For those who think that big breed dogs are not suitable for children, race Boerboel It is the obvious exception to the rule. Well, despite being a dog of pronounced size, it is the ideal pet to share family times, especially with the little ones in the house.
If it is a protection and loyalty, this imposing race knows how to provide both of their owners, so it has become one of the favorites for the care of any home, since it combines its size with a loving and cheerful attitude. Coming from South Africa, these dogs were raised for life in the field, so they are adapted outdoors and adventures. However, there are some care that must be provided, without hesitation, to the Boerboel if you want to maintain a good health and extend their life expectancy. Next, we will detail the most relevant aspects of the race: care it requires, its character and origin. In this way, you will have all the information to know if these canines are the most indicated for your home.
Origin of Boerboel
The 1660s is the period in which this breed had its first indications, in the African continent. It is a dog belonging to the family of the Molososo either dogos. Closely related to races Bullmastiff, Gran Danish and Bullenbeisser (already extinct), which were brought to this territory with the purpose of protecting the farm of the settlers. For this reason, He is recognized as a farmer and guardian dog. The different crosses have resulted in the specimen that is currently known, however, the Boerboel race has not yet been recognized by The International Cinological Federation (FCI), nor another world size organism.
Only local organizations such as the South African Association of Berboel Breeders (SABT) and the Boerboels Elite Association South African (EBBASA), have given validity to this breed within the country. At present it is not used only as a dog on duty, but also as an excellent companion, especially in homes with children, due to its friendly and loving character that grants the favoritism of people, despite being a large and weight dog.
Body characteristics
A obviously strong and imposing dog It is the image that this breed projects, due to its physical appearance. It is a muscular animal, robust and well formed. Let's know more about the physical appearance of this great friend below:
Weight and size
One of the most shocking aspects in this breed of dogs is its height and weight. Both males and females can exceed 100 kilograms, showing quite muscular. In relation to height, the specimens of this breed reach an average size of up to 70 centimeters to the cross. Given its weight and height, the Boerboel requires an owner capable of controlling his movements and training him properly because, although it is a very sociable animal, an unexpected attack can cause injuries to other people.
Physical
As we have mentioned, This dog is quite muscular. His body is of robust and pronounced contexture. Both his chest and his back stand out remarkably, providing an imposing and intimidating image before other animals and even people. Its legs are thick and firm, they perfectly support the body, which allows stable mobility and great agility to move despite its weight.
Face
The skull of this race is distinguished by being wide and flat, proportionally large, in line with its body. His face offers a misleading image, because it seems that it is an aggressive dog when it really is the opposite. Your round eyes can be chocolate, hazelnut or yellow, a very distinctive feature of them. The nose is black and medium -sized. And their ears are medium, hanging and separated from each other.
Fur
Boerboel is characterized by having a short and dense fur. The colors so far accepted for the race are dark red, brown, yellow and tied, very similar to the color of their eyes. In some specimens a black mask on the face is visualized, however, not everyone possesses this characteristic.
Boerboel behavior
In general, we talk about an obedient, educated, balanced, loyal and loving dog with his adoptive family. It is a protective dog, so it can be distrustful of the presence of strangers. However, by noticing the acceptance of these people by their owners, it will remain calm but always alert. It's about A noble and very affectionate dog with which he considers his family, and will care for his people above all. That is why if you run any danger, the Boerboel will not hesitate to help you, even having to attack other people. This issue is a bit delicate, because giving these dogs the impression that some danger is running, when it is not, it can arouse their protective instinct and attack the person who considers that he is hurting you. Socialization is very important if it is desired to reinforce education and behavior before people close to the family environment.
