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BOERBOEL BREED STANDARD
General Appearance
The Boerboel is a large, powerful and strongly muscled South African mastiff, bred as a functional farm and property guardian.
The dog should be substantial, balanced and imposing, with strong bone and well-developed muscle, while remaining athletic and capable of purposeful movement.
Males should appear distinctly masculine and females feminine. Excessive bulk, obesity or exaggeration that compromises movement or function is undesirable.
The overall impression should be of strength, confidence and working ability.
History & Original Purpose
The Boerboel developed in South Africa, where powerful mastiff-type dogs brought by European settlers were crossed with local working dogs over generations.
They were bred as all-round farm dogs, guarding homes, families, livestock and property while being capable of confronting predators and other threats.
Life on South African farms demanded a dog with strength, courage, intelligence, stamina and athletic ability — powerful enough to protect, but mobile enough to patrol and work.
The modern Boerboel should retain this combination of guardian instinct, stability and functional working ability.
Head & Muzzle
The head should be large, broad, deep and powerful, proportionate to the body and unmistakably mastiff in type.
The muzzle should be broad, deep and strong, moderately short but never excessively shortened. The nose should be large with wide, open nostrils.
The head should show strength without excessive wrinkles, loose skin or exaggeration that could affect breathing, vision or function.
Eyes & Ears
Eyes should be medium-sized, well spaced and forward facing, with a confident, intelligent and attentive expression. Eyelids should fit closely without excessive drooping.
Ears should be medium-sized, V-shaped and set fairly high, hanging naturally close to the sides of the head.
The overall expression should be alert, confident and unmistakably Boerboel.
Mouth & Bite
The jaws should be broad, deep and powerful, with strong, well-developed teeth.
A scissor bite is preferred, with a level bite accepted. The mouth should close comfortably and the jaws should remain strong and functional.
Excessive undershot or overshot bites are undesirable.
Size & Proportions
The Boerboel is a large, substantial and powerfully built dog, with males noticeably larger and more masculine than females.
Males: ideally 60 cm or taller, with approximately 66 cm considered ideal.
Females: ideally 55 cm or taller, with approximately 61 cm considered ideal.
The body should be balanced and slightly longer than tall, with substantial bone and muscle without becoming cumbersome or overweight.
Overall balance, soundness and working ability should always be more important than size alone.
Body & Construction
The body should be strong, muscular and well balanced, with a broad, deep chest, well-sprung ribs and a powerful back and loin.
The front should be straight, strong and well boned, with muscular, correctly angled hindquarters providing powerful drive.
The Boerboel should carry substantial muscle and bone without excessive weight, remaining athletic, agile and capable of its original working purpose.
Coat & Colour
The coat should be short, dense, smooth and close fitting, with healthy skin and a natural appearance.
Boerboels occur in red, brown and fawn shades, brindle, and recognised pied/Irish-marked patterns, with or without a dark mask.
Colour and markings should never take priority over health, temperament, sound construction or correct Boerboel type.
Movement
Movement should be powerful, balanced and purposeful, with good reach in front and strong drive from the hindquarters.
Despite its substantial size, the Boerboel should move with athleticism, agility and confidence, never appearing heavy, restricted or cumbersome.
Sound, efficient movement is essential for a functional working farm and guardian dog.
Temperament
The Boerboel should be confident, intelligent, loyal and naturally protective, with a strong bond to its family.
As a natural guardian, it may be reserved or watchful with strangers, but should remain stable, self-assured and controllable.
Nervousness, unpredictable behaviour or uncontrollable aggression are unacceptable.
Faults
Faults include poor breathing, weak or unsound construction, restricted movement, excessive weight, lack of correct Boerboel type, excessive exaggeration or unstable temperament.
Faults should be judged according to their severity and effect on the dog’s health, function and ability to work.
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