    Heart Disease

    Other illnesses that Boerboels are predisposed to are heart disease, elbow and hip dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, and two conditions that affect eyelids called ectropion and entropion.

    Infections

    A bath once a month, or when they get dirty, will keep them clean and pleasant smelling.Brush his teeth several days a week, and trim his nails every month or so to prevent painful cracking.The Boerboel’s short coat requires grooming only once a week.Wash your Boerboel’s ears weekly with a gentle, dog-friendly cleanser to prevent dirt buildup that can cause infections.

    Life expectancy

    They generally only live between 8 and 10 years on average.Unfortunately, the Boerboel does not have the longest life expectancy.

    Obesity

    Portion control is important in slowing the rate of obesity in all dogs.When fighting against Boerboel obesity, think portion control!Your veterinarian can help you determine how many calories your dog needs each day, and will help you address his or her weight issue.

    Personality

    Physical ability – Although the personality of the dog was always the most important criterion for selection, physical ability would also have played a role in the selection that shaped the Boerboel breed.The main functions of the Boerboel was guarding, working cattle and sheep (mostly accompanying the herds as a guard) and hunting.

    Social

    Happy endings all round.The blog will come back to life I promise, as soon as our batteries are recharged.My very best wishes and the very best of luck with your new arrival.ChristinaHi Elana,I hope you are well, the blog has gone into a little bit of cold storage mainly because we moved house which meant the two of us were living in different countries for the best part of a year, and then we rescued a little female Boerboel who was terrified of everything and needed full and intensive socialisation especially with children as the kids in the home we took her from had been allowed to torment and tease her as they liked and she was punished for reacting.It was, as you can imagine, a pretty big job but my partner was as brilliant with her as she has been with Riley so it all worked out in the end, so much so that we had her adopted by a lady with a young son (age 11 or 12) and apparently they are the best of friends and totally inseparable.

    Temperament

    5.One big problem that many mastiff owners face is their sheer aggressiveness and bad temperament, which is why many mastiff owners keep them at a distance from family members.The South African Boerboel is one of those mastiffs which has a very good temperament and is also excellent with children, which makes them one of the best pets you can have for your family as they are not only capable of guarding their territory fiercely, but they are also excellent companions.

    Training

    After your Boerboel has been in your life for a few weeks you will have an idea as to his energy levels and the kinds of games he likes to play but also when putting together a training/exercise schedule remember that your puppy is expending a MASSIVE amount of energy just growing.He has put on an average of 1.92kg a week, every week, this is tiring for your dog and can also be painful.Our German Shepherd however, was extremely active, had a massive engine and a very high prey drive and would chase a ball 24/7.Our pup has low energy levels and likes wrestling games (a lot and he is VERY strong) and tug, as a result he is relatively easy to tire out and a tired puppy is a happy puppy.Riley was 4.2 kg when we got him, he is now just over 40 kilos.That said, I would rather find strategies for dealing with frustration than have to deal with a dysplasic dog.Tiring him out whilst maintaining a sensible level of stress on his joints was difficult and often led to frustration.

    Can you afford to adopt a dog?

    Do you want to adopt this dog or puppy? So this is a good idea for you and your family.But before they assume a dog is necessary to think about its expenditure.There are different types of costs like vet bills for your lease, not just feeding a dog or puppy.But do not limit the costs of any animal.The cost of adopting dogs, such as training costs, food costs, Vet checks’ cost, Pet insurance cost, and any other cost are for adopting dogs.It is an essential thing to before adopting dogs.If you buy a puppy is also necessary to think about its expenditure.

    Is Boerboel A Good Choice For First-Time Dog Owners?

    Boerboels are challenging for first-time dog owners, and therefore, not a recommended choice unless you get assistance from a seasoned dog trainer.

    Are These Dogs Good for Families? ??

    These dogs make incredible protectors for families.To those that they know and trust, they will guard them with their life.They are generally gentle and patient, which makes them excellent companions for children.

    Are they Child-Friendly?

    Yes, they are indeed very good companions for your kids if they know each other well.For this, early socialization is very necessary.

    Are Boerboel dogs dangerous?

    They can be a risky breed to have, but that’s where training comes in.They’re eager to please and trainable, but they should be trained and socialized as a puppy before they become dominant adults.

    Exercise ??

