Boerboels or the South African Mastiffs (pronounced Boo-errr-bull: you need to need to be able to role the “R”) is gradually gaining popularity as a fearsome guard dog. They weight between 100 and 200 pounds. A Boerboel can absolutely be a dangerous dog in the wrong hands, but a wonderful family dog in the right ones.
But are all Boerboels dangerous? And if you have one, what can you do to keep them safe? First, let’s look at how dangerous a Boerboel really might be.
In this article:
How strong is the Boerboel bite?
A Boerboel bite exerts upwards of 450 pounds of pressure per square inch. In fact, their bite is so strong, many trainers who use Boerboels for protection training will use muzzles, as they can easily break arms or do serious damage to their padded targets.
In general, anybody who has been pulled on the leash by Boerboel for the first time will be shocked at their strength. They are one of the most powerful breeds in the world, and yes, because of their size, they are far stronger than the average Pit Bull.
They are also more athletic than many other Molossers, such as the English or Neopolitan Mastiff. So while they don’t have the stamina or speed of a German Shepherd, they can still move pretty fast and with a lot of force.
Are Boerboels aggressive?
While many Boerboels are sweet and docile, others are dominant dogs, given to being reactive. This means they can be aggressive under the right circumstances. Because of their power and strong personalities, they are not good dogs for inexperienced dog owners.
In fact, they are not necessarily a dog for somebody who has only owned more tractable breeds like Labradors or Spaniels before. A Boerboel can be a different ball game.
But what makes a Boerboel different from other dogs?
The Boerboel History
There are several factors that mean a Boerboel comes wired with a different genetic blueprint than most of the dogs we are used to. First, we need to understand where they come from.
The Boerboel has its roots in a mastiff-type dog that arrived in South Africa in 1652. It was a Dutch Bullenbijter, which translates to bull biter. This likely makes it related to other bullfighting and dog fighting breeds like the Old English Bulldog, which was notorious for its aggression.
This early Bullenbijter went through several centuries of being outcrossed to a number of indigenous African dogs as well as imported European breeds like Bulldogs and other Mastiffs. Perhaps the most significant influence is the Bullmastiff, which was imported to protect the Kimberley diamond mines.
Over the years, this created a formidable working farm dog and perimeter guardian. While breeds like the Bullmastiff settled into becoming family and companion dogs, the Boerboel stayed a perimeter guardian in Africa, charged with keeping the home safe.
The Boerboel Genetic Blueprint
Contrary to what many people believe, a puppy is not born a blank slate. They are born with different tolerances, different thresholds for stress, different drives, and different reaction programming.
This is why a Weimaraner puppy might sprint after a ball the first time it sees one thrown, while a Pug might just stare at it. Different breeds have naturally different reactions to stimuli.
This does not mean every Boerboel is the same. Depending on the individual, you can have two completely different dogs, with two completely different natures within the same litter. A good breeder will also make sure to breed for good temperaments.
What does the average Boerboel genetic blueprint look like?
- A stronger than average urge to protect and look out for threats,
- A lower threshold for “triggers” or perceived threats. Most dogs will only get excited by stimulating events such as unfamiliar barking dogs, screaming children, or the appearance of strangers. Meanwhile, a Boerboel is designed to have a stronger reaction to something surprising, new, or exciting. This means, without proper socialization, that a fight or flight response is triggered far quicker than it is in most other breeds. If this is not channeled properly, it can lead to aggression or even attacks.
- Lower bite inhibition. Most dogs are not designed to bite people, and actual bites are extremely rare. Years of picking only friendly dogs to breed have made sure that very few adult dogs feel comfortable letting their teeth touch human skin. This is not always the case with the Boerboel. They are far more comfortable biting perceived intruders or threats. Although they are rarely dangerous to their family, any dog that has been badly bred and raised may be dangerous to its owners too. Reputable breeders are essential when getting a Boerboel.
- A moderate-to-high working drive, trainability, and intelligence. This means Boerboels can and should be trained, in addition to plenty of early socialization.
- An independent and dominant streak. Boerboels will quickly take up the role of pack leader and make independent decisions about situations if they don’t believe their owners are up the task.
Does this mean that Boerboels are unstoppable killers? No. They are devoted, trainable, and loyal dogs. Some, especially females, are extraordinarily sweet and no danger to anybody.
It simply means that anyone considering getting a Boerboel should do their research and be confident in their ability to shape a well-adjusted, calm, and well-trained dog.
What could make a Boerboel aggressive?
Visit a breeder
Bad breeding, poor socialization, and a lack of steady leadership from owners can create an aggressive Boerboel. If you are considering getting one, be sure to visit your breeder. Get to know their dogs.
If any of the dogs seem dangerous or reactive, look for a different breeder. Remember breeders should be checking for temperament as much as they for health defects like hip dysplasia.
Socialize the dog
A second component is a perceived threat. Socialization is imperative for Boerboels. From the age of three months, they need to see as much of the world as possible.
A dog that is unfamiliar with the outside world will feel more threatened by strangers, new dogs, loud noises, bicycles, or anything that could trigger adrenaline in their brains. When it comes to fight or flight, Boerboels will most often choose fight.
