Boerboel
About the Boerboel
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Giant (100+ lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 22-27" |
| Weight | 150-200 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,500-$5,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,900/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Boerboels may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
- Guard Dog
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Boerboel
The story behind the Boerboel
Dutch, German and Huguenot settlers arriving at the Cape from the 1600s onward brought large mastiff-type dogs to guard homesteads on isolated frontier farms, and these crossed with local dogs and with later British imports, including bulldog and mastiff stock introduced during the colonial period. Selection was ruthless and entirely practical, favouring dogs that could face predators, deter intruders, work around livestock and live safely alongside families in remote country. Urbanisation and the spread of other breeds diluted the population through the twentieth century. South African enthusiasts began locating and registering surviving farm dogs from the 1980s, establishing appraisal systems and a written standard, and international recognition followed. The Boerboel is now kept as guardian and companion in South Africa and abroad, and it faces legal restrictions in some jurisdictions.
Originally bred for: Guarding, Farm work, Livestock guardian. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Boerboel
Giant growth requires large-breed puppy food with controlled energy so a heavy frame develops slowly, and adults do best on a quality diet with strong protein and measured portions. Excess weight loads joints hard on a mastiff build, and deep chests favour calm divided meals.
Watch for: Deep-chested mastiff types are commonly advised toward smaller divided servings, slow eating and quiet periods around meals. No breed-specific ingredient sensitivity is documented, though skin folds and short coats make any irritation highly visible. Any dietary change or persistent problem belongs with a veterinarian.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Boerboel
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.