Boerboel characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | 6% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Medium | 34% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Very High | 14% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 11 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Boerboel right for you?
The Boerboel is one of the true giant breeds that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct. Day to day, the Boerboel wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Boerboel wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. With medium energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Boerboel to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Boerboel needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Boerboel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Boerboel
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Boerboel genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Size: Giant — the Boerboel is a giant breed, which changes the car, the vet bill and the space a dog needs. Only 6% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Drooling: Medium — the Boerboel drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Protectiveness: Very high — the Boerboel is among the most protective breeds here, which needs early socialisation to stay useful rather than reactive. Only 14% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Boerboel actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Boerboel fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Medium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
| Wanting a watchful dog | Good fit | Very high protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive. |
Perfect for
- Experienced large breed owners
- Those needing property protection
- Active families with secure yards
- Mastiff enthusiasts
Things to consider
- Requires experienced handling
- Strong territorial instincts
- Needs early socialization
- Large size and strength
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Boerboel good with children?
- Yes — the Boerboel is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Boerboel shed a lot?
- The Boerboel has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Boerboel need?
- With medium energy, the Boerboel needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Boerboel live?
- The Boerboel typically lives around 11 years.
- Can the Boerboel live in an apartment?
- The Boerboel is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Boerboel easy to train?
- The Boerboel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Boerboel be left alone during the day?
- The Boerboel copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.