Are Boerboels hypoallergenic?

No, Boerboels are not considered hypoallergenic dogs .

How do you pronounce Boerboel?

Boerboel is pronounced BOHR-buhl (though it’s also been pronounced boo-r-bull or bood-abull).

Yes, Boerboels do drool, but not as much as other mastiff-type dogs . Still, it’s a good idea to keep a towel handy to keep their face and your furniture clean.

How long do Boerboels live?

The typical Boerboel life expectancy is 9–11 years.

Boerboel

Updated December 15, 2025

The Boerboel is a loyal pup who used to guard diamond mines in South Africa, but now the only jewel they’re attached to is you. If you’re looking for an ultra-loyal and highly intelligent dog, look no further than the Boerboel. But don’t be fooled—they can be super affectionate, too!

Temperament

Doting, Confident, Loyal

Weight

150–200 pounds

Height

22–27 inches

Life Expectancy

9–11 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Brown, Red, Cream, Brindle, Tawny, Reddish Brown

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Looking for a four-legged partner who’s big, loyal, and ready to join your exercise routine? Meet the Boerboel, a 150-pound bestie who never misses a day of training. The only thing they love more than a good workout is you.

But while South African Boerboels are often reserved around new people, these giant dogs turn into teddy bears at home.

Boerboel Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Boerboel Appearance

Large and muscular, the Boerboel dog breed has droopy jowls and a black mask of fur. Their short, dense coat comes in a range of colors, and they move with confidence and purpose.

Ears
The Boerboel's medium-sized ears are V-shaped and rounded at the tip. They usually fold over and lie flat.
Eyes
Boerboel eyes are usually dark brown.
Nose
Boerboels have a broad muzzle and a solid black nose.
Coat Length
Their short coats are smooth, dense, and shiny.
Coat Color
Boerboel colors include red, brown, reddish-brown, fawn, and cream, often with black coloring in the shape of a mask on their face. They can also be brindle (subtle tiger stripes) or Irish marked (white on the legs, face, and collar).
Tail
While it was once common to dock a Boerboel’s tail, nowadays many of these pups have their tails intact. Many groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose tail docking, and many countries as well as U.S. states have banned the practice.

Boerboel Temperament

The Boerboel was originally bred to work as a guardian dog, and some of these historical instincts are still alive in today’s pups. Typically, this manifests in an extremely loyal dog who loves their family deeply but is more reserved around people they don’t know well.

But Boerboels aren’t all work and no play. On the contrary, these dogs have a silly side and can even make good playmates for kids who know how to appropriately interact with animals. Just make sure playtime is supervised—it’s easy for this 150-plus-pound dog to accidentally knock over smaller children.

These pups enjoy family life, but they’re not always the biggest fans of guests. However, once proper introductions are made, they’ll ditch the side eye and learn to welcome others into their home.

Remember that breed only accounts for about 9% of a dog’s personality, and Boerboels are no exception. Consistent socialization and training is key to bringing out the best in your dog.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Boerboel

Find Boerboels to Adopt Near You

How to Care for a Boerboel

The Boerboel is a short-haired pup, but they’re not necessarily low–maintenance. While brushing might be a breeze, they’ll need plenty of time for training, exercise … and managing their drool.

Bathing: You’ll probably be OK with bathing your dog once a month. However, Boerboel dogs tend to drool a lot, so you’ll need to keep a towel close by for wiping their face. Ask your vet if you need to buy medicated wipes to keep your pup’s face clean and healthy.
Brushing: Use a curry comb or grooming glove once a week to keep their coat shiny and shedding under control. Boerboels shed moderately.
Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs vet attention. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to infections.
Dental care: Help keep your pup’s dental health in check by brushing their teeth every day. Use a dog toothpaste and toothbrush—never human toothpaste, which can be toxic for pups. Start when your Boerboel puppy is young, so they get used to the experience.
Nail care: When you hear your dog’s paws clicking against the ground, it’s time to trim their nails.

Boerboels need a confident and patient pet parent who’s consistent with their training. They do best with experienced dog parents who have trained a working breed before.

