Boerboel - breed description and dog character

This breed was not officially recognized, but breeders really appreciate South African boerboels, and the owners admire their pets. For some specialists, representatives of this breed are only half-breeds, mastiffs that do not have a tail. But lovers of these dogs call them simply kings among all dogs. Why do these dogs cause so much controversy and doubt?

Breed history

South African boerboels have a kinship with mastiffs and Molossians, but you can’t name them mestizos. If you study the history of the breed, you understand that it can still be considered independent.

Scientists believe that these dogs come originally from Asia, and not from Africa. Only later did they appear in ancient Egypt. It is believed that Alexander the Great brought them to Europe. Further, little is known about the development of the breed. Some researchers believe that it was from them that many European dog breeds originated.

According to another version, dogs came to Africa from European countries, after which they mixed with local dogs. But proponents of both theories are confident that the breed formed naturally. For a long time this breed has its own properties, which have not changed much over time. This applies both to the appearance and nature of the animals. To date, these dogs are considered one of the most hardy and strong. They have good health.

In the 17th century, South African mastiffs were recreated from European dogs. They were used as assistants for agricultural purposes. They guarded the territory, hunted, defended their masters and their home. Already in the 20th century there were fewer representatives of the breed, since few people needed these properties. But in the 80s in Africa there was a successful revival of the breed. Today, these dogs can be found all over the world. Russia also has its own connoisseurs of this breed.

Appearance of a South African Mastiff

At the international level, the breed has not received its recognition, but some organizations strongly support it. For example, the Kennel Club of South Africa, which determined the breed standard.

In representatives of the breed South African boerboel, one can well trace the sexual difference. Bitches, although they look formidable enough, but their constitution is more elegant, they are more sociable.

For representatives of this breed, it is important to match weight and height. They can weigh 60-90 kg. The height of males should be from 60 to 66 cm. Bitches should have a height of 55 to 61 cm. But more preferable is the greater growth of dogs. These dogs have a large body. Their muscles and skeleton are strong and well developed.

1. The size of the head is proportional to the size of the body. In profile, it has a rectangular shape. If you look at the dog in full view - its face is square. These dogs have a wide frontal bone. On the nose, the skin is usually wrinkled. When the dog is focused, they become pronounced. The muscles of the animal are clearly visible, this is noticeable even on the dog's face. The face of the South African mastiffs is quite wide, but toward the nose it is becoming narrower. The lips are firm and fleshy, with the upper protruding forward. Representatives of the breed have bryl, but they hang very little. If they are expressed too well, this is considered a drawback.
2. South African mastiff jaw is very strong. She has a strong and powerful look. The teeth are big. Basically, these dogs have a scissor bite. But sometimes there is a direct snack.
3. The nose has a large lobe. The nostrils are wide.
4. The eyes of the South African Boerboel should be brown. The darker the color of the eyes, the better.They are widely spaced and have a rounded shape. The eyelids are dense, painted black.
5. Ears are set wide apart. They have a triangular shape, their size is small. In a calm state, they hang. When the dog is interested, the ears rise slightly.
6. South African mastiffs have a strong body with a flat back. These dogs have wide shoulders. Sometimes there are folds in the transition to the neck.
7. Boerboels are the owners of a wide muscular chest. Their limbs are large. If the dog has straight knees, then it does not meet the standard. The same can be said of the straight hock joint.
8. Paws are large, pads are covered with dark skin. The tail is set high, has a bend. Usually it stops.
9. The coat of these dogs is short, soft. The skin in the nose and lips is black.
10. Sometimes South African mastiffs may have a mask. This does not affect dog compliance with standards. It can be in an animal of any color.
11. Color can be red or brindle. Sometimes on the legs and chest there may be white spots. Although this is not considered a drawback, it is undesirable to use such dogs for breeding.

Character

Boerboel has an appearance that is associated with aggressiveness, but what is its nature? In a sense, their appearance really matches the character. This is due to their origin. Representatives of the breed tend to dominate. These dogs have been used for a very long time to protect agricultural farms, so they are used to leading their inhabitants, protecting them from external dangers. In modern South African mastiffs, this feature has been preserved genetically. In those days, not only foxes, but also larger animals could encroach on farm animals. For example, a doe or an antelope, which farmers grew in their yard, could be attacked by lions.

These dogs grew up in harsh conditions, so they matured early. Already at 3 months old, Boerboel puppies had to defend themselves in order to survive. Therefore, modern boerboels even in puppyhood can zealously guard the entire owner. For these dogs, it is important to immediately determine which territory belongs to him, which of the inhabitants is his own, and who is a stranger.

Representatives of this breed treat children well. But this only affects those who live in the owner’s house. If they have to deal with strange children, then caution should be exercised here, since the dog can take a foreign child for a predatory beast, having begun to protect the territory and owner's children from it. But do not be afraid that the Boerboel will brutally attack a child or bite. It can completely scare him or push him away, which can lead to some injuries. It is best for the dog to recognize strangers before they enter your house.

Bkrbuli will protect their master and his family members to the last. At the same time, the Boerboel decides who is the enemy of his family. It will be very difficult to protect a person with the help of teams. If the dog even understands that, protecting the territory or the owner, pays for it with his life, he will try to do the most harm to the offender.

Dog care

1. The wool of South African mastiffs does not require any special care. To care for it, it will be enough from time to time to comb the dog with a brush or rubber glove. This will help improve blood flow, cleanse the skin of dead cells and loose hair. When the dog molts, it is recommended to do such procedures more often.
2. Bathing boerboel is necessary only if such a need arises, since they are afraid of hypothermia. In winter, it is better to remove pollution in another way. For this, a special dry shampoo and a rag are suitable. You can wipe the animal with snow if it is clean. It will be enough to bathe the representatives of this breed twice a year.It is important that the dog dries in warm conditions. A wet animal must not be allowed to be in the wind.
3. Using a cotton swab, it is necessary to clean the dog's ears every month. After each walk in nature, they need to be inspected well. Healthy ears should have a smooth surface. Sulfur should be light and not smell anything. If the discharge has an unpleasant odor, you should immediately show the dog to a specialist.
4. The eyes of a healthy animal should not be watery. To prevent the development of eye infections, it is necessary to wipe the eyes with a decoction of chamomile. Anxiety should be caused by symptoms such as redness or discharge from the eyes.

To keep a dog of this breed, it is advisable to have a spacious aviary. It should have a booth where the dog could hide from the cold and bad weather. This is due to the fact that boerboels are very fond of space. But at the same time, it is important to limit the habitat of these dogs. It is allowed to keep these dogs in the apartment, but it is necessary to provide the pet with motor activity. A house with a South African mastiff will not be a big hassle, as they are very fond of sleeping.

It is necessary to walk representatives of this breed twice a day. In addition, each walk should last about an hour. During the walk it is advisable to run and play with the dog.

Training

In no case should you raise such a dog in permissiveness. This will lead to the fact that the dog will grow arrogant and will not listen to you. Therefore, Boerboel is suitable for people with a strong character, able to subdue and control such a dog. It is very important to suppress all manifestations of leadership and self-confidence of the dog. In education, it is important to be tough, but by no means cruel.

The dog should know that some things are strictly prohibited. Do not allow the dog to bite the owner or family members, even if this occurs in a playful way. During walks in no case should you drag the animal by the leash. Also, you should not teach a dog to rely on people with his front paws. Boerboels are quite heavy dogs by weight, and can knock down a child or an elderly person. Stop the pet’s desire to pick up any objects from the ground. Representatives of this breed are prone to such a habit, and then it will be difficult to wean them from this.

Since puppy's age it is necessary to suppress conflicts Boerboel with other dogs. This breed is prone to dominance, so the dog can be aggressive. This is especially true for males.

From childhood, the dog should get used to the fact that the owner needs to obey implicitly. As a puppy, the South African mastiff should be familiar with some teams, be aware of the prohibitions. Already from the age of four months he can be trained. As already mentioned, this breed grows up quite early, due to historical reasons.

Puppies price

If you buy such a dog with it, then the price can reach about 5000 rubles. But, if you want to have a dog that has been bred and selected by experts, this is not worth it. The price for a purebred dog will vary from 40 to 50 thousand rubles. However, by spending this money, you will get a devoted friend.

Those who know such dogs say that having a boerboel in the house, you can not close the doors at night. But it is important to remember that the breed is suitable for people with a strong character. In addition, the owner should have time to care for the dog and his education.

Video: Boerboel dog breed