Boerboel. South African Boerboel. Today, Boerboel puppies are popular among breeders, who want to buy this breed quite a lot. But why are these dogs so attractive?
As you know, a dog is man's friend. Different dog breeders have different requirements for their pets. A four-legged pet should be a protector, a companion, an assistant. The dog's attractive appearance also plays an important role. The South African Boerboel combines fighting endurance and special beauty.
Those who are planning
to buy a Boerboel should familiarize themselves with the reasons for choosing this particular dog.
History of the origin of the Boerboel dog breed
The breed began its history as a farm dog of settlers back in the 17th century. Settlers from Western countries arriving at the Cape of Good Hope brought with them their dogs for guarding and hunting.
Among the animals that arrived were large mastiff-like dogs. The colonists moved further into the continent, engaged in farming and agriculture, and their dogs were isolated from the outside world, and breeding work was carried out in a very limited blood diversity.
Natural selection played a role in the formation of the breed. Farmers kept only strong, obedient, hardy, unpretentious, healthy dogs for further breeding. Weak individuals did not survive in harsh African conditions. Then the characteristic features of the South African Boerboel breed began to appear.
- The growth of cities and the desire for urban life threatened the national breed.
- Active restoration of the Boerboel began in the 80s, when the South African Association of Breed Fans was created.
- In 1990, the Association of Boerboel Breeders in Africa was created. The dogs became famous outside their homeland.
- In Russia, the first Boerboels appeared in 1998, and the NKP was created in 2001.
The breed is not recognized by the FCI.
Breed characteristics and character
The South African Boerboel is one of the breeds that is not recognized by the largest international canine community, the FCI. In addition to this, some breeders put stamps on the dog such as “tailless mastiff” or “half-breed”.
In fact, Boerboels have mastiffs as relatives, but they certainly cannot be called half-breeds or mestizos. This is a separate breed, the roots of which are directed to the distant past.
Battles involving them are described in historical references dating back hundreds of years. The dogs, described as similar to Boerboels, were participants in gladiator fights in Britain. Towards the middle of the 16th century, animals began to spread across the lands of the Republic of South Africa.
People who settled on the Cape of Good Hope took many dogs as guards, so the island sheltered various guard breeds from Europe. It is difficult to say with certainty who exactly is the progenitor of modern Boerboels. In addition, dogs performed the functions of farmers - tending herds and flocks.
By the end of the twentieth century the Boerboel breed had completely disappeared from the face of the earth - the process of urbanization and the no longer need for protection and conservation led to this. However, dog handlers realized it in time and quickly began to restore the breed. There were breeders, kennel owners and several African enthusiasts who were able to achieve the breeding and distribution of dogs throughout the globe.
The dogs quickly began to gain popularity due to their independent and balanced character. But at the same time, it is important to remember the ancient instincts of a protector. A dog can easily attack a person and even bite someone who encroaches on someone else’s territory.
It is important that the dog is socialized from puppyhood and raised among people. He is easy to train and train. However, your dog will need a leash and a muzzle when walking.
Appearance of the breed
This is a large, massive, but not gigantic dog, heavy, with well-developed muscles, but very agile, dexterous and fast. The Boerboel is a very balanced dog, strong, wide, stocky, combining strength and lightness. The dog should not be raw, i.e. have drooping eyelids, long jowls and wrinkled, loose skin.
The head and body of dogs in profile look like a rectangle. The head is muscular, wide, massive, short. The ears are hanging, pressed to the head.
Standard sizes:
- The ideal height of males is 66 cm (less than 60 is defective);
- The ideal height of bitches is 61 cm (less than 55 – defective).
Boerboel weight: should be proportional to height.
Color (with and without mask):
- Solid fawn, red;
- Brindle (black brindles on the above background).
Small white spots on the chest and legs are allowed.
- The dog's coat is short, very thick and smooth. Long hair is a breed defect.
- The tail is set high, thick, traditionally docked (3-4 vertebrae) or natural length. A curled tail is a breed defect.
The limbs are strong, muscular, not long, providing powerful, free movements.
External data
A fairly large dog with a height of up to 75 cm at the withers. Such a giant weighs more than 80 kg. His body is harmonious and well balanced, his muscles are prominently expressed, his bones are strong and quite massive.
The African Boerboel has a flexible back, a slightly elongated body, a developed powerful croup, and muscular, strong limbs. South African Boerboels move silently.
The dog is well built and has good health and longevity. With proper care, she can live up to 15 years.
Breed characteristics of dogs
In their homeland, representatives of the breed must be tested for dysplasia in order to be allowed into breeding.
- In South Africa, a point system is used to evaluate the quality of dogs.
