About the Boerboel
The Boerboel is a large, intelligent, and deeply devoted mastiff-type dog originally bred in South Africa to protect homes, farms, and families. Known for their loyalty, courage, and balanced nature, Boerboels are both dependable working dogs and affectionate companions.
In this section, we explore the breed's temperament, purpose, and suitability for modern homes. Whether you're considering adding a Boerboel to your life or simply want to learn more about their unique character, this guide will help you understand what makes the Boerboel so special.
What It's Like Owning a Boerboel
Saying goodbye to our puppies is always a bittersweet moment. While we feel proud to see them move on to loving new homes, we also miss each one deeply. That's why it means so much to us when families stay in touch. We feel honoured to follow the lives of our pups as they grow, and we cherish the regular updates, stories, and photos we receive from their owners.
Owning a Boerboel is a truly unique experience. There's no other breed quite like them. A well-bred, healthy Boerboel makes an exceptional companion for the right family. From the moment you bring your puppy home, the adventure begins—they are loyal, intelligent, and full of personality. Boerboels are known for being gentle and affectionate with children, often forming a deep and protective bond with them. They love attention and cuddles but can also be cheeky and mischievous, keeping you on your toes.
This breed is naturally courageous and territorial, with strong protective instincts. A Boerboel will guard its home and loved ones with quiet confidence and unwavering loyalty. They thrive in homes where they are respected, engaged, and treated as part of the family.
How Big Will My Boerboel Get?
The South African Boerboel is a large, muscular, and powerful breed. Males typically stand between 24 to 28 inches (61 to 69 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 50 to 95 kg, with some reaching over 100 kg. Females are slightly smaller, standing around 23 to 27 inches (58 to 68 cm) and weighing between 65 to 80 kg.
Before bringing home a Boerboel, it's important to consider the space, time, and strength required to live with a dog of this size. They are impressive in stature but even more so in character. We could fill pages describing what it's like to live with one, but truthfully—it's something best experienced for yourself.
Feeding a Boerboel Puppy
What should I feed my Boerboel puppy?
Nutrition plays a vital role in your dog's long-term health and wellbeing. Studies show that dogs fed a high-quality diet and kept at a healthy weight can live up to 2.5 years longer. Unfortunately, over 50% of dogs in the UK are currently overweight or obese (PFMA), highlighting the importance of proper feeding from the start.
For a growing Boerboel, a complete, high-grade dog food is essential. The diet should include a high meat content, balanced vitamins and minerals, and ideally avoid synthetic fillers and overly processed by-products. A good food supports not just healthy growth, but also joint development, digestion, immune function, and energy levels.
We raise all our Boerboel puppies on Dr. John's Platinum high-quality kibble, which provides an excellent nutritional base. From around 8 months of age, our dogs can transition to a raw diet, depending on their needs. We recommend including offal, turmeric, collagen, and diatomaceous earth to support joint health, digestion, and overall condition.
Choosing the right food is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an owner—and we're happy to guide you every step of the way.
The History of the Boerboel
Where did the Boerboel Mastiff come from?
The Boerboel's roots trace back to the 1600s, when Dutch settlers arrived in southern Africa and brought with them large, protective dogs—most notably the Bullenbijter, a type of mastiff. These dogs were crossed with strong local breeds and later with others brought by French and English settlers. Over generations, these dogs evolved to meet the harsh African conditions and the needs of early farmers, resulting in the powerful and loyal Boerboel we know today.
What does the name 'Boerboel' mean?
The name "Boerboel" comes from two Afrikaans words: Boer, meaning farmer, and Boel, believed to be derived from the Dutch word for bull or possibly a shortening of "Bullenbijter." The word Boel may also colloquially mean "a lot"—and fittingly, there truly is a lot of dog in a Boerboel.
Altogether, the name translates to "Farmer's Mastiff" or "Large Farm Dog," reflecting the breed's original role as a versatile and trustworthy working companion on remote homesteads.
What were Boerboels bred for?
Originally, Boerboels were working dogs used by European settlers to guard diamond mines, protect families, and secure farms. In rural areas, they were relied upon to protect livestock from predators such as leopards, hyenas, and baboons. They also served as cattle herders, watch dogs, and companions—making them an all-purpose farm dog with impressive adaptability.
Today's Boerboels still carry these instincts, making them formidable protectors, but also deeply loyal and affectionate family members when raised with structure, trust, and care.