FAQs And Myths About Boerboels
- Will my
Boerboel get along
with my children and other pets?
Reality is that its totally up to YOU to introduce and socialize your boerboel pup properly with your children, animals or ANYONE and ANYTHING your boerboel will interact with! - Are Boerboels naturally
protective?
NO! Not all boerboels will protect instinctively. A large percentage suffer from weak nerves and fear aggressive tendencies. Breeding stock should be tested by unbiased third party testers (experienced trial judges, trainers and breeders ). This is why I train, work, test and cull my breeding stock, striving for steady even temperament - Are boerboels naturally
healthy?
Boerboels are no more or less healthy than most other large breeds. Some of the ailments I have culled for(given away as companion dogs), in an effort to produce healthy boerboels are hip dysplasia, vaginal prolapse, weakened immune system. There are more ailments, some severe some not, that can affect boerboels. Any breeder that tells you any different is being less than honest! Breeders that market boerboels because of their superior bloodlines are not disclosing the fact that if you go back a few generations you will see the same b.b names in most of the current pedigrees of today’s b.b due to the reconstructive nature of the breed. Not to mention that these dogs in the bloodlines have never been TEMPERARMENT OR HEALTH TESTED! Ask these breeders what they base their opinion on and you find it is usually a conformation based opinion. A responsible boerboel breeder will try their best to produce reliable healthy boerboels by mating healthy dogs together generation after generation, but that also is not a 100% guarantee of good health or temperament. We have no control over the genetics that our boerboels ancestors carry good or bad. We test for most of the common ailments that affect boerboels through blood screening and x-rays, as well as responsible animal husbandry -
Will my boerboel be show or breeding Quality?
This is a marketing tool some “breeders” use. The truth is you have no way of determining for certain how a boerboel will grow up at 8-14 wks old (the age when pups are typically sold). Conformation based opinions does not disclose hidden health or temperament conditions. - I have owned other large
breeds before
This statement does not automatically qualify you as a prospective boerboel owner.Boerboels are not for everyone, they can be a headstrong protective breed and if you can’t control your (100lb. or a lot more) boerboel they have the potential to be a dangerous animal this is why we insist on proper socialization and training. Unfortunately some prospective boerboel owners have a higher opinion of their ability to handle raise and train than is a fact .We here statements like I trained this type or that type of dog but when questioned they have never stepped into training class or never titled a working dog nor titled a working farm dog. Or they have have no proof of such endeavors So really this only their opinion of themselves These are the most dangerous types of owners. Someone who admits they haven’t trained or worked a dog but is willing to train and listen and learn has a far more likely prospect of a positive boerboel ownership experience. - How big
will my boerboel get?
The phenotype is varied in boerboels, but the size of the parents should be a good indicator. Beware of breeders who inflate the true weight of their boerboels(alot of breeders do) as bigger is not necessarily better - Do
Boerboels like to swim?
Again it usually depends on if they are introduced at a young age, but a proportion of boerboels will take to the water at any age . - Why
train?
Well behaved dogs are a pleasure to own. And since most boerboel owners do not have large farms or ranches(the job boerboels were originally bred for)training is a great substitute. Boerboels adapt to virtually all forms of training. A boerboel with a purpose is usually a happy boerboel, not to mention the stronger bond you will develop with your boerboel! - Do boerboels drool?
Occasionally and some more than others, but usually not to the same extent of some of the other larger mastiff breeds. - Do they require grooming?
The same amount as any breed with a similar coat. I do my dogs toenails, clean their ears and rub them down with a coarse towel every two weeks as well as a good visual inspection looking for parasites cuts, punctures etc . - How much does a boerboel
eat?
That depends on the activity level. Better to keep them lean.
Boerboels will fart and burp and chew on
things(usually a pup phase the chewing that is) and clean
themselves noisily, but if you are sincere and dedicated to
putting in the time and effort, a boerboel is a great addition
to any farm or residence. The rewards are tremendous. They
will demonstrate great courage and loyalty and affection as well
as a very biddable disposition to you and family and anyone
properly introduced. They will be a dog you will talk
about for a lifetime
WHEN RAISED RESPONSIBLY