    The Boerboel does best if its energy output is directed towards specific working tasks.These can include pulling things, protection and guarding of an area, or training in competitive dog sports.

    What does your Barbarian Puppy come with?

    We have three Pet Nanny‘s at Barbarian Boerboels who are absolute dog lovers.Your puppy rides first class all the way in the cabin on the nannies lap being pampered and they meet you at an airport near you.The fee for this service is typically between $500 and $600.

    Are Boerboels Dangerous?

    This is a question that comes up fairly often.

    How much exercise does an African Mastiff need?

    At least 2 hours of daily exercise is enough.This canine is athletic and would require constant interaction and stimulation, both mentally and physically.

    Boerboels: Is this breed too aggressive to be a family dog?

    Also known as South African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, Bole, or Burbull, the Boerboel dog (pronounced as “boo-er-bull”) is an intimidating guardian that’s also a big softy.

    Are These Dogs Good With Other Pets?

    They can be friendly with other household pets too (if raised with them, or socialized from a young age).Like any dog, they need to learn that those other four-legged, two-legged or big-eared creatures aren’t so bad and are part of the family too.

    Is a Boerboel for you?

    Boerboels, aka South African Mastiffs, are large, powerful, and imposing working dogs.They are intelligent, easy to train, reliable, and have plenty of personality.A Boerboel makes a great
    companion, a wonderful family and property protector, and the best guard dog available.Do not be fooled by their size, they are not a lazy breed at all.In fact, they have plenty of endurance
    and stamina to always be ready to go.A Boerboel is also a dog of stunning beauty.Statuesque, regal, graceful, and proud comes to mind as they patrol their turf.

    Are Boerboels Good Family Dogs?

    Boerboels are exceptional family dogs because they are extremely affectionate and friendly towards children, so much that their attitude is nanny-like with them.Therefore, they are obedient, loyal and devoted to their owners.

    Do You Want to Rescue a Boerboel?

    Take your dog search to the next level by adopting a Boerboel! All dogs need love, even the big and seemingly intimidating ones.

    How active is the Boerboel?

    This is not a dog suitable for apartment living given its size and it really does not a very large yard or more preferable land for it to run on.It is fairly active and used to be a working breed so if you are not keeping it as a farm dog and working it each day you do need to make sure it gets plenty of physical exercise, and then has chances for mental challenge and stimulation.Take it to a dog park but only if it has well socialized as it can have issues with other dogs.Make sure it has chances to run off leash somewhere safe.Take it on a couple of long daily walks and play with it.

    Are South African Boerboels Aggressive?

    Since they were bred for protecting homestead, they have a protective and territorial nature that can make them aggressive towards strangers and other animals, including other dogs, especially those of the same breed and sex.

    What is a Boerboel Dog?

    Pronounced “boo-r-bull” this breed finds its roots in South Africa, where the first farmer’s dog was believed to have been brought over by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652.

    Dangerous Dog?

    Like Pit Bulls, the African Boerboel has a reputation for being a “dangerous dog.” And, just like Pit Bulls, this reputation is undeserved.

    How big can Boerboels get?

    Burbulls has an average weight of 150 to 200 pounds (68 to 91 kg).If you’re going to compare the height by gender, females are about 22 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) tall.Males are bigger with a height of 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm).

    Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

    Socialization, especially earlier on, is essential for these dogs to accept other animals readily.Once they do, they protect them as if they were other members of the human household and are quite cuddly.

    How is the Boerboel with children and other animals?

    The fact is if in a good home with a strong owner and it is getting everything it needs, it is good with older children, is energetic and affectionate with them.Young kids can get knocked over easily though so supervision is always needed.It is best with children it has been raised with them and socialization is essential.Make sure children are taught how to approach dogs safely and how to touch and not to tease.With that socialization it can accept other pets in the home like rabbits, mice or so on but it would be a good idea not leave them both alone together! As a very dominant dog it does not do well with strange dogs if they too are dominant, especially if they are the same sex.If you already have a dominant dog at home and you are thinking of bringing a Boerboel home it is possible but you should bring a puppy not an adult so it adapts to the hierarchy that already exists in the home.

    Grooming ??

    This breed has an easy grooming requirement due to the short hair all over its body.They generally enjoy the attention, so they are easy to brush and bathe when needed.

    How Vocal Is the Breed?