- Boerboels with a score of 70 or more are suitable for breeding use.
- Over 80 is a very good dog. Only a few get more than 90, because 100 is an ideal that does not exist in nature.
- This assessment method in South Africa serves as approval for breeding.
Mating
Only functionally and clinically healthy South African Boerboels can participate in breeding. Bitches are allowed to be bred after the third heat, males - at the age of 1.8-2 years. Mating is carried out in the territory of the male. After 24-48, re-mating is organized to increase the likelihood of conception.
Pregnancy of Boerboels lasts from 56 to 72 days. Before giving birth, it is advisable to arrange a visit with the veterinarian - the dog may need the help of a doctor. A litter usually produces 5-8 puppies, but young and healthy bitches often produce up to 10 babies.
Boerboel character
A correct description of the Boerboel breed can only be given by its national standard.
The breed standard defines them as calm, courageous, very self-confident, balanced dogs. Representatives of the breed are very loyal to all family members and are infinitely devoted to them.
- This characteristic of the Boerboel, such as a pronounced guard instinct, makes it a fearless defender of housing and property.
- A photo of a Boerboel dog may look a little scary, but these are absolutely adequate animals with a cool head and an iron psyche.
- Raising and training dogs of this breed should begin as early as possible. Boerboels are very intelligent, love to learn and have excellent learning abilities.
- Boerboels perfectly master obedience standards (OKD), love protective programs, and are happy to do tricks.
- Aggressive and cowardly individuals should be excluded from the breeding program and are a waste of the breed.
How to choose a puppy
Before buying a puppy, you need to know the characteristics of the breed - it will be difficult for a beginner to raise a dominant Boerboel. If a person is sure that he wants to have just such a pet, he should find a reliable breeder. You should not buy animals from your own hands - there is a high risk that the puppy will be sick or not purebred.
A responsible breeder is open to communication. He will definitely tell you everything about the breed, tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of the puppies, and give recommendations on feeding and maintenance. In the future, you can turn to him for help if problems arise during the process of raising your pet.
Before purchasing, you should meet the puppy’s parents – in person, not from photos. healthy and balanced animals are more likely to produce similar offspring.
Boerboel care
Boerboels do not require special care.
- From childhood, accustom your puppy to hygiene procedures: examination of teeth, ears, eyes, paws, combing fur, etc.
- This will allow you to easily carry out the necessary procedures in the future.
- If the dog does not wear down its claws naturally (on hard surfaces), they must be shortened with special clippers.
During the shedding season, twice a year, dogs need to be combed well.
You should not wash your dog often. On good nutrition, dogs do not have the characteristic dog smell and washing 1-2 a year is more than enough. If an unpleasant odor appears, this is a reason to change your diet and consult a doctor.
Socialization
The Boerboel dog breed needs as early socialization as possible - only then the animal will become brave and fearless. South African Mastiffs mature quickly - by six months old, puppies should already know the basic rules of behavior and be accustomed to obedience.
The South African Boerboel dog breed is very dominant. Teenage males test the strength of their owners, so even in childhood it is necessary to show the animal that a person is an unconditional leader. It will be much more difficult to correct the behavior of an adult pet.
If the owner does not have sufficient experience in raising dogs, it is better to seek help from a dog trainer. It is recommended that the South African Boerboel undergo OKD to develop obedience and learn a basic set of commands. If you want to raise a reliable guard, you should send your pet to a protective guard service course.
At first glance, it seems that a formidable South African Boerboel and a child are something incompatible. Fans consider these dogs to be very aggressive, but in fact, pets have very tender feelings for babies.
In order for the Boerboel and the children to quickly find a common language, you should tell the child some rules of behavior:
- do not touch the pet if it is sleeping, eating or not feeling well;
- do not start fights or start rough games;
- never hit an animal with your hands or any objects;
- do not shout during joint games;
- do not bother the dog when it is tired and does not want to communicate.
If the child is familiar with the dog's body language, then there will be no problems - the Boerboel and the children will become excellent friends. Of course, we are talking about competently socialized and educated animals.
It is better not to let other people's children near the dog - the South African Mastiff does not consider them members of its “pack”, so it can scare or push them away.
Boerboel dogs do not conflict with other pets if they have known them since childhood. In relation to small animals, the manifestation of the hunting instinct is possible, so it is better not to leave them alone with the South African Mastiff. But representatives of the breed do not like their relatives - dogs must be kept on a leash and muzzled on the street.
Content
Boerboels adapt perfectly to both life in a city apartment and life in a country house. In central Russia, you should not keep a dog on the street. In the room for bedding, it is better to choose a quiet place, protected from drafts.
