AKA: African Boerboel, South African Boerboel, South African Mastiff

Description: The Boerboel is a big, muscular, and well-balanced working dog. This breed is impressive and intimidating in appearance. Its head is short, square, and muscular, with well filled cheeks. The top is broad and flat. The face can be with or without a black mask. There is a visible stop and the muzzle is black. The nostrils are large and widely spaced. The nasal bone is straight and parallel to the top-line head, tapering slightly to the front. The jaws are strong, narrowing slightly to the front and forming a scissors bite. The eyes are a dark brown and the ears hang down in a V shape (except when they are alert and the ears form a straight line with the top of the head).

The Boerboel has a muscular neck with a loose skin under the throat. The top line of its body is straight. The tail is short and is attached high to the body. The hind paws are slightly smaller than the front paws; both are round with dark curved toenails. The Boerboel’s skin is thick and there are moderate wrinkles on the forehead when it’s alert.

Dynamics: The Boerboel is an intelligent dog and a reliable watch and guard dog. It is fearless and at the same time obedient to its owners. It is also playful and affectionate. It gets along well with children. It loves a game of fetch and it revels in the attention it gets.

This breed makes a good guardian for the family. It is a natural protector and may get suspicious of any strangers coming near. It will accept visitors as guests only when it has confirmed that it is a friend. The Boerboel also gets along well with other dogs and pets.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 154-200 lbs (70-90 kg)

Height: males 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), females 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)

Color: The Boerboel’s coat comes in cream white, pale tawny, reddish brown, brown, and all shades of brindle.

Country of Origin: The Boerboel originated in South Africa, where it was bred from the Bulldog and Mastiff type of dogs, and with the Hottentots. It was also crossed with the English long-legged Bulldog and the Bull Mastiff.

Grooming: In grooming the Boerboel, an occasional brushing is enough. Bathe it once a month. This breed is not suitable for an apartment life and needs an large area where they can run and play.

Activities: The Boerboel loves a lot of good exercise and play sessions.