Should You Get a Boerboel?
The Boerboel is a dog of serious substance — powerful, confident, and bred with a clear purpose. Originally developed in South Africa as a farm guardian, this breed is known for its protective instincts, imposing strength, and deep loyalty to its family. Boerboels are typically calm and stable when properly raised, but they are not casual pets; their size, intelligence, and natural guarding tendencies require structure, training, and a capable owner. For the right household, a Boerboel can be an exceptionally devoted companion and watchdog. Before deciding, it’s worth understanding what living with such a formidable breed truly involves.
Boerboel at a Glance
Temperament: Confident, protective, loyal
Breed Type: Large guardian / working dog
Height: 22–27 inches
Weight: 150–200+ pounds
Lifespan: 9–11 years
Shedding: Low to moderate
Exercise Needs: Moderate
Good for Families: Yes, with proper training
Best for Owners: Experienced / strong handlers
Origin: South Africa
Size: Giant
Boerboel Translation
The Boerboel, a powerful and loyal breed, was originally developed in South Africa to guard homesteads and protect livestock. Its name translates to “farm dog” or “farmer’s dog,” reflecting its working heritage. Often called “The Mastiff of Africa” or the South African Mastiff, this breed is known for its strength, intelligence, and protective nature.
Boerboel Origin
The Boerboel traces its origins to the 1600s, when European settlers brought powerful mastiff-type dogs like the Bullenbeisser and Barenbijter to South Africa. These dogs were then crossed with resilient native African breeds, resulting in a large, robust dog capable of enduring the harsh conditions of the region. Over time, this selective breeding produced the Boerboel.
The Boerboel Nears Extinction
The Boerboel almost became extinct in the early 1900’s. I wasn’t until the 1980’s when Lucas van der Merwe and Jannie Bouwer scoured thousands of kilometers in South Africa looking for the dogs. They were able to register 72 canines. To ensure the breed’s preservation and standardization, they established the South African Boerboel Breeders Association (SABBA) in 1983, which became the primary registry for Boerboels. Later, other organizations like the Boerboel Breeders Society of South Africa (BBSSA) and the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) also became involved in breed recognition.
The Boerboel’s Closest DNA Relatives
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed development, the Boerboel has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
BullMastiff
Bulldog
Mastiff
Countries Where Boerboels Are Banned or Restricted
The Boerboel is restricted or banned in several countries due to its classification as a “dangerous,” “molosser,” or “large guard dog” breed. These bans are often based on concerns about aggression, potential risk to public safety, or incidents involving similar powerful breeds.
Full Bans (Ownership Illegal)
France – Listed as a Category 1 “attack dog” (without pedigree), requiring strict regulations.
Malaysia – Banned under the Dog Breeds Act 2012 (considered a “ferocious breed”).
Qatar – Prohibited due to its size and perceived aggression.
Switzerland – Cantonal laws may ban or require special permits.
Mauritius – Listed as a dangerous breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Bermuda – Banned under breed-specific legislation (BSL).
Import Bans (Cannot Be Brought into the Country)
Singapore – All imports of Boerboels are prohibited.
Denmark – Listed under the Dog Keeping Act (requires special permission).
Romania – Restricted as a “dangerous breed.”
Tunisia – Banned imports of Boerboels and other “aggressive” breeds.
Faroe Islands – Prohibits certain mastiff-type breeds.
Turks and Caicos – Banned imports under their Dangerous Dogs Ordinance.
Boerbeol Size and Coat Colors
According to AKC Breed Standard the Boerboel breed can reach up to 27 inches in height and up to 200 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
Solid Colors:
Red
Brown
Reddish Brown
Fawn
Cream
Brindle: Brindle patterns in any of the accepted colors
Irish Marked: White markings (chest, feet, face)
Mask:
Black mask is desirable but not required.
Dogs can also be without a mask.
Disqualifications (AKC):
Blue/gray (slate) coloration
Piebald (excessive white)
Any color not listed above
FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) Recognition Status
Currently, the FCI does NOT currently recognize the Boerboel.
Reason: The FCI requires a breed to have a stable, standardized population with a clear breeding history. While the Boerboel is well-established in South Africa and the U.S., the FCI has not yet granted recognition, possibly due to:
Lack of uniformity in European breeding lines.
Disputes between different Boerboel registries (SABBA, EBBASA, etc.).
Breed standard differences between kennel clubs.
Boerboel’s as Prison Guard Dogs
Packs of Boerboels were once used for hunting leopards and baboons. They have since been used for boar hunting and as prison guard dogs. They are a large, muscular breed with a strong bone structure that can be intimidating to strangers. They are protective by nature and socializing a Boerboel is VERY important. They are one of the best guard dogs in the world because:
Fearlessness – They won’t back down from a threat.
Strong Protective Drive – They don’t just bark; they act if they sense danger.
Natural Intimidation Factor – Few intruders would challenge a Boerboel.
Balanced Temperament – Unlike some aggressive mastiffs, a well-bred Boerboel is calm but decisive.
Growing Up Boerboel
Get a FREE Video of your dog HERE!
How Fast Can a Boerboel Run?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Boerboel’s is almost 23 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Boerboel was by a dog named A Lonestar Mowadi at 27.82 mph!
Are Boerboel’s Loyal?
Boerboel’s are Very Loyal and protective of their families. They will instinctively position themselves between a perceived threat and you. A well-bred Boerboel will position itself strategically, often:
Standing sideways to create a barrier.
Moving in front of their owner when a stranger approaches.
Placing themselves at doorways/gates as a first line of defense.
This is a natural behavior that can be seen in some dogs at a very young age.
Male or Female Boerboel?
Female Boerboel’s typically mature faster (mentally and emotionally) than males, often by 12–18 months, while males may take up to 2–3 years to fully settle. They are very good at identifying potential threats and are more territorial. In general, males tend to be friendlier and will build a strong bond with one member of the household.
Boerboel Humor!
Boerboel Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Boerboel/Mastiff ranks 72nd out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 80 to 100 repetitions and obey first commands less than 25% of the time. This puts them in the “lowest working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Boerboel Health and Lifespan
Boerboel’s Have an Average lifespan of 9-11 years. They are a hardy breed, but there are some health conditions to be aware of :
According to OFA statistics, the Boerboel has an almost 40% rate of hip dysplasia and 33% rate of elbow dysplasia. They may also be susceptible to “Wobbler Syndrome” and stones in the urinary tract.
While Boerboels face higher-than-average rates of joint issues, responsible breeding and proactive care can greatly improve their quality of life. A well-cared-for Boerboel can remain active and pain-free for years.
Check Your Boerboel Facts and Take a Fun Boerboel Quiz!
Quick Facts About Boerboels Infographic
Facts About the Boerboel-Final Thoughts
Boerboels possess a unique combination of traits and characteristics. From their impressive size and protective nature to their unwavering loyalty and family guard dog abilities, Boerboels are a breed that requires the right owners who understand their needs. With consistent training and early socialization, these large dogs can become well-rounded and obedient companions. Their short coat makes grooming easy, and their protective instinct makes them an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a reliable protector. However, it is important to note that proper obedience training should start at an early age to ensure that the Boerboel’s protective instincts are properly channeled. A Boerboel is not the best dog for a first time owner, or those with young children as they are a large breed that requires proper training and alpha leadership.