Boerboels are not for the nervous owner
A nervous or anxious owner is also a common problem behind Boerboel reactivity. Boerboels are natural protectors. If they are being walked by an owner who does not feel confident in their ability to handle the dog or who is anyway unsure, nervous, or insecure, the Boerboel will know.
The dog will not interpret an owner’s nervousness correctly. To them, if the owner is nervous, there must be a threat!
This puts them on high alert, looking for whatever it is that has their human so anxious. Soon enough, they’ll spot something to target. Perhaps it is another dog being walked across the street or a passing bicycle. A Boerboel’s instinct to protect its fearful owner can be directed at anything regardless of what it is. Unfortunately, this usually reinforces the anxiety the owner already has.
Consistent training
A lack of consistent training, mental stimulation, and exercise can also lead to aggression in Boerboels. A bored dog is often a destructive and frustrated dog. Approximately 90% of behavior problems can be fixed just through consistent, patient training, daily playtime, and plenty of exercise.
Are Boerboels good guard dogs?
Yes, most Boerboels are naturally excellent guard dogs. They are instinctively territorial, and even with socialization, they can be aloof with strangers. Boerboels love their home and their family and are usually fearless dogs, happy to take on any intruder.
Usually, it would never come to that, as very Boerboels are visually intimidating dogs, and the sight of them would make most unwanted visitors think twice. Nevertheless, because of the power of these dogs, socialization, and training are imperative. A Boerboel has an independent mind and without training, they can potentially hurt somebody who is not a threat or an intruder.
They need to look to their owners for guidance and leadership, and their more reactive tendencies must be channeled and shaped. Failure to properly shape a dog with this much power can lead to tragedy and legal troubles.
Are Boerboels good with other dogs?
The Boerboel was bred to be good with other dogs. In South Africa, they were kept with smaller terriers, such as the Jack Russell. This is because the smaller dogs were seen as more alert than the average Boerboel. After all, the Boerboel may be tough, but it does like to snooze.
The terrier’s job was to bark at any perceived threat and wake up the Boerboel, who would act as the “muscle.” Because of this, Boerboels tend to be tolerant of smaller dogs. They were also often raised with hunting dogs on farms and are generally capable of getting with a variety of breeds.
However, Boerboels are extremely dominant. Two males or two females kept together may lead to fighting. Similarly, they might not like to be kept with another dominant breed since they usually like to be at the head of the pack and don’t like challengers.
An unsocialized Boerboel may be a completely different story and could be very dangerous to other dogs.
How can I raise a Boerboel to be a safe dog?
Do a background check before buying a boerboel
The first factor in raising a Boerboel is seeking the right genetics. This means visiting the breeder and meeting all their dogs. If their dogs seem aggressive or unstable, stay clear.
Likewise, if you are adopting a Boerboel from a shelter, make sure to check its temperament with a variety of stressors. Find out if the dog is aggressive on the leash, towards other dogs, children, or strangers before you bring the dog home.
Unless you are a professional with extensive experience dealing with aggressive and reactive dogs, do not adopt one.
Start training Boerboels early
If you have a puppy, training should begin right away. Starting with potty and crate training, accustom your puppy to a reliable and calm routine. If you are not a professional or someone with extensive experience, immediately enroll your dog in puppy classes.
Boerboels – Socialize, socialize, socialize
Socialization will need to be a lifelong commitment, beginning at three months. Try to take your Boerboel everywhere public with you. They should become desensitized to other dogs, children, moving objects like bicycles, places packed with strangers, loud noises, and anything else they might come across in their daily life.
Show consistent calm leadership
Training should also be consistent and calm. We should follow the rules. For example, the Boerboel should not run to the door to greet strangers before you do. Teaching them place training and to only greet visitors when you give the signal puts you in control of the situation.
Remember, shouting, losing your temper, or punishing your dog does not make you a good leader. It will only signal to your dog that you are not really in control.
Check the credentials of your professionals
It may sound odd, but not every professional trainer or behaviorist is right for a Boerboel. Too many times exasperated owners take their dogs to trainers and get few to no results. Keep in mind; many basic obedience trainers only work with more tractable breeds like Labradors or Border Collies.
Similarly, be careful with a trainer who offers to take your dog for a while and return them to you trained. Sometimes there is a good reason to do this, but a good trainer or behaviorist will help you to learn to manage and train your dog on your own.
Too often, a dog trained elsewhere by a different person simply won’t respond to their owners the same way when they arrive home again.
Take time to research the professionals you work with. Ideally, you should be able to see their work comfortably with other powerful breeds, such a Cane Corsos, Pit Bulls, Presa Canarios, or Fila Brasileiros. The dogs should look happy, relaxed, as well as obedient. Beware of dogs who seem mechanical and “switched off,” as if just going through the motions.
Speak to their other clients and take note of how successfully their dogs are trained.
Final Thoughts
Boerboels are docile, happy, and devoted family dogs. They are also formidable guardians with immense power, so these are not dogs for the average or inexperienced dog owner.
However, with consistency, they make excellent protection dogs who are often great with kids, fearless, and dedicated. Because of their strength of mind, body, and character, Boerboels require owners willing to match them with calm, consistent leadership, exercise, and good training.