Boerboel: features of the breed and the rules of its maintenance

If you want to become the owner of a good family dog, you should pay attention to the Boerboel breed. This animal treats children well, and also considers the main purpose of its existence to be the protection of its owner and his family and the owner in particular.

South Africa is considered the homeland of the Boerboel dog breed, but there is information that the roots of the dog are Asian. In the Assyrian region, animals were used as military personnel, while being awarded with armor. In Europe, the South African Boerboel appeared thanks to Alexander the Great, who brought the beast from Egypt. Later, this breed became the basis for breeding the mastiff.

In the 17th century, the breed was restored when several European dog breeds were crossed. Breeding of a farm dog was carried out at the Cape of Good Hope. The result of natural selection was the emergence of a strong and hardy South African Boerboel. Due to active urbanization in the 80s of the last century, the breed disappeared, but later it began to be restored in South Africa.

There is information that before the Europeans arrived in Africa, Boerboels were used as milking animals. Only after milking the milk did the dog fulfill its guarding and hunting duties.

Despite the fact that the South African Boerboel is not recognized in international rings, he has good support in the South African Kennel Club. Here the standard of the African breed was determined. In these animals, there is a clear distinction between males and females. Bitches are characterized by a more compact and graceful build, they are good for contact. The appearance of the female is as formidable as that of the male.

In an animal, weight and height should be proportional. The weight of a large pet can range from 60 to 90 kilograms. The minimum height for a dog is considered 0.6 meters, for a bitch - 0.55. General characteristics of the dog indicate that it is a large dog with a strong skeleton and well-developed muscles. The pet's head is characterized by proportionality in relation to the body; in profile it has a rectangular shape.

The frontal bones of the Boerboel are wide, in the center there is a groove of shallow depth. Skin folds are present on the bridge of the nose, the entire muzzle has a clear muscular relief. The dog's muzzle is wide, but towards the end of the nose it becomes narrower. Lips are characterized by fleshy, dryness. The dog's jaws are characterized by strength, strength, grip strength.

The animal's teeth are large, well-equipped. The position of the nose and lower jaw is centered on the same line. The nose is large, regular in shape, and open nostrils are concentrated on it. The eye color of the South African Boerboel is brown, but may be darker. The eyes are set wide apart, there are dense eyelids with dark pigment.

The external organs of hearing are triangular in shape, they are set high and widely spaced. When an animal is alert or interested, the base of the ears is raised in the base region. Boerboels have a strong and powerful body with a flat back that does not have bends. The withers are well defined and merge smoothly into the neck.

Representatives of this breed have a wide chest, muscles are well expressed on it. All limbs are characterized by evenness and large joints. The paws of a good animal are large, they have collected pads that are covered with thick dark skin. The tail of the animal is set high and has a natural bend. It is characterized by a special density, but this organ in a thoroughbred pet must be docked.

The coat of the South African Boerboel is short, it fits snugly to the body. The guard hair is soft and elastic. Whatever color of fur the dog is characterized by, a mask may be present on its face.

According to the standard, a purebred dog is allowed to have white spots on the chest and legs, but such animals should not be used for breeding. It is worth choosing a puppy with special responsibility and care, paying attention to the parents of the baby. Signs that the puppies are thoroughbred and healthy:

• scissor bite;
• the tail should not be offset or curled;
• muscle strength;
• coat color corresponding to the standard.

There are various legends about this mysterious pet with a harsh appearance. Among the interesting facts about the breed are the following:

• the animal is so strong that a person with a body weight of 100 kilograms will not be able to hold the dog when it suddenly jerks out of place;
• an adult of the breed can pull a platform that weighs 450 kilograms;
• the dimensions of the body do not prevent the boerboel from developing high speed when chasing.

The Boerboel is a strong domestic dog. The personality and character of this dog has been formed over the centuries. These individuals are characterized by good physical and mental abilities, since in the process of natural selection weak and too self-confident, stupid representatives were eliminated.

The psyche of the South African Boerboel is quite stable. Despite its great height and weight, the animal is active and mobile. For this reason, this pet requires a lot of physical activity, namely at least 5 kilometers of jogging per day.

Children from a representative of this breed do not cause aggression. The animal with great inspiration and joy has fun with little people, while looking after them and protecting them. In the owner, a thoroughbred pet appreciates attention and care. It is difficult to find malice and unjustified aggression in the behavior of this dog, usually he is loyal to every living being. Boerboels get along well with domestic cats, but they are often hostile to their relatives.

If the Boerboel is properly raised, then he will not create conflict situations with other pets living with him in the same territory. To an unfamiliar person, the South African shows loyalty, but at the same time some wariness. This is a dog with a lot of vivid individual characteristics, independence and independence can be traced in its disposition. Males tend to dominate, so they need to start raising them as early as possible.

Since the breed was bred for protection and protection, the dog has the ability to feel the fear of the owner and his need for help. Such a pet will protect its person at the cost of its own life. Intelligence, decency and controllability - what makes the breed one of the most beloved among dog breeders.

The South African Boerboel is a dog breed with many advantages, the main ones are the following:

• power;
• good mental ability;
• learnability;
• equilibrium;
• courage, desire to defend their master;
• calmness;
• loyalty to other animals.

This large pet also has negative characteristics:

• the need for professional training;
• poor tolerance to low temperatures;
• the need for a large amount of free space.

