Boerboel ( African Mastiff )

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Boerboel - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boerboel

The Boerboel (pronounced [ˈbuːrbul]) is a large, mastiff-type dog from South Africa with a black mask and a short coat. This breed is large with a strong bone structure and well developed muscles. Its head appears blocky with a short length between the stop and nose. It carries itself with a confident and powerful movement, is fearless and shows courage when threatened.

Breed history:
The name Boerboel derives from the Afrikaans words boer which means farmer, and "boel" which is a shortening of "boelhond" which means bulldog.

One historical source dated 1909 describes events in 1857, when a cross between a bulldog and a mastiff referred to as the "Boer Hunting Dog" was the best dog for hunting leopards and baboons in packs. A leopard that is caught in a trap by one leg can be killed by a pack of these dogs, but in one case a dog was badly injured. The "Boer mastiff" is described as an excellent fighter, with one managing to kill a leopard in each of four single combats over a number of years before being killed himself in the fifth encounter. However, the Boerboel is not a deterrent for a leopard, and a leopard will kill and carry away a large dog such as a Boerboel or a Rottweiler; a missing dog in South Africa may indicate that a leopard is in the area.

In remote areas of South Africa the Boerboel was kept by the white population to protect their families and property in their homes and on their farms.

Description:
The Boerboel is a large dog, with a strong bone structure and well developed muscles. The head appears blocky, but not overdone, with a short length between the stop and nose. It should look impressive, carrying itself with confidence and powerful movement, which should be buoyant, and unencumbered, despite its size. It should be symmetrical and balanced, following the desired proportions for the breed.

The coat is short and sleek with dense hair coverage. The recognised colours are brindle, fawn, and brown. There is one minor divergence between breed standards; the Kennel Union of South Africa does not accept black but SABBS does.

The dogs show courage when threatened; they may display aggression toward other dogs or strangers.

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Boerboel

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Quote from opening post: The "Boer mastiff" is described as an excellent fighter, with one managing to kill a leopard in each of four single combats over a number of years before being killed himself in the fifth encounter. However, the Boerboel is not a deterrent for a leopard, and a leopard will kill and carry away a large dog such as a Boerboel or a Rottweiler; a missing dog in South Africa may indicate that a leopard is in the area.

*A leopard is an ambush predator and would not likely fight a large dog face-to-face willingly. For one Boer Mastiff to have fought five leopards over a stretch of time, ( IMO ) obviously shows that this dog does will in a face-to-face encounter. However, the leopard can kill a large Mastiff by unexpected ambush attack.

Height Dogs 66 cm (26 in) ideal
minimum 60 cm (24 in)
Bitches 61 cm (24 in) ideal
minimum 55 cm (22 in)

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Boerboel (South African Mastiff) - www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/boerboel

Boerboels are intelligent and loyal dogs who love their families. Though they can weigh up to 200 pounds, they’re gentle giants. Learn more about living with boerboels. When well-trained and socialized from an early age, boerboels can be gentle and loyal family dogs while still fulfilling the working role they were originally bred for: keeping a watchful eye over those they love. In the Afrikaans language, the name boerboel (pronounced "boo-r-bull") translates to "farmer's dog." And in South Africa, where the breed originated, that described these dogs' origin as farm guardians.

Weighing up to 200 pounds, this is a breed best suited to experienced dog owners. Boerboels are smart and highly trainable dogs who love attention from their humans, though with their size, having one in your family is like feeding another human adult. But these sweet dogs are well worth the grocery bills.

The mighty boerboel is a broad, well–muscled dog who may weigh as much (or more) than his owner. As tall as 27 inches and weighing between 150–200 pounds, the boerboel makes for a powerful companion who is much more agile than other dogs of this size.

Boerboel colors include brindle, cream, brown, rust, and red, and their short and sleek coat can come in a variety of different markings. They shed a fair amount, but their coats are easily cared for. Their eyes are brown and horizontally set, helping give the boerboel his characteristic alert and intelligent expression.

The boerboel temperament is one of a loving family dog. Though this is no pup for inexperienced owners, a well-adjusted boerboel can be a loving companion with the right guidance.

Danny Jones, an AKC-registered boerboel breeder and owner of D & K Boerboels in St. Louis, Mo., says although he was attracted to the breed because of their impressive size, it's their temperament that he loves the most. "They are big babies at home, loyal to their family, and so good with children," Jones says. "They are really affectionate."

Though not every boerboel will be the perfect companion for kids, a well-socialized dog can fit in well with any and all family members, both two- and four-legged.

