6 minute read
The Boerboel
from DQ Magazine Issue 3C
by hqmagazine
TEXT: RHIANNON CECIL
THIS HEAVY DOG BREED IS A STAPLE IN MANY SOUTH AFRICAN HOMES
This month, we're back to big dogs with the home-grown South African Boerboel. The Boerboel, an Afrikaans word for 'farmer's dog', is, in many ways, South Africa's answer to the Bullmastiff. These massive brown dogs, with their distinctive black faces, were originally bred as security dogs for farms and diamond mines. Although they are still used in this capacity, the breed has evolved over the years, and, in the correct homes, they make great family dogs.
BOERBOEL HISTORY
The Boerboel's ancestors can be traced back to the nowextinct Bullenbeisser dog, a breed which accompanied European explorers, including Jan van Riebeeck to Africa in 1652. Some centuries later, the De Beers of diamond mine fame imported some of the world's most formidable Bullmastiffs to patrol some of their mines. Modern Boerboels, even at a glimpse, are almost identical to the Bullmastiff in many ways.
These imports, along with their longer legged bulldog cousins, helped cement the Boerboel into the stand-alone breed we see today - about fifty percent mastiff and fifty percent bulldog. But who's counting?
As the breed began to come into its own, South African farmers began to use them more and more as family protection dogs, and many of the Boerboel lines we see today have come about as a result of natural selection; those dogs who could withstand the rigours of the lifestyle were used in breeding. Today, the breed is robust, hardy, and an excellent protection dog, though they have to be managed according to their massive size (males can weigh up to 80kgs) and tendency to be territorial.
A BOERBOEL OVERVIEW
Despite their size, Boerboels are agile and athletic working dogs. They are confident and loyal to their family, though they can be suspicious of strangers. They are bred as protection dogs, and this trait is dominant in many modern breeding lines. However, they love to be part of the family and aim to please. They can be playful and affectionate, and you may find yourself with an 80kg lapdog if you're not careful.
Because of their tendency to be protective and their sheer size, they're not recommended as dogs for first-time dog owners, nor are they ideal for apartment living. They can be lazy and relaxed but still need space to move and an outlet for their goofy energy.
They have short, dense coats that require minimal grooming, which is great, and if socialised correctly, they are likely to get along well with children and most household pets.
LIVING WITH A BOERBOEL
A Boerboel is essentially a guard dog, and a family dog all rolled into one big jowly ball. They will be happy playing with the kids, but woe betides a stranger who happens to walk into your yard. Even a friend may be at risk, and
care must be taken to introduce the breed properly to guests. If a Boerboel feels a member of his pack needs to be protected, make no mistake, he will be aggressive. For this reason, interaction with children should always be supervised, lest he misinterprets something. But don't let his hardcore reputation fool you; he is a cuddle bunny underneath it all, as long as he understands everyone's intentions.
Boerboels can be comical and dorky when relaxed and feel like part of your family. Beware of breakable objects on coffee tables, as they tend to be clumsy at the best of times. Despite their dopey demeanour, they're actually intelligent dogs with lively minds. As long as training is approached methodically, they are obedient and eager to please.
Boerboels also eat a LOT, so be prepared to spend more than the average amount on dog food. And, as an added warning, Boerboels can be gassy, so make sure you open the windows, and you'll be safe and comfortable with him lying on your feet (or your lap).
BOERBOEL HEALTH
This breed is designed to be hardy, and as a rule, there are no Boerboel-specific health problems to look out for. Large dog breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, however, and the surge in popularity of the Boerboel has created breeding situations in which this debilitating problem isn't addressed. If you're looking at getting a Boerboel, please make sure a vet sees his hips and elbows before you take the plunge.
With Boerboels, you must also be on the lookout for bloat (when the stomach fills with gas or food and then twists). Bloat is fatal if left untreated and, unfortunately, common in large-breed dogs.
IS A BOERBOEL THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?
A Boerboel might be the right dog for you if: • You're looking for a scary guard and goofy family dog all in one. • You have older children in your home. • You'd like a large, intimidating-looking dog, and you don't mind him knocking over the occasional coffee mug. • You want an affectionate dog to be part of the family. • You have a large, fenced-off area for your dog to play in, and you're happy to take him on walks. • You are willing to take part in socialisation and puppy training. • You love having a large, strong dog to play rough with and also cuddle at night.
A BOERBOEL MIGHT NOT BE THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU IF:
• You plan to have a lot of strangers over on a frequent basis. • You have toddlers and very small children. Though your
Boerboel isn't likely to be aggressive to a family member, he is a large dog and likely to knock small children over. • You live in an apartment or don't have access to a garden. • You've never owned a dog before. A Boerboel is not an ideal dog for first-time dog owners. • You're looking for a dog who is completely relaxed with visitors. • You don't like cleaning up drool.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Boerboels may look scary from the outside, but once you have one in your home, they slowly start creeping into your heart. Their brown, soulful eyes and absolute dedication to their human family are hard to replicate. If you take the time to train and socialise, they will really be the lover and protector of the family, a truly solid citizen who'll keep you warm and very safe at night. Boerboels are a lot, though - there's no doubt. So make sure you have the time and patience to deal with them, and at the end of the day, you'll always have a devoted member of the family at your side.