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Boerboels are large dogs, which have been used for farm and protection work in South Africa. They are obedient, intelligent, self-assured and have an extremely strong guarding instinct. Perhaps surprisingly, this does not make the dog a vicious unsociable animal, because the Boerboel was in constant proximity to the farmers and their children, a badly behaved or aggressive dog was unacceptable and would, perhaps rather harshly, have been put down. This very selective and practical breeding ethic has created a loving pet with an even temperament that is happiest in a family environment, where he can put his protective instincts into action when required.

As the dogs were bred to perform a variety of tasks for farmers they have developed with a vigorous constitution, and have few major heath problems. However you should be aware that like many other breeds, the Boerboel can suffer infrequently from Hip or Elbow Dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, and Entropion .Therefore you should check these have been tested for by the breeder.

Due to their breeding as a flock guard / cattle driver (they do not herd) they are independent thinking dogs who can make decisions quickly. When they reach adulthood, they therefore can be steadfast & stubborn, and although generally obedient, if they feel a situation requires their attention they have the confidence to try to take charge.

In a working situation several adult males can co-exist together happily, however when living in a family environment in the UK, just one male adult is advisory. In the home they will guard your territory, and your family with utter devotion, so its important to socialise them from an early age and continue this throughout their lives.

Their athletic ability surprises many newcomers to the breed. Being a big dog, they can be quite deceiving. While they usually sit quietly at your feet, they are quiet capable of taking the chance to tear across open spaces at a sprint, playing with other dogs, dodging, weaving and jumping about, usually but not always, avoiding those strange two legged animals!
(Watch out, we've been knocked over by accident more than once before now)

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