The Boerboel is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in South Africa. Boerboels were originally bred for farm work and as guard dogs, and they are known for their protective nature, loyalty, and intelligence. Today, the Boerboel is still used as a working dog, and it is also a popular family pet. In order to maintain the breed’s characteristics and ensure the health and wellbeing of Boerboels, there is a breed standard that outlines what makes a great Boerboel. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Boerboel breed standard and what it takes to be a great Boerboel.
Appearance
The Boerboel is a large and muscular breed that typically weighs between 150 and 200 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. The breed is characterized by its strong and powerful build, with a broad head, muscular neck, and deep chest. Boerboels have a short and dense coat that can be either fawn, red, brown, or brindle in color. The coat should be shiny and healthy-looking, and the skin should be free of any rashes or irritations.
The breed standard states that the head should be proportionate to the body and should be broad and blocky in appearance. The eyes should be dark in color and have an intelligent and alert expression. The ears should be set high and should be medium in size, with a rounded tip. The muzzle should be strong and powerful, and the nose should be large and black.
Temperament
One of the most important aspects of the Boerboel breed standard is temperament. Boerboels are known for their protective and loyal nature, and the breed standard emphasizes these traits. According to the breed standard, a Boerboel should be calm, confident, and self-assured. The dog should be wary of strangers and should be protective of its family and property. However, the breed standard also states that the Boerboel should be able to distinguish between a friend and a foe, and should not be aggressive towards non-threatening people or animals.
Training
The breed standard also emphasizes the importance of training for Boerboels. Boerboels are intelligent dogs that respond well to training, and they are eager to please their owners. The breed standard states that Boerboels should be trained from an early age, and that training should be consistent and positive. Boerboels should be socialized with people and other animals from a young age to prevent aggression towards strangers or other pets.
Health
Finally, the Boerboel breed standard outlines the health concerns that are common in the breed. Boerboels are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. The breed standard emphasizes the importance of health testing for breeding dogs, and it recommends that all Boerboels undergo hip and elbow evaluations, as well as cardiac and eye exams.
Conclusion
The Boerboel breed standard outlines the characteristics that make a great Boerboel, including appearance, temperament, training, and health. Boerboels are large and powerful dogs that require a lot of training and socialization in order to be well-behaved and well-adjusted pets. The breed standard emphasizes the importance of responsible breeding practices, including health testing, in order to maintain the breed’s characteristics and ensure the health and wellbeing of Boerboels. If you are considering getting a Boerboel, it is important to understand the breed standard and to find a reputable breeder who adheres to it. With proper care and training, a Boerboel can be a loyal and loving companion.