    For the most part, the boerboel breed is not known for being overly vocal.A boerboel will bark at strangers that come into his territory, but he won’t typically bark at every sound or change in his environment.The only time that you may notice a boerboel getting excessively vocal without an obvious cause is if he is bored or restless.The boerboel needs plenty of exercise; if an individual doesn’t have an outlet for his energy, he can become destructive, easily excitable and quite vocal.

    How Do You Train an African Boerboel?

    The Boerboel is steadfast, highly intelligent and calm.However, just like every other breed, early socialization is an absolute must for this dog.

    Where to buy Boerboel puppies?

    You can quickly go online and search for Boerboel dogs and puppies for sale.But before you do that, you have to take into consideration their origin and natural instinct.

    Is a boerboel a good family dog?

    These Dogs are an intelligent and energetic breed.They are loyal, great with children, and tend to be protective of their family and territory.They are totally devoted and happy to be with their owners, but wary of strangers making them a good choice for a guard dog.

    Insuring a Boerboel?

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    Should you get a Boerboel or not?

    If this is your first time owning a dog, then we don’t recommend you to get this particular breed as they’re not easy to handle.Burbulls may have only a few health problems and are easy to groom, but they’re territorial and confident canines.

    Is your dog a Boerboel?

    You can use our Dog Scanner app to find out whether your dog is a Boerboel.

    Health and Conditions??

    Just as the build of the Boerboel is strong, so is the system of the dog.They have few reported cases of major hereditary health problems, living an average of ten to twelve years.Watch out for dysplasia in the hips and elbows of the dogs.Also, watch out for the health of their eyes as several of the other commonly associated health problems target the health of their eyes.

    What’s the Price of Boerboel Puppies?

    If you’re in the market for a Boerboel puppy, you’re likely wondering “what do Boerboel puppies cost?” Well, due to the specific breeding of the Boerboel puppies, the price for them lies between $1,500 and $2,000.This price will depend on the breed, their reputation, and the pedigree of the parents.

    Food & Diet Requirements ??

    Due to the massive musculature of this dog, the food requirements should be taken quite seriously.They need food that is easily digestible and full of the vitamins and nutrients they need.The protein content is especially important for the Boerboel, needing high protein rations to keep up its growth, muscle tone, and energy outputs.

    Who Worships, Breeds or Owns Boerboels?

    It would be dishonest not to discuss the types of people who own and breed these dogs, including Egle, who graduated up to South African boerboels after raising rottweilers and bullmastiffs.There comes a point where people can’t claim ignorance anymore about a dog breed’s heritage, nor deny that the real motive is often pathological narcissism — including the narcissist’s insistence on living in a self-aggrandizing fantasy world.Neither of these photos are cute; they are disturbing.

    Training ??

    The training of a Boerboel, as with any dog meant for aggression or protection, is of critical importance, especially in family situations.They need an assertive trainer that can quickly establish himself as the alpha male to earn the dog’s respect and move forward successfully.

    How Long is the Lifespan of a Boerboel?

    This is a hearty breed, gleaned from decades spent outdoors in harsh African climates.As mentioned in the first paragraph the life expectancy of a Boerboel is 10 to 12 years.

    What Is The Litter Size Of Boerboels?

    Boerboels have a litter size of 7 to 10 puppies.However, in some cases, it can be exceptionally big like the case of Bailee, a South African Boerboel that gave birth to 19 puppies in a single litter.Although it is a rare exception, it is useful to see that the size of litters can vary vastly.

    Is a Boerboel aggressive?

    Thisl breed gets along well with other pets, especially if they grow up together.They can be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex and breed.

    What kind of dogs are part of your family?

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    What will training look like?

    With experienced owners and trainers this is a fairly easy breed to train despite its size and dominance! It listens to commands, and with the right owners wants to obey and can even be trained quicker than some breeds as it requires less repetition sometimes.It is an intelligent dog and training should be started as soon as you have it home before its size makes it easy for it to ignore you! It needs strong leadership, rules set and abided by, a confident and consistent owner using clear commands but being encouraging, use treats and praise.