Begin socializing and training your Boerboel puppy as soon as you bring them home. Start with the basics—like sit, stay, come, and how to walk on a leash—using positive reinforcement methods.

The American Boerboel Club emphasizes the importance of sticking with training beyond puppyhood to ensure you develop a well-mannered dog. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified pet trainer to help, if needed.

Every dog needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Because of the Boerboel’s size, a large-breed dog food is best.

It’s especially important for Boerboel puppies to eat a puppy food designed for big breeds so their growth is nutritionally supported. Popular options include Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Food and Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food.

Ask your vet when your Boerboel puppy should switch to an adult dog food. Big dogs like the Boerboel breed might also benefit from joint supplements or a joint health-focused diet. Ask your vet to recommend the best dog food for your specific pup. Never give your dog a supplement without speaking to your vet first.

Because Boerboels need consistent training, it can be easy to give them too many treats. But obesity in dogs can cause many other health issues, so it’s important that dog treats don’t make up more than 10% of your Boerboel’s daily calories. You can use other high-value rewards, like favorite toys, praise, and petting, in place of training treats.

Another important feeding consideration is bloat. Bloat in dogs is when the stomach becomes distended with food and/or gas, and it can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. Big dogs with deep chests—like the Boerboel—are most susceptible.

To prevent bloat, pet parents can:

Use a slow feeder bowl to stop their Boerboel from eating too quickly
Avoid elevated food bowls/keep their dog’s bowl on the ground
Restrict exercise for two hours before and after a Boerboel eats
Talk to their vet about a gastropexy procedure, where the stomach is tacked to the abdomen wall

Boerboels are high-energy pups who need to move each day. One hour of exercise every day is ideal, but they won’t say no to more.

Take them on a walk around the neighborhood or to a dog-friendly hiking trail. It’s ideal if you exercise together and keep them engaged; don’t expect your Boerboel to entertain themselves alone in the fenced backyard.

Mix up your exercise routine to keep your Boerboel engaged; they’ll enjoy activities that challenge them physically and mentally, like agility and Rally.

Boerboels thrive in homes with active pet parents. These pups need activity that works their body, mind, and nose every day. Big on their wish list is a large, fenced yard.

However, just because they love you and the family, it doesn’t mean that they’re going to love all your friends. If you have an active social life with lots of people coming over, these pups are going to try to vet everyone like they’re a bouncer at a club. So, a Boerboel would prefer a calmer, more serene home environment.

Because they’re active and require consistent training, these pups will thrive with a confident, experienced pet parent.

Boerboel Health

The average Boerboel lifespan is 9–11 years. Here are a few health issues to be aware of. 

Bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Boerboels are prone to a condition called bloat, in which the stomach distends with air and/or food. A serious complication of bloat is gastric dilatation-volvulus: The stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to certain organs. Symptoms include abdominal distension, restlessness, and dry heaving. This is a life-threatening emergency; if you notice these signs, go to the vet immediately.
Dilated cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition where the heart enlarges and doesn’t pump blood normally. Without treatment, it leads to heart failure. Diagnosis is based on an echocardiogram and treatment is often daily medication.
Ectropion and entropion: Entropion is an eyelid abnormality in which a dog’s eyelid rolls in on itself. Its opposite, ectropion, causes the lower lid to fold outward. Both can cause pain, eye infections, and eye ulcers. Surgery is an option for severe cases.
Elbow and hip dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are genetic conditions that develop during puppyhood when the joints don’t align well and become looser than normal. Treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, supplements, physical therapy, pain meds, or surgery.

Boerboel History

As Dutch, German, and Huguenot settlers (aka Boers, or farmers) arrived in South Africa in the 1600s, they brought large canines who were used as guardian dogs and hunting dogs.

Breeding between these pups and other dogs—possibly the Bullmastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback, English Bulldog, and a native South African dog—resulted in the Boerboel we know today, according to the breed club.

The American Kennel Club recognized the South African Boerboel in 2014. Boerboel puppies tend to cost between $1,500–$2,000. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder.

You can also consider adopting a Boerboel. Check out a local giant breed dog rescue, like Save the Giants; keep an eye out at your local rescue or animal shelter; or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Boerboel

Boerboel