Boerboel Breed description: Character & Co

Attitude and character of the Boerboel

Boerboels are calm dogs by nature. They are not familiar with nervousness. Their main characteristics are self-confidence, fearlessness, courage and a strong protective instinct. They are obedient and loyal companions. The Boerboel was, is and will always be a guard dog. Nothing escapes their sense of alertness, which developed over hundreds of years of breeding. It is also able to quickly distinguish whether a visitor comes as a friend or an enemy. In the latter case, they will instinctively live up to their role as a protector and fearlessly confront any intruder. This dog is not aggressive by nature. As part of a family, they develop an intense strong bond with all family members and make lovable playmates, especially for children. Nevertheless, children should never be left unattended with this dog. The relationship between Boerboel and humans works best when it is built on honesty, trust and mutual respect. Then the Boerboel will be a loyal, obedient companion and friend throughout their lives.

The Boerboel is not a suitable dog for first-time owners.

It belongs in the hands of an experienced dog owner. This alone is dictated by its shier size and strength. If they are kept purely as a city or apartment dog without having their own area to guard, they will give little pleasure to their owner. Neighbours will also not be too fond of them. Their innate strong territorial behaviour and pronounced protective instinct completely goes against living in a city and being surrounded by a lot of people. But families in the country without immediate neighbours will appreciate the dog's qualities. An important requirement for species-appropriate keeping is an escape-proof large area, in which the dog can be an attentive guard in. At the same time,  this provided it will also have sufficient space to run around in. The muscular dogs need a consequent education, training as well as a safe guidance already at an early age. Even though the Boerboel is characterised by great self-confidence and independence, he wants to please his humans. If he feels he is being treated fairly, he will also want to please his master.

As a large dog, the Boerboel also needs large amounts of food, which should be fed in small controlled portions spread out over the day. In this way, overfeeding and overweight can be avoided. The most suitable food is high-quality dry food. This should contain all necessary vitamins and nutrients in the right composition. It is essential to let them rest after feeding, otherwise there is a risk of a life-threatening stomach torsion. The dog should also not be disturbed while eating. Special puppy food with a low protein content (under 25 percent) is available for Boerboel puppies. This is due to the fact that the already rapid growth of the Boerboel must not be promoted with high-energy food. Too fast growth favours the development of joint diseases, especially in large dogs.

Typical diseases of Boerboels

The Boerboel has a predisposition for:

• Hip dysplasia (HD)
• Elbow dysplasia (ED)
• Vaginal prolapse (uterine prolapse)

The first two diseases listed above can be counteracted with appropriate nutrition. Since both diseases are often hereditary, everyone who wants to buy a Boerboel puppy should have HD and ED examinations of the parents shown beforehand. Serious breeders will have no objections to this. There is no sensible prevention against a prolapsed uterus, as this disease is usually caused by a weakness of the connective tissue. This often occurs after giving birth. In mild cases, pelvic floor training is helpful. In severe cases only surgery can help, in which the uterus and ovaries may be removed.