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    History of Boerboels

  • In 2010, the Boerboel was banned in Denmark.
  • In 2011, Russia designated the Boerboel an “especially dangerous breed,” subject to mandatory registration and certification.
  • In the 1980’s, a serious search started again for the original farm dog commonly known as the Boerboel, and the first Breed Society in South Africa formed to recognize the Boerboel as a breed.
  • In 1652, a large, mastiff-type dog known as “Bullenbijter” (bull baiting dog) was brought to South Africa.
  • In 1652, when Jan van Riebeeck and company arrived in Cape Town, they brought along a dog breed called the Bullenbijters for protection.  In 1938, De Beers used Bull mastiffs to guard their mines, and these dogs were then integrated with the Boerboel gene pool.
  • In 1938, the diamond mining company De Beers imported Bullmastiffs to guard their South African mines, and these dogs were subsequently integrated into the Boerboel gene pool.
  • In 1964 the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the Black Mouth Cur.
  • In 1983, Johan de Jager from the Natal province, a Boerboel breeder since 1960, took the initiative to found the South African Boerboel Breeders Association (SABBA).
  • In 1990 SABBA filmed and distributed a documentary on the Boerboel’s rich and extensive history in a harsh and unforgiving land.
  • In 1990 the Boerboel breed, according to the AKC, was in danger of being lost and a group of fanciers (later to become the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Association or SABT) started scouring South Africa for eligible dogs to use as a breeding base.
  • In 1993, a 7-year-old female Jindo named Baekgu (백구; 白狗; translated as a White Dog), raised by Park Bok-dan (박복단), an 83-year-old woman on Jindo Island, was sold to a new owner in the city of Daejeon which is located about 300 km (180 mi) away from the island.
  • In 2002, Romania prohibited the import of the Boerboel and restricted ownership to those with a court order allowing them to own the dog.
  • In 2002, Romania prohibited the import of the Boerboel, and France banned the breed.
  • In 2002, Romania prohibited the import of the Boerboel, and restricted ownership to those with a court order allowing them to own the dog.[20]
  • In 2002, Romania prohibited the import of the Boerboel, and restricted ownership to those with a court order allowing them to own the dog.[20]
  • In 2006, the Boerboel was accepted for recording in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS).
  • In 2010 it was fully recognized by the AKC.
  • In 2010 the breed was officially accepted into the American Kennel Club’s Working Dog Group.
  • In 2010, a South African surgeon warned that the “boerboel” was presenting an alarming new danger to children:
  • In 2010, Denmark banned the Boerboel for being a fighting dog (Currently existing dogs must be muzzled and leashed at all times in public).
  • In 2010, the Boerboel was banned in Denmark for being a fighting dog.
  • In 2010, the Boerboel was banned in Denmark.[21]
  • In 2010, the Boerboel was banned in Denmark.[21]
  • In 2011, Russia designated the Boerboel an “especially dangerous breed,” subject to mandatory registration and certification.[22]
  • In 2011, Russia designated the Boerboel an “especially dangerous breed,” subject to mandatory registration and certification.[22]
  • In 2011, Russia designated the Boerboel an “especially dangerous breed,” as did the Ukraine.
  • In 2015, the AKC admitted the boerboel into the working dog category, which helped raise the breed’s profile in North America. 
  • In 2015, the breed became a member of the AKC Working Group.
  • In 2015, they were admitted to the American Kennel Club in the ‘Working Group’ category.
  • In 2015, Wisconsin became the first state to introduce a bill to make blaze pink a legal hunting color.
  • In the 1600s a Jan van Riebeeck brought with him a large dog ‘bullenbijter’ to the Cape.
  • In the 1800s, a number of dog breeds were brought to South Africa to help guard the military posts found scattered throughout the territory.
  • In the 1920s a diamond mining compnay called De Beers brought in Bullmastiffs to South Africa to guard their mines.
  • In the 1930’s, Bullmastiffs were brought to South Africa by the De
    Beers diamond company to help guard their mines.
  • In the 1950’s a Mr.
  • In the 1980’s, a serious search started again for the original farm dog commonly known as the Boerboel, and the first Breed Society in South Africa formed to recognize the Boerboel as a breed.
  • In the 1980s, aware of the predicament faced by the breed, enthusiasts revived and preserved the Boerboel.
  • In the 1980s, however, a group of breed enthusiasts sought to begin breeding pure Boerboels again.
  • In the 1980s, South African dog lovers set out to establish a standard for the breed.
  • In the 1980s, the breed made a comeback after enthusiasts put careful, intentional thought into resurrecting the breed.