Boerboel

Temperament & Personality

You'll find your Boerboel to be a loyal, gentle giant at home. Devoted to family and especially patient with children, Boerboels often come across as calm and affectionate indoors. However, they inherit a strong guardian instinct, so they can be wary of strangers or unfamiliar dogs. Early socialization is critical to ensure a confident, well-rounded adult. These dogs are intelligent and trainable, but their size and assertive nature mean they do best with owners who can provide firm, consistent guidance. In a loving home, a well-socialized Boerboel is calm, loyal, and protective of its family.

Care, Living Environment, & Grooming

Boerboels are large, active dogs that need daily exercise – roughly 60–90 minutes of walking, jogging, or playtime. They are not well suited to small apartments due to their size and energy. A home with a securely fenced yard is ideal. Their coat is short and dense, requiring minimal maintenance. Plan to brush a Boerboel weekly to remove loose hairs and check their ears and teeth; frequent bathing is not needed. Trim nails as needed (often monthly) and provide regular dental care.

Because Boerboels are deep-chested, they are prone to gastric torsion (bloat). To help prevent this, feed them a high-quality large-breed diet in two or more small meals per day and avoid vigorous exercise right after eating. Also, keep them cool in extreme heat and consider a coat in very cold weather since their short fur offers limited insulation.

Grooming Schedule:

• Weekly: Brush the Boerboel's short coat and inspect ears and teeth
• Monthly: Trim nails and bathe if needed; clean ears

Training & Socialization

Boerboels are intelligent and responsive dogs, but they also have a strong will and protective instinct. Training should begin early, using positive reinforcement (treats, praise, toys) and clear consistency. Avoid harsh corrections. Because of their natural guarding tendencies, early socialization is vital. Introduce your puppy to many people, places, and other animals in a controlled way so that it grows up confident, not fearful. Puppy classes or obedience schools are highly recommended. With patient, firm leadership and plenty of mental stimulation, even this powerful breed learns quickly and becomes a well-mannered companion.

Health Considerations

Boerboels generally live around 9–11 years. They are mostly healthy but, like all large breeds, can inherit certain conditions. Common issues include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Eye disorders (ectropion, entropion)
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (genetic heart disease)
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus ("bloat")

Responsible breeders screen Boerboels for these conditions. If you are concerned, ask about hip/elbow evaluations (OFA/PennHIP), cardiac testing, and ophthalmology exams. Early detection through vet check-ups is important for managing any issues.

Cost of Ownership

Owning a Boerboel can run around $2,200 per year on average. A large part of that is food (about $800–$1,000 yearly for high-quality dog food). Routine veterinary care (vaccinations, heartworm prevention, check-ups) is roughly $300–$400. Pet insurance often costs around $500 annually for a large breed. Grooming costs are minimal (about $50–$100/year for brushes and the occasional nail trim). The rest (about $300–$400) goes to toys, supplies, training, and licensing. Note that the first year is higher: initial puppy costs, spay/neuter, and extra vet visits can easily double your costs (first-year expenses around $5,300).

Annual Cost Breakdown:

• Food: $800–$1,000/year (large appetite)
• Routine Vet: $300–$400/year (wellness exams, vaccines, preventatives)
• Insurance: $500/year (large-breed premium)
• Grooming: $50–$100/year (short coat maintenance)
• Other: $300–$400/year (toys, training)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Loyal, protective guardian who forms strong family bonds
• Gentle and calm with family members
• Intelligent and trainable with consistent leadership
• Short coat requires minimal grooming maintenance

Cons

• Very large size requires ample space and physical strength to handle
• Strong-willed nature needs experienced, confident owner
• Can be naturally wary of strangers without proper socialization
• Potential for serious health issues (hip problems, heart disease, bloat)

Fun Facts

• Name Origins: "Boerboel" comes from Afrikaans words meaning "farmer's mastiff".
• Farm Guardian Heritage: Bred by South African Boers for centuries, Boerboels protected farms and could even fend off predators like lions and hyenas.
• Breed Revival: By the 1980s the breed had dwindled, but South African breeders successfully revived the Boerboel, preserving its genetic line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Boerboels shed a lot?

Not excessively. Boerboels have a short, dense coat, so shedding is moderate. They lose more fur seasonally, but with weekly brushing you'll keep loose hair under control. In general, they're considered low-maintenance in terms of grooming.

Are Boerboels good apartment dogs?

Generally no. Boerboels are very large and energetic, so they do best in a home with a yard. In a pinch, a highly active family might manage in a large apartment if you commit to long daily walks and play. But expect a Boerboel to need space to move around comfortably.

How much exercise does a Boerboel need?

Quite a bit. Most Boerboels need about 1–2 hours of exercise per day. This can be in several walks, play sessions, or running in a yard. Without enough activity, they may become bored or restless, so daily walks and mental games are important.

Can first-time owners handle a Boerboel?

They are usually not the best choice for a first-time owner. Boerboels require firm, confident leadership and consistent training. If you have no prior experience with large breeds, the Boerboel's size and protective nature can be challenging. Experienced owners or those willing to learn quickly will have more success.

References

1. PetMD – Boerboel
2. Fi – Boerboel
3. PetBudget – Boerboel Cost