Boerboels are hardy, strong dogs. They require physical activity commensurate with their age. You should not put stress on a growing Boerboel, as this can damage the ligaments and joints.
Nutrition
You should not overfeed a growing dog; the consequences can sadly affect the entire future life of the Boerboel. For an adult dog, excess weight will also be dangerous due to the large weight and the enormous load on the musculoskeletal system.
- The dog's diet should be balanced, taking into account food allergies (if any) and eliminating their sources from the diet.
- It is possible to feed both natural products and ready-made high-quality factory feed.
- Dogs are prohibited from sweets, salty foods, smoked foods, any boiled bones, or raw tubular bones.
- In winter and during increased physical activity, a higher calorie diet is needed.
Features of maintenance and care
Due to their large size, pets are difficult to keep in an apartment. The South African Boerboel is much more suitable for a private house with a spacious garden plot. But in this case, during frosts, the animal must have access to a heated room - short fur does not protect well from the cold.
The South African Boerboel can be kept indoors if given a long walk and sufficient exercise. The pet behaves calmly in a confined space - most of the time he prefers to rest.
Grooming
The African Boerboel dog breed does not require specific care. The fur is combed a couple of times a week with a rubber mitt or a special brush. During seasonal molting, the coat is tidied up daily.
Boerboel dogs also need the following procedures:
- ear cleaning – 1-2 times a month;
- rubbing the eyes – once every 3-4 days;
- To maintain dental health, pets are periodically allowed to chew on bones or treated with dental treats.
The South African Boerboel is bathed 2-3 times a year or when dirty. In winter, it is better to avoid bathing procedures - dogs are used to living in warm climates, so they quickly become hypothermic. On frosty days, you should limit yourself to dry cleaning or simply wipe your pet with a damp towel.
Walk
Despite the massive skeleton, the animals are quite mobile. Dogs of this breed are walked twice a day for at least 40 minutes. It is advisable that South African Boerboels travel at least 5 kilometers at a time.
The African Boerboel dog breed will be an excellent companion for an active person who is willing to spend time raising it and taking it for long walks.
Feeding
The African Boerboel dog can eat:
- ready-made food – preferably premium or super-premium class;
- homemade food.
Animals are fed twice a day at the same time. It is advisable to place the bowl on a stand so that the pet does not have to bend too much towards the floor.
When feeding natural food, the basis of the Boerboel diet is protein products - lean meat and sea fish (40-50%). Giving minced meat is not recommended - this product is difficult to digest.
Pets are also given water-based porridge – barley, buckwheat or rice. Other grains should not be given - they are less digestible. To ensure a balanced diet, the following is added to the diet of South African Boerboels:
- vegetables (cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, carrots, radishes);
- fruits (except citrus fruits, bananas and grapes);
- fresh herbs;
- dairy products;
- eggs.
In consultation with the veterinarian, vitamin and mineral complexes are selected so that Boerboel dogs receive all the necessary vitamins, macro- and microelements.
Health
These strong guys have excellent health, which has been confirmed historically. Of course, modern breeding has changed this quite a lot.
- The weakest point of the modern Boerboel is diseases of the musculoskeletal system: dysplasia, bursitis, arthritis, ligament damage.
- Otitis of various natures often occurs, which is typical for dogs with floppy ears.
You should also avoid excess weight, which puts enormous strain on the heart and joints.
How much do South African Boerboel puppies cost?
The South African Boerboel dog breed came to Russia in the 90s of the 20th century. Since then, the animals have gradually won the love of local dog breeders. However, there are not many nurseries specializing in breeding these particular pets. Therefore, purebred puppies are quite expensive.
Average prices in Russia range from 30-50 thousand rubles. – it all depends on the class of the animal, its compliance with the breed standard and the reputation of the nursery. Pet class is cheaper, show class is more expensive. The choice depends on the purpose for which a person gets a pet.
On the Internet you can find private advertisements for the sale of Boerboel dogs - the price of such animals will be significantly lower. However, purchasing these puppies is risky - without the appropriate documents, the seller will not be able to guarantee their health and belonging to the breed.
Nurseries
Pedigree Boerboel puppies are sold in the following nurseries:
- Moscow - “Savannah Boerboele” https://www.boerboele.ru/;
- Mytishchi - “From Sauce Africa” https://www.boerboels.ru/;
- St. Petersburg - “Horse” https://www.khorsdog.ru/.
The South African Mastiff is a strong and powerful dog with a selfless character. Animals do an excellent job as guards, watchmen and bodyguards. To be convinced of this, just look at the photo - the Boerboel looks very majestic and respectable.
