It is vital to remember that Boerboel was a large mastiff dog from South Africa in the 17^th century. 

Their height can reach up to twenty-eight inches and can reach up to two hundred pounds. 

Finally, their lifespan can reach up to twelve years, one of the most durable dogs with the highest lifespan.

You can rest assured because they are ultimate protectors with genetic predispositions to protect their owners and households. They come with intelligence and strength, which is not something you should underestimate. 

Still, they are perfect for families and children, which means you will get a gentle giant to protect your family with its life.

We recommend you to enter here, which will help you learn more about Boerboels. 

This breed originates from South Africa, where Jan van Riebeeck brought a similar mastiff breed in the mid-17^th century. After years of breeding, the process created Boerboel purebred we can find nowadays.

However, its direct lineage is unknown, but some sources include African landrace, essential for their genetic makeup.

In the 19^th century, numerous dog breeds entered South Africa to guard different military posts. We are talking about Greyhounds, Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, Pointers, and Terriers. 

Bulldogs and Mastiffs created a new breed that we call a South African Mastiff or Boerboel. The main reason for crossbreed is to create a guarding dog against large predators such as leopards, baboons, hyenas, and lions. 

As a result of their strong appearance and natural guarding instinct, they become popular among people that wanted to defend homesteads. On the other hand, they lacked aggressiveness with family members, which meant they were both loving and loyal.

Appearance Traits

They can reach up to twenty-eight or thirty inches tall and weigh approximately two hundred pounds. Remember that breed is all about brawn and muscles, which means they have large bone structures and heads with amazing jowls. 

When it comes to shedding, you can rest assured because they come with dense and smooth short coats. Therefore, they are simple to groom, but you must brush them occasionally.

At the same time, you should remember that the coats can include various shades such as brindle, brown, black, brown, red, and fawn. Still, they may have white markings around paws, faces, and necks. 

Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ6eYZ_OfBI to learn the way Boerboels function in closed and open spaces. 

Keep in mind that kennel organizations will not accept them as relevant and purebred canines if your African Mastiff comes with a black coat.

Will They Function Around Children?

Boerboels are perfect dogs that will protect you along the way, especially in rural areas. They can protect your farm animals against large predators such as bears, wolves, and foxes. Remember, they are protective and territorial as well.

Still, you can rest assured when it comes to family pets, children, and family because they will be both loyal and gentle.

The best way to ensure its personality is to implement obedience training as soon as possible because it can develop aggressive and destructive behavior without it.

It means your canine friend requires plenty of dedication and time, which means first-time owners should avoid them.

Boerboel Training Tips

If you wish to get a large dog such as a South African Mastiff, you will need plenty of space to ensure everything is safe and perfect. In case you own an apartment, you should avoid this breed.

Keep in mind their ancestors roamed through the African plains, which means you will get an outdoor dog that enjoys being inside, but not for long.

At the same time, boredom and separation anxiety can happen anytime, which means it can lead to destructive behavior if you leave it alone for an extended period.

Since they are watchdogs, you should know they are highly dominant. Therefore, you should be patient, confident and assertive, while using positive reinforcement to develop obedience and set boundaries.

Another important consideration is to socialize Boerboel puppy from an early age, which will help it adjust to other dogs, animals, and people. That way, you can prevent potential aggressiveness and other issues that may happen.

Still, you should know that they will be aware of their surroundings and try to protect you if someone wants to do you harm, which means you should avoid rough playing with other people around them.