The Working Boerboel

working boerboelThe Boerboel have been employed as a working dog ever since the creation of the breed. In the beginning the work was mostly farm related, but as technology, knowledge and science evolved the working capability of the Boerboel started migrating to the cities.

Working on the farm

Traditionally farmers kept a pack of Boerboel dogs on the farm. The pack usually had divided tasks:

  • As guard dogs: the Boerboel was often and still is used as an extremely effective guard dog.
  • As hunters: Even though a single Boerboel might be outmatched by a rabbit when it comes to agility, a pack of hunting boerboel dogs are a force to be reckoned with. They were and in some cases still are used to hunt; Leopards, Porcupines, Lions, Caracal and even deer for the pot.
  • Working with oxen: Boerboel dogs were used to lead teams of oxen while plowing the fields. They also used the dogs as motivation to the oxen to work harder, a nip in the flanks can go a long way in motivating some action.
  • As shepherds: the Boerboel was used to round up and guard sheep from jackal, caracal and leopards.
  • As snake deterrents, Boerboel dogs were trained as pups to fight and scare of snakes.

Working in the city

Boerboel dogs have recently risen in the working dog ranks, as the breed have mostly been kept to South Africans, international distribution and relocation have created a treasure trove of new information regarding the breed and their use as working dogs.

  • Therapy dogs: well trained Boerboel dogs have been used in both psychotherapy and for hospital visits to assist with patient recovery.
  • Police dogs: Due to tendency towards aggression and high trainability, Boerboel dogs are now a firm favorite as police dogs, because they are heavier than German Sheppard and Dobermans, their ability to hold down a suspect are highly praised. They also make good sniffer dogs especially in cases of drugs, explosives and animal smuggling. The mastiff group of breeds in general is preferred as cadaver dogs.
  • As actors: Boerboel dogs can be trained and used as actors.
  • As guard dogs: A lot of construction and other companies use Boerboel dogs as night or premises guards.

The Boerboel is a dog that really has evolved with the times; they are both a stable and practical breed when they are trained correctly. Their use as working dogs far outpaces the fear and stigma that clings to them.

Boerboel Dogs Make Great Guard Dogs for Families

If you are looking for a great dog to protect both your family and your property, a Boerboel dog may be the best type of dog for you. This dog was bred for the purposes of becoming a great guard dog that is extremely protective of its owner and its owner’s property. In addition, this type of dog does very well with the family and is very good around children, even young children. Below are some of the best features about the Boerboel breed to help you determine if this type of guard dog is right for your family.

Strong and Intelligent

The Boerboel dog is a rather large dog. The female dogs can range from 23 to 25-inches tall and the males dogs can get as tall as 25 to 28-inches high. Both male and female dogs can weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. The mere size of this type of dog can be very intimidating to strangers on your property. To match its strength, these dogs are also very intelligent and are easy to train if done properly from an early age. While the Boerboel dog will intimidate most strangers, they will quickly back down at your command, and will be fine with the stranger once they are introduced.

Great Temperament for the Family

Unlike, some other types of guard dogs, the Boerboel dog has a very calm and stable temperament. They get along well with kids and will easily allow them to ride on their back or tug at them without being bothered. They love attention and will play catch with the family for hours at a time. They are extremely loyal, which makes them very unlikely to turn on their owners or members of the family. These dogs do require a lot of exercise, so they do well with an active family who will allow them to run outside for long periods at a time.

Overall Great Health

There are very little health risks associated with the Boerboel dogs. As long as they are well cared for they will remain healthy for many years to come. The only major complaints about this breed is that in rare cases they form elbow or hip dysplasia later in life, along with possibly vaginal hyperplasia and juvenile epilepsy. Although these cases are not very common, it is important that your dog receive proper care and receives regular checkups.

In general, this breed can be a great guard dog, even for those with younger children. In order to maintain control of your Boerboel dog, it is important that you properly train the dog as early as possible. Once properly trained, this breed will protect your family from predators and intruders. These dogs have been known to fight to the death in order to protect their owners or their owner’s property.