Coexistence
Coexistence with Boerboel does not represent a problem, since It is a dog with great ease of adaptation. Although it is a large dog and that requires sufficient space to move, run and exercise, its emotional state will be related to the quality of life and training provided. In a home with children, this breed fits perfectly. They are friendly, patients and protectors, so they will properly take care of the little ones. However, the child should be carefully indicated to the treatment of the dog, because before abuse or blows, they usually react negatively. Now, coexistence with other animals is not usually so positive in the first instance. Let's not forget that it is a race that excessively takes care of its space, so before other dogs it can show, in principle, a certain suspicion. However, this will also depend on education, because if it is taught to socialize with other pets at an early age, it will not be difficult to adapt to new canine friends later. Always keeping the look at training is a beneficial way to forge the character of the boerboel.
Boerboel education and training
This breed is of great intelligence and obedience, so It will soon learn orders that within your training time they are provided. However, it is necessary that the person in charge of this process has knowledge about the race and its handling, since the dog is aware of its size and what this represents for people. It is necessary to show you determination and security, but without shouting or treating you aggressively, as it will react negatively. The ideal is to make him feel that he collaborates with training, so it will be more bearable for both.
The positive reinforcement is very important, in this way a correct interaction and relationship of trust between the dog and the coach will be achieved, which will result in a correct education. Starting training around the third week of the puppy's life will allow progress to be seen in a short time, and that as its growth becomes a balanced and educated animal. If, on the contrary, training is not given importance, these animals may grow with aggressive and rebellious behavior.
Health
These dogs are usually healthy. They have a life expectancy that advances from 12 to 14 years. However, it will depend largely on the care that its owners offer to maintain your health and quality of life. Exist Some diseases that can directly affect the race. Among them include those related to weight and height: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and obesity. The first two may be for hereditary reasons or caused by bad movements. Also, an excess in the exercise carried out by the animal can contribute to the appearance of these. On the other hand, obesity is very common if it is not properly fed. Remember that it is a large dog, so it requires a good amount of food to stay satisfied daily. In addition, ocular and auditory diseases are another evil that can affect this race. However, if appropriate care is maintained, these animals will live with optimal health offering joy and protection to their family environment.
Care
Although it is a large and robust race that does not require greater care, the Boerboel needs some attention from its owners to stay strong and healthy. Emphasizing that it is a large dog highlights the importance of considering aspects such as physical activity, essential for your well -being.
Let's look at the care that this race needs:
Exercises
As we have said before, we talk about a large and weight breed, so The daily practice of long exercises and walks is elementary If you want to keep the dog active and with a balance in your weight. Making at least two daily walks accompanied by a pleasant exercise routine for the animal will contribute to its health. It is necessary to pay attention to what the pet wants to communicate. When this manifests tired by the exercises, it is indicative that it was enough, the time will have come to stop and rest. Otherwise, excess can cause alterations in your health.
Feeding
Another point of importance in the life and maintenance of this can is food. This breed needs about 800 grams of feed per day to stay satiated. That is, you need a lot of food, so it is necessary to complement it with the exercise to prevent it from developing overweight. An aspect that should not be overlooked is that food must necessarily be destined to provide nutrients, especially calcium, so that it strengthens its bones and can continue to support the weight of your body.
Hygiene
Unlike other races, Boerboel is not so demanding in terms of care of its fur. Brushing at least once or twice a month, and one bath every four weeks, it will be enough for this breed to remain close enough.
Veterinary controls
Vaccination, deworming and visits to the veterinarian is necessary if you want to keep the race away from diseases. Prevention is a great ally in the well -being of this and other dogs that can be affected by some pathology such as those mentioned in previous paragraphs.
To sum up
The Boerboel is a very special dog, because its presence and physical appearance can be intimidating for those who do not know it, not knowing that behind that robust body is an animal full of love, loyalty and protection towards its own. It is a large animal, so It requires being trained from puppy To achieve socialization and positive behavior. Who adiestre must be a person who knows about the race and is able to control their actions. Ideal for coexistence with children, because it easily adapts to the little ones, showing patient and affectionate. And above all protector in situations that you consider in danger. Undoubtedly, this race not only guarantees family care, but also fun and loyalty at each shared moment. Know other races such as:
