Working group

Boerboel

A massive South African farm guardian — confident, loyal and not for beginners.

Boerboels are huge, muscular mastiffs bred to guard farmsteads in South Africa. They are calm, loving and protective with their families, but their size, strength and territorial instinct demand an experienced owner.

Height
22–27 in56–69 cm
Weight
150–200 lb68–91 kg
Life expectancy
9–11 years
Size
Giant
Group
Working
Origin
South Africa

Coat: Short, dense, smooth coat. Colours: Brown, Red, Fawn, Cream, Brindle, With or without a black mask.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness1.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness2.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency3.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability1.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness1.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level4.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Boerboels are confident, intelligent and devoted. With family they are affectionate and often gentle with children they know. They are calm indoors and watchful by nature.

They are territorial and wary of strangers, and some are dominant with other dogs. Early, extensive socialisation and firm, consistent training are essential; an untrained Boerboel is a serious liability.

Living with a Boerboel

Exercise

Around an hour of daily walks and play. Avoid heavy exercise in young dogs and in hot weather.

Grooming

Minimal: weekly brushing, nail trims and a wipe of the jowls. Moderate shedding and some drool.

Training

Essential and ongoing. Start socialisation and obedience early, and make lead manners rock-solid before adolescence.

Kids & other pets

Loyal and protective with their own family; supervise with children and visitors. Often best as the only dog.

Time alone

Tolerates alone time with a secure, well-fenced property, but needs a home that can manage visitors safely.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Boerboel right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Boerboel matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Boerboel typically lives 9–11 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

    Common in giant breeds; screened parents and slow growth help.

  • Eyelid problems

    Entropion and ectropion occur and may need surgical correction.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested giant breed at risk; learn the warning signs.

  • Vaginal hyperplasia

    A tissue swelling during heat cycles seen in female Boerboels.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Cardiac examination
  • Eye examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Boerboel; American Boerboel Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Dutch, German and Huguenot settlers brought mastiff and bulldog types to South Africa from the 1600s. On isolated farms these dogs guarded homesteads and livestock against leopards, baboons and intruders, becoming the Boerboel (“farmer’s dog”).

Breeders began formally documenting the breed in the 1980s. The AKC recognised the Boerboel in 2015. It is restricted or banned in some countries, so check local laws.

Did you know?

  • “Boerboel” means “farmer’s dog” in Afrikaans.
  • Boerboels guarded South African farms against leopards and baboons.
  • The breed is restricted or banned in some countries and municipalities.

Library guides for Boerboel owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Boerboels good family dogs?
For experienced owners who train and socialise them well, yes. They are loyal but powerful and protective.
How big do Boerboels get?
Males often weigh 150–200 lb; females are somewhat smaller.
Do Boerboels drool?
Moderately, especially after drinking.