Boerboel
Powerful, loyal, and confident, this breed stands as a devoted guardian and loving family companion. Strong protective instincts blend with a calm, affectionate nature at home.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
64–70 cm (male)
59–65 cm (female)
WEIGHT
60–80 kg (male)
50–70 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
9–11 years
Boerboel: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Boerboel isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Boerboel's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Boerboel is typically confident, protective, and loyal, known for forming strong bonds with family while remaining reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Loyal with family, reserved with strangers
Learns commands quickly, good problem solver
Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular exercise
Can be playful, especially with familiar people
Tolerates changes if introduced gradually
Strengths
- Loyal family protector
- Strong guarding instincts
- Confident and stable temperament
- Highly trainable with consistent leadership
- Good with children when socialized early
Challenges
- Requires experienced owner for firm handling
- Prone to dominance without clear boundaries
- Needs extensive socialization from puppyhood
- High exercise requirements for mental health
- Can be wary or aloof with strangers
Protect your Boerboel
Boerboel can develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Boerboels are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Boerboels are intelligent and quick learners but require consistent, firm training from an experienced handler due to their independent nature.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has moderate to high energy, needing daily physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and maintain well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Boerboels are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Boerboel would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Requires experienced handling and consistent training due to strength and temperament
Apartment Living
Needs ample space and may become restless in small apartments
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys physical activity and benefits from active routines
Kids
Large size and protective instincts require monitoring with young children
Multiple Pets
May be dominant or territorial with other pets, especially without early socialization
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and can develop behavioral issues from loneliness
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Boerboels compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boerboel
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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