The word "Boerboel" derives from the words "boer", the Dutch word for "farmer" and "boel" for "dog", i.e. "farmer's dog".
The Boerboel is the only South African breed that was bred to guard farms and property.
The Boerboel (Burbul) or South African Mastiff is a strong and powerfully built dog with a strong bone structure, a smooth coat and a balanced structure without obvious flaws. The muscles should be well developed and the dog should move quickly but confidently. The Boerboel is a reliable, obedient and intelligent dog with a strong guarding instinct. The Boerboel is confident and fearless, but sensitive. The ideal height for males is 66cm and for females 61cm. Height should always be in proportion to weight and structure and the differences between the sexes should be clearly visible. Accepted colors are all shades of yellow, brown and brindle, with or without a mask. White markings are also acceptable.
Boerboels are loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with their family. They are known for their strong protective instincts, without being aggressive in normal situations. Because Boerboels form strong bonds with their owners, Boerboels are at their best when they live indoors with their owners. If a dog is left to live completely outside without the owners present, the dog will become frustrated and may develop its own activities (e.g. destructive behavior, unnecessary barking).
Proper socialization as a puppy is absolutely essential. Since puppies are adaptable, they are easy to handle at a young age, accustoming the dog to different places, sounds and other animals. Good experiences early on significantly improve their social skills. It is important to keep the puppy away from aggressive and angry dogs, because if an accident happens, the dog may later react in a similar situation either by being afraid or by defending itself. Good-natured and balanced adult dogs are the best teachers to teach their younger ones proper behavior and dog body language.
Some Boerboels are very social by nature, while others are much more cautious with new people. In general, Boerboels are very good with children, especially those of the family. However, the whole family should be involved in the dog's training and make sure that the dog understands that children are a higher position in the family hierarchy. Children should be taught to respect and treat dogs kindly, and the dog should never be left with a child without adult supervision.
Because the breed was bred over time to be a farm guard (which it still is today), most dogs get along well with livestock and other family pets, while also defending the farm and home from wild animals. With the right introduction, they accept new family animals into their pack relatively easily.
Because the Boerboel is a dominant breed, this poses certain challenges to owning the breed. These dogs do not belong in dog parks, even if some dogs are well-behaved there. A stranger dog should always be thoroughly introduced to your Boerboel to avoid problems. In general, Boerboels do not get along very well with strangers of the same sex as they grow up. Puppies, on the other hand, are much more flexible and willing to interact with strangers and dogs.
It is worth paying careful attention to the sex of the puppy. If there is already one dominant adult in the family, it is worth choosing a puppy of the opposite sex, as this will make it more likely that there will be no fights between the family dogs as the puppy grows up.
