At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth
A short, dense and glossy coat over thick, loose-fitting skin on a powerful, muscular mastiff frame.21
Personality what they are like
A self-assured, clever guardian that is deeply loyal to its household and keen to please the people it trusts. Naturally watchful of strangers and other dogs, it does best with an experienced owner who provides early socialisation and steady training.213
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs substantial daily exercise and mental work, around two hours a day according to one breed guide, to stay content.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-maintenance coat: a weekly brush and an occasional bath keep it in good shape.3
Home where they are happiest
Best in a home with a securely fenced yard and room to move; historically a farm and homestead dog.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A diet formulated for large or giant breeds with moderate to high activity; ask a vet about portions.3
Company who they like around
Very attached and protective toward its own family, including children, but needs supervision and good introductions with unfamiliar dogs.31
The story where it all began
The Boerboel grew out of mastiff and bulldog types brought by European settlers to southern Africa from the 1600s, which were used to guard farms against predators. Organised breeding started in the 1950s, and the first breeders' association was founded in 1983.213
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name comes from Afrikaans: 'boer' means farmer and 'boel' is short for boelhond, meaning bulldog.1
- 2
In South Africa it is classed as a landrace under the Animal Improvement Act.1
- 3
Early Boerboels guarded homesteads against leopards and other large wildlife.1
- 4
The two main breed registries differ on colour: SABBS accepts black dogs, while KUSA does not.1
Recognised by the official bits
- AKC
- Recognised, Working Group; current standard approved 13 July 2020, effective 30 September 20202
- Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA)
- Recognised1
- South African Boerboel Breeders' Society (SABBS)
- Breed society and registry1
- FCI
- Not recognised1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Boerboel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Boerboel en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, name, registries, colours
- AKC Official Standard of the Boerboel images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colours, temperament, recognition dates
- DogTime: Boerboel dogtime.comused for lifespan, weight range, exercise, grooming, diet, family behaviour
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.