The South African Boerboel can adapt to different living conditions. In Africa, this creature lives in the open air, in many other countries - in houses and apartments. The best living conditions for this dog is a country house, where the dog can live both in the fresh air and in a warm room. A pregnant animal, a bitch with puppies should be accommodated separately. The booth in the aviary should correspond to the size of the animal, the dog should be comfortable and comfortable in it.

The owner of the Boerboel should make sure that there is no draft in the place of residence of his pet. Also, do not forget about the bedding, it should not be too hard. Since the Boerboel is a large dog, it is not recommended to keep him in an apartment.

The representative of this breed requires daily walks. You need to walk the dog twice a day, while the duration of the walk should be at least 40 minutes. Experienced dog breeders recommend walking the dog at a brisk pace, running and playing active games.

The collar of the animal should be made of high-quality soft material; it is better to buy a leash with a tarpaulin leash. Harnesses are contraindicated for puppies. The Boerboel should have its own place for eating, and it is better if it is located in a secluded corner. Dogs should eat their food at rest. It is also worth buying grooming products, such as shampoos according to age and color.

When organizing a diet for a four-legged pet, you should give preference to natural or industrial dry food. It is not recommended to use a mixed type of food, as this can entail a lot of unpleasant consequences. When choosing a commercial food, it is worthwhile to focus on a dry or wet product with a balanced composition. When feeding a dog, you should act strictly according to the instructions that are indicated on the product packaging. The Boerboel must have round-the-clock access to clean drinking water.

Dry food should be premium. Such products contain all the necessary components for the normal growth and development of the canine body. The South African dog has a tendency to gain weight quickly, for this reason puppies should be fed 6 times a day, and adult dogs - 2.

If the owner decided to feed the Boerboel with homemade food, then it should include the following products:

• raw or boiled meat - chicken, beef, turkey;
• raw or boiled sea fish - pollock, blue whiting;
• buckwheat, rice porridge;
• fresh vegetables and fruits - carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, apples;
• fermented milk products, for example, cottage cheese, kefir.

Forbidden products for representatives of this breed:

• chocolate and sweets;
• sausage, sausages;
• pork meat;
• garlic and onions;
• raw river fish;
• yeast dough;
• potatoes, legumes.

Dishes with food should be positioned on the rack so as to keep the neck parallel to the bowl while eating. After the animal has eaten, remove the bowl. Do not overfeed dogs. You need to give them food at the same time.

Features of the breed allow for minimal care of the animal. The dog's fur must be brushed periodically using a special brush or rubber glove. Such activities improve the blood flow in the pet, and also contribute to the regeneration of their skin. During molting, the Boerboel comb out more often than usual.

Since the South African breed has a tendency to hypothermia, it does not need to be bathed often. In winter, it is better to save the animal from washing, while removing dirt with a cloth or dry shampoo. Rubbing the dog with snow is considered acceptable. You can bathe your dog twice a year, while avoiding a draft and not walking the animal until the coat dries.

This breed of dog needs to clean its ears 1-2 times every 30 days, and it is worth using a cotton swab. Examination of the hearing organs is required for Boerboels on a regular basis, especially after a walk in the forest. If there is a plaque or an unpleasant odor in the pet's ears, then the dog should be taken to the veterinarian. A healthy animal should have clean eyes that are free of tears and discharge. In order for the dog's eyes to remain healthy, they need to be wiped with a cotton swab soaked in chamomile broth.

In case of redness, tearfulness or increased blinking reflex, you need to show your pet to the veterinarian. Every month you need to trim your dog's nails using a nail clipper.

The South African Boerboel is a dog breed that is characterized by good health. In this regard, they rarely give a reason to contact a veterinarian. Provided proper maintenance and quality feeding, the animal can live for about 15 years.

Despite good immunity, the Boerboel can still get sick. To prevent the development of ailments in a dog, the following measures should be taken:

1. go twice a year with a pet for a check-up to a veterinarian;
2. vaccinate the dog;
3. once every 3 months, carry out prophylaxis against helminths using Drontal or Prazicide in suspension;
4. from the beginning of spring and until the end of the autumn period, carry out a monthly treatment of the animal from fleas, ticks, for this purpose, "Dana" or "Advocate" is dripped onto the withers of the boerboel.

The owner of such a pet should not forget about timely vaccination. Boerboel must be vaccinated against the following ailments:

• plague;
• parvovirus enteritis;
• infectious hepatitis;
• parainfluenza;
• rabies;
• leptospirosis;
• coronavirus;
• trichophytosis.

The first vaccination is carried out at two months of age. After this procedure, it is forbidden to bathe the puppy, feed it in excess, and also let it go for a walk. The development of immunity occurs 12 days after vaccination. These days, a small pet is accompanied by a serious condition, poor health, so a person should provide him with care and peace. The first vaccination may be accompanied by diarrhea, fever and weakness in the animal.

After 3 weeks, the pet needs to receive a second vaccination with the same vaccine. The next vaccination is not so painful for the puppy, but it is also worth quarantining for 12 days. The baby must be protected from drafts and contact with other animals. When the dog is six months old, he must be vaccinated against rabies, as well as other vaccines in the complex.

It is strictly forbidden to vaccinate a Boerboel during the period when his teeth are changing. At 12 months, the dog is vaccinated with a complex vaccine, which should be repeated every year.

Despite good health, the South African Boerboel can suffer from the following ailments.

1. Elbow and hip dysplasia. With this disