Boerboel

OVERVIEW OF THE BOERBOEL BREED

Known for its ability to help around the farm and loyalty towards its owners, Boerboel is one of the most popular dog breeds of South African descent. As an old colonial crossbreed between bulldogs and mastiffs, the Boerboel is one of a kind. It has a heavy bone structure with defined and developed muscles. They make good guard dogs and their powerful bodies make them perfect for attacking intruders or neutralizing threats.

Although these dogs can be ferocious, they can be fun and great for children. These dogs tend to be loyal to their owners and family and may even try to be influential. When it comes to strangers, these dogs sense the owners’ hesitation or discomfort and may get aggressive to ward off the threat. These breeds tend to be healthy and happy pets with regular exercise and socialization.

Due to the number of states that have banned importing or owning Boerboels, many people tend to get the wrong idea of the breed. These dogs can be just as playful and loving with proper breeding and good upbringing as universally accepted breeds.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE BOERBOEL BREED

The Boerboel is a large, solidly built dog with a short coat. The head is blocky and the jaw is very powerful. The body is compact and muscular with long legs and stubby round feet. The Boerboel is a mastiff-type breed that was developed in South Africa. It is thought to be the result of crosses between the English Mastiff, the Bullmastiff, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Boerboel was originally bred to be a working dog on farms. They were used for hunting and guarding. The Boerboel is now a popular companion dog. They are loyal, protective, and loving dogs that make great family pets.

There is a lot of contention in South Africa on what the proper Beorbeol looks like. Certain kennel clubs have different standards for the breed. According to the Kennel Union of South Africa, Beorboels can come in only brindle, fawn, and brown colors. They do not accept black as a color of a genuine Boerboel.   The South African Boerboel Breeders Association, however, does accept black as a color of the breed.

Similarly, many places have banned these dogs from being imported or bought. This is usually because, in highly developed and cosmopolitan areas, these dogs tend to be more aggressive due to contact exposure to other dogs and people. Boerboels are family dogs with a temperament that makes them prefer quality time with their owners and limited interaction with others.

BOERBOEL FOOD AND HEALTH

Since it’s a muscular dog with a lot of energy, Boerboels tend to consume a fair amount of food. The best food you can give your Boerboel is meat with a little bit of fat. This will help keep their energy levels up and maintain their muscle mass. They eat about 3% of their body weight and that’s the recommended amount of food you should give them. According to experts, green tripe is an excellent choice of food since Boerboel like the smell and taste of the fish.

If you are thinking of feeding a Boerboel puppy, you must remember that puppies consume more calories since they are more active. Many owners prefer to give their puppies a mix of high-quality dog food and a raw meat diet.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

When it comes to health, Boerboels are generally a hardy breed. But being a large breed, there are a few common health issues that you need to be on the lookout for.

HIP AND ELBOW DYSPLASIA

Hip and elbow dysplasia is a condition that causes a misalignment of joints and leads to abnormal growth. Boerboels are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia because of their large size and rapid growth rate. Feeding your Beorbeol a high-quality diet is also essential. Avoiding obesity is also important, as this can put unnecessary stress on the joints and worsen dysplasia.

BLOAT

A common condition amongst canines is bloat forms when the dog’s stomach is filled with gas, causing it to twist. Boerboels can bloat when they exercise too soon after eating or drinking, eat too fast or drink too much water. If you think your Beorboel has bloat, immediately take them to the vet. You can try getting feeding bowls that prevent your dog from eating too rapidly and water fountains for easy drinking.

HEART DISEASE

Boerboels can get different heart diseases due to various reasons. Some common heart diseases in Boerboels are cardiomyopathy, pulmonic stenosis, and subvalvular aortic stenosis.

CARDIOMYOPATHY

Boerboels can develop cardiomyopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle, for a variety of reasons, including genetics, infection, and trauma. Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Since these dogs are energetic and muscular, they need a strong heart.

PULMONIC STENOSIS

Pulmonic stenosis is a condition that occurs when the pulmonic valve, which controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, is narrowed or blocked. This narrowing or blockage can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and fainting.

SUBVALVULAR AORTIC STENOSIS

Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a condition that occurs when the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, is narrowed or blocked.

TOP-RATED CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR YOUR BOERBOEL

CRATES

Boerboels can be kept in crates, especially if you live in areas that don’t have lots of space for your dog to run around.  Crates can help with housebreaking, too. Once your dog is used to his crate, he will see it as his special space and is less likely to soil it. When you can’t keep an eye on your dog, or if you need to travel with him, a crate is also a secure way to transport your pet.

Boerboels do require quite a bit of space to express themselves. Even if they are smaller than most muscular dogs, the crate should be big enough for them to move around and walk a bit. It should also be wide enough in case the dog wants to stretch. Keeping a Boerboel in a crate that is too small could encourage violent behavior.

BEDS

If you think just because Boerboels are active dogs, they don’t care much for beds, you are wrong. These dogs sleep up to 12 hours daily and love their sleeping space. As pups, they tend to go through a phase where they will chew on and destroy any toys or pet furniture you get.

Once they grow up, however, a cushiony bed is just what they need. Even if these dogs are built to be fierce, they love the comfort of some extra padding. Investing in large beds or dog sofas is an excellent idea since it would offer them a comfortable sleeping position. Proper beds also help care for the dog’s joints as it ages.

DOG HOUSES

Dog houses are typically wood, plastic, or metal and come in various sizes to accommodate dog breeds. Boerboels can easily stay in the doghouse as long as they are big enough to make space for their size. Many people who have a backyard and keep their dog outside prefer to give it a doghouse. They’re very territorial and prefer having pet furniture that’s distinctly theirs.

LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR A BOERBOEL

Leashes and collars are essential for owning a Boerboel. Many places have regulations where these dogs must be leashed when you take them out for a walk or to the park. This is due to their tendency to get aggressive with strangers and other dogs if they haven’t socialized well.  When taken out in public, a well-trained and socialized Boerboel will still need a strong leash and collar.

The type of leash and collar you choose will depend on your dog’s size, strength and temperament. A heavy-duty leash and collar are a must for a large, strong dog like a Boerboel. You’ll also want to ensure the collar fits snugly and isn’t easily slipped off. Some Boerboels may do well with a martingale collar, which tightens slightly when pulled on but doesn’t choke the dog. It’s important, however, to only use a martingale collar with supervision and never leave it on your dog unsupervised.

Many different leashes are available, from standard six-foot leashes to retractable ones. If you’re unsure which type of leash is best for your Boerboel, ask your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for advice. Generally, avoiding using a choke chain or prong collar with a Boerboel is best. These collars can cause serious injuries if used incorrectly, and they’re often ineffective with this breed. Positive reinforcement training methods are a much better option for Boerboels.

BEST TOYS FOR A BOERBOEL

STUFFED TOYS

Stuffed animals are essential for Boerboel puppies since they tend to chew on things to relieve anxiety and keep themselves entertained.  A Kong toy is also a good option since it can be filled with treats or peanut butter to keep your puppy occupied.

FETCH BALL

Fetch is fun for Boerboels since they love to run and are great sprinters. It allows them to exercise and keeps them from getting the zoomies late at night.  A ball is a great way to play fetch with your Boerboel, and there are many different types to choose from. Puppies enjoy squeaky or light-up ones because they stimulate the senses and are more exciting.

INTERACTIVE TOYS

Although it might not seem so, dogs actually love mental stimulation. Interactive toys are great ways to give their minds a workout while also spending quality time together. Try getting them toys with buttons that make certain sounds so you can help your dog communicate better.

TUG ROPE

Just like people, dogs love to play. A rope toy is a perfect way to keep your dog entertained while also getting some exercise. Tugging on a rope is an excellent way for your dog to burn off some energy, and it’s also a lot of fun. It also helps them keep their teeth in check and promotes better jaw strength.

CUDDLE TOYS

Some dogs are needy and tend to use plush toys to comfort themselves. Boerboels are known to like plush toys and be possessive of them. If you have a Boerboel, it’s best to get them a plush toy they can cuddle and carry around with them.

GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR BOERBOEL OWNERS

When it comes to grooming needs, Boerboels are relatively low maintenance. Grooming, however, is important to establish trust between the dog and owner, giving them a way to bond and become closer. Boerboels do not shed much, so they do not require frequent brushing, but it’s essential to keep their coat clean and shiny is critical. Ears should be checked regularly and cleaned with a cotton ball dipped in an ear cleaning solution to avoid infection. Nails should be trimmed every few weeks, and teeth should be brushed at least once a week.

EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS

Boerboels are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercises. They need at least an hour of vigorous activity daily, such as walks, runs, or playing fetch. Boerboels also enjoy swimming and hiking, so these activities would be great ways to tire them out. Without enough exercise, Boerboels can become destructive and may start to develop problem behaviors.

TRAINING

Boerboels are intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train but can sometimes be extremely stubborn. Training should begin as early as possible, ideally when the dog is a puppy. Boerboels respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats or verbal praise, and should never be trained with force or aggression.

BEST ACCESSORIES FOR A BOERBOEL

Boerboels are known for their strength, loyalty, and protectiveness and make excellent family pets. And to give back to this new family member, you want to ensure they have the best of everything — including the best accessories.

COLLAR AND LEASH

A good quality collar and leash are a must for any dog, but especially for a Boerboel. This breed is strong and powerful, so you’ll want a leash that can hold up to their strength. A comfortable collar is also essential, as Boerboels can be sensitive around the neck.

DOG CRATES

A crate can be a great way to keep your Boerboel safe and out of trouble when you can’t supervise them. It’s also a good place for them to sleep or take a break from playing. Choose a crate that’s big enough for your Boerboel to stand up and turn around, with plenty of ventilation.

TOYS

Boerboels are intelligent dogs who need plenty of mental stimulation. Toys encouraging them to think and solve problems are a great way to keep their minds active. Kongs stuffed with treats are a popular option, or you can try puzzle toys designed specifically for dogs.

GROOMING SUPPLIES

Boerboels have short, dense coats that shed year-round. A good quality brush will help to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy. You’ll also need shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for dogs, as human products can be harsh on their skin.