Boerboels were bred in South Africa to protect homes and farms from aggressive predators. Boerboel dog breeds are:
- Steadfast, affectionate, loyal and calm to his family and people he knows well
- Territories with an innate protective instinct
- Naturally aloof and wary of strangers
- Very strong and muscular, weighs 150 to 200 pounds and can easily knock someone over
However, if not propagated, well socialized and trained, Boerboel can be aggressive and is a liability. Because of his size and strength, he can deal a lot of damage to people or animals.
Boerboel’s age can become ferocious
Between 8 and 14 weeks old, Boerboel puppies are easygoing and compliant. They rarely display any aggressive behavior during this learning period. Novice owners can be lulled into a false sense of security, believing they will stay that way. They will not.
At three months old, the puppy is still learning but may appear a bit aggressive. No longer a puppy by eight to nine months of age, adolescent Boerboel can become aggressive and overprotective depending on their genetic makeup, or they may become fearful or shy, this can also manifest in aggressive behavior when they feel challenged.
Requires training and socialization
Of course, all dog breeds should be properly socialized and trained. But if it’s not a Boerboel, it can attack any person or animal it considers a threat, and because of its massive size and strength, it can cause serious harm.
Boerboel puppies must be socialized and have positive experiences with people, dogs, and life events from eight weeks on. This will continue for the rest of his life, possibly lasting 8 to 12 years.
Owners must also demonstrate through consistent training that they are the leader or the dog will dominate the household. Only positive reinforcement training should be used otherwise Boerboel can become aggressive even towards his pet parents.
Training should begin when the Boerboel is eight weeks old and continue throughout its life. The “nothing in life is free” (NILIF) protocol must be used, in which the dog has to work (make signals) for everything. At a minimum, Basic signal to train Boerboel should include:
- Pay attention to work so that he focuses on the pet parent and not on external stimuli
- Walk with a loose leash so that he doesn’t pull down someone else walking with him
- Sit, lie down, and stay still — all of which help control impulses and prevent your child from knocking someone over
- Urgent recall and recall, must be firm for everyone’s safety
- Leaving it, it is important that he does not approach people or animals randomly
- Release or give, to help prevent resource protection
- Solve, let him control the impulse
If the Boerboel doesn’t get a few hours of physical and mental exercise each day, the Boerboel can become destructive. Hiking, fetching and Powerful puzzle game is necessary. Because of his size, strength, and intimidating presence, he was never allowed to run free. One of the more agile mastiff breeds, the muscular Boerboel can thrive if given a job, such as obedience, rallying, weightlifting, agility, guard sport, or stock work.
Boerboels are not for inexperienced owners. They need early and ongoing training and socialization to become reliable watch dogs. But if bred and raised properly, they can be a welcome member of a suitable dog-loving family.
