Whether you’re a first-time owner or a lifelong pet person, this is your happy place. Pick your pet, meet the breed, and pick up care tips, fun facts and the right food to keep them thriving.
- 1Choose your pet
- 2Choose a breed
- 3Meet your pet
Dog breed guide
Boerboel
South Africa's gentle giant and farmyard guardian.
- OriginSouth Africa
- SizeGiant, roughly 50 to 90 kg
- Lifespan10 to 12 years
- EnergyModerate
- GroomingLow, short coat
About the breed
The Boerboel is a South African mastiff-type breed developed by farmers to guard homesteads and livestock. The name means farmer's dog in Afrikaans, and the breed's strength and steady nerves made it a trusted protector on the farm.
Personality
Confident, protective and calm with their own people, but wary of strangers. They need an experienced, firm and fair owner, plenty of early socialisation and solid training.
Care tips
Exercise
Daily walks and playtime, but avoid over-exercising puppies while their joints are growing. They can struggle in extreme heat.
Grooming
A short coat that needs only a weekly brush. Wipe their facial folds and check ears and nails regularly.
Health
Giant breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and to bloat. Keep them lean, feed smaller meals and see your vet for regular checks.
Recommended food
A giant-breed puppy food helps them grow at a steady pace to protect their joints, followed by a quality giant-breed adult formula. Split their daily food into two meals and keep them at a healthy weight.
Fun facts
- Boerboel means farmer's dog in Afrikaans.
- It is one of South Africa's best-known homegrown breeds.
- Well-bred Boerboels are known for being calm and confident rather than jumpy.
This guide is general information to help you get started. It isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet, who knows your animal best.