"In general, if they're treated with love and brought up nicely, larger dogs such as boerboels tend to be very calm and very docile," says Margaret Coffey, DVM, former hospital director of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University. "When you're breeding an animal of that size, you need to ensure that they have an even temperament, and that's what breeders are selecting for."

As with other giant dog breeds, you need to start boerboel training and socializing early, and be consistent. Jones says boerboels need boundaries and, with positive reinforcement, these smart dogs can be easy to train. Because of their intelligence and tendency to push boundaries, boerboels might not do well with first-time dog owners.

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History - The boerboel has a long and extensive history, reaching all the way back to the Assyrian conquest of Egypt circa 677–663 BC, according to the American Boerboel Club. During this period, Mesopotamian mastiff dogs spread throughout Africa. According to the breed club, this mastiff was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutch navigator, in 1652. After breeding with other settlers' guard dogs, the boerboel began to take shape as a brave, muscular working dog. Primarily used for guarding, these pups protected everything from family farms to diamond mines.

Eventually, then these proud and mighty dogs became known outside of South Africa. In 2015, the American Kennel Club recognized the boerboel, which helped raise the breed's profile in North America.

WEIGHT - 150–200 pounds

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Boerboel (South African Mastiff)

Boerboels are intelligent and loyal dogs who love their families. Though they can weigh up to 200 pounds, they’re gentle giants. Learn more about living with boerboels.

When well-trained and socialized from an early age, boerboels can be gentle and loyal family dogs while still fulfilling the working role they were originally bred for: keeping a watchful eye over those they love. In the Afrikaans language, the name boerboel (pronounced "boo-r-bull") translates to "farmer's dog." And in South Africa, where the breed originated, that described these dogs' origin as farm guardians.

Weighing up to 200 pounds, this is a breed best suited to experienced dog owners. Boerboels are smart and highly trainable dogs who love attention from their humans, though with their size, having one in your family is like feeding another human adult. But these sweet dogs are well worth the grocery bills.

Appearance - The mighty boerboel is a broad, well–muscled dog who may weigh as much (or more) than his owner. As tall as 27 inches and weighing between 150–200 pounds, the boerboel makes for a powerful companion who is much more agile than other dogs of this size.
Boerboel colors include brindle, cream, brown, rust, and red, and their short and sleek coat can come in a variety of different markings. They shed a fair amount, but their coats are easily cared for. Their eyes are brown and horizontally set, helping give the boerboel his characteristic alert and intelligent expression.

Temperament - The boerboel temperament is one of a loving family dog. Though this is no pup for inexperienced owners, a well-adjusted boerboel can be a loving companion with the right guidance.

Danny Jones, an AKC-registered boerboel breeder and owner of D & K Boerboels in St. Louis, Mo., says although he was attracted to the breed because of their impressive size, it's their temperament that he loves the most. "They are big babies at home, loyal to their family, and so good with children," Jones says. "They are really affectionate."

Though not every boerboel will be the perfect companion for kids, a well-socialized dog can fit in well with any and all family members, both two- and four-legged.

"In general, if they're treated with love and brought up nicely, larger dogs such as boerboels tend to be very calm and very docile," says Margaret Coffey, DVM, former hospital director of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University. "When you're breeding an animal of that size, you need to ensure that they have an even temperament, and that's what breeders are selecting for."

As with other giant dog breeds, you need to start boerboel training and socializing early, and be consistent. Jones says boerboels need boundaries and, with positive reinforcement, these smart dogs can be easy to train. Because of their intelligence and tendency to push boundaries, boerboels might not do well with first-time dog owners.

History - The boerboel has a long and extensive history, reaching all the way back to the Assyrian conquest of Egypt circa 677–663 BC, according to the American Boerboel Club. During this period, Mesopotamian mastiff dogs spread throughout Africa.
According to the breed club, this mastiff was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck, a Dutch navigator, in 1652. After breeding with other settlers' guard dogs, the boerboel began to take shape as a brave, muscular working dog. Primarily used for guarding, these pups protected everything from family farms to diamond mines.

Eventually, then these proud and mighty dogs became known outside of South Africa. In 2015, the American Kennel Club recognized the boerboel, which helped raise the breed's profile in North America.

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www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-breeds/boerboel


Boerboel ( pronounced like boar-bull )
The Boerboel is a self-assured, smart, and calm dog. Boerboels might look a little intimidating at first, but they tend to be affectionate and devoted to family. They also serve as reliable and obedient watchdogs.

Weight - 110–176 lb
Height - 22–26 in
Lifespan - 9–11 yr
Breed Group - Guard