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AKC: Boerboel breed overview

Working group · South Africa

Boerboel

Also called South African Mastiff, Boer Boel

A South African farm guardian built to face down leopards, calm at home but serious about its territory.

Boerboels are confident, watchful and deeply loyal to their household. These muscular, powerful dogs need an experienced owner, lifelong socialization and a secure property, and in return they are affectionate, steady companions.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

55 to 90 kg

121 to 198 lb

Height

59 to 70 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

9 to 11 yrs

Activity estimate

60 to 90 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

30 months

approximate model input

Life with a Boerboel

A Boerboel's first reaction to a stranger at the gate is rarely a wag. It stands, watches and places itself between the visitor and its family. That calm, assessing presence is the core of the breed, and anyone considering one should be certain they want a dog that takes guarding seriously.

The Boerboel took shape on South African farms over roughly 350 years. European settlers from 1652 onward brought large mastiff and bulldog types, which mixed with local dogs and, in the 1920s and 1930s, with bullmastiffs imported to guard diamond mines. Isolated homesteads needed a dog tough enough to confront leopards, baboons and intruders yet gentle enough to trust with children. Only dogs that managed both were kept.

In the 1980s breeders began recording and standardizing the type, and international kennel clubs followed; the AKC gave full recognition in 2015. A well-bred Boerboel today is confident rather than reactive, and inside the home it is often soft, cuddly and keen to lie across its owner's feet. With strangers and unfamiliar dogs, it stays cautious throughout life, and training alone will not change that.

What stands out

Training

Boerboels are intelligent and loyal, but they are not pushovers. They respond best to calm, consistent leadership, clear boundaries and rewards they value, often food and play with their owner. Harsh methods tend to backfire with a powerful guardian, damaging trust and increasing defensiveness.

Read the full training guide

Easy to train

Open with strangers

Good with other dogs

A great match for

experienced owners of large guardian breeds
rural or suburban homes with secure fencing
calm households wanting a devoted protector
owners able to commit to lifelong training

Think twice if

strong territorial and protective instinct
may not tolerate unfamiliar dogs, especially of the same sex
sheer strength demands excellent lead manners
legal restrictions in some countries and councils
slow to mature mentally, often not until around 3 years

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much a Boerboel eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	65 kg	2240 kcal	605 g (6 cups)
Female, typical pet	65 kg	2560 kcal	695 g (7 cups)
Male, typical pet	79 kg	2970 kcal	800 g (8 cups)
Male, very active	79 kg	3710 kcal	1005 g (10 cups)

Full Boerboel feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the Boerboel

FeedingAn adult Boerboel usually eats somewhere around 700 g to 1 kg of dry food a day, about 7 to 10 cups, depending on size, activity and the food's energy content. Split it into two or three meals to reduce the risk of bloat, a known danger for large, deep-chested breeds.Read more Puppy growthBoerboel puppies grow large and fast, often reaching 30 to 40 kg (66 to 88 lb) by 6 months. 5 to 3 years, and behavior matures on the same slow timetable.Read more ExerciseAdults need about 60 minutes a day of walking, patrolling the garden and play, plus some mental work. Boerboels are not marathon runners, but they enjoy brisk walks, short sprints, tug with clear rules and scent tasks.Read more GroomingThe coat is about as simple as it gets. A rubber curry brush once a week, followed by a wipe with a damp cloth, keeps it clean and glossy.Read more HealthBoerboels are known to be predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, eyelid problems such as entropion and ectropion, some heart conditions and bloat. As with many giant breeds, lifespan is modest, usually 9 to 11 years.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1The name comes from Afrikaans and roughly means farmer's dog
2Dutch settlers arriving at the Cape in 1652 brought large mastiff-type guard dogs with them
3South African breeders began formally recording and standardizing the type in 1983
4A large male can weigh 90 kg (198 lb), as much as a heavy adult man
5Restricted or banned in some countries, including Denmark

Boerboel questions

Are Boerboels banned in some countries?

Yes. Rules change over time, but Denmark, for example, has banned import and breeding of the Boerboel since 2010, and some other countries and local councils restrict large guardian breeds or require permits. Check national law, local rules, rental agreements and insurance before getting one, and check again before moving or traveling abroad with your dog.

Is a Boerboel good with children?

In its own family, a well-bred, well-raised Boerboel is often gentle and protective with children. The risks come from size and guarding instinct: a playful shove can knock a toddler over, and the dog may misread rough play from visiting children as a threat. Always supervise, teach children not to crowd the dog, and give it a quiet place to retreat.

Boerboel vs Bullmastiff: what is the difference?

Both are powerful guardian breeds, and bullmastiffs contributed to Boerboel ancestry. The Boerboel is usually taller, more athletic and more agile, having been bred as an all-purpose farm dog. The Bullmastiff was developed in England to stop poachers and tends to be more compact with a shorter muzzle. Boerboels generally show a stronger territorial drive.

When does a Boerboel calm down?

Most Boerboels keep a playful, clumsy side until 2 to 3 years, and many do not reach full mental maturity until around 3. Guarding behavior often becomes more pronounced between 18 months and 3 years, so keep training and socialization going through this period rather than easing off once the puppy stage ends.

Do Boerboels drool?

Moderately. They have looser lips than a Labrador but far tighter ones than a Mastiff or Saint Bernard. Expect drool after drinking, when excited or while waiting for dinner, and keep a cloth handy. Some individuals barely drool at all, while dogs with looser flews drip more, so meet the parents if drool matters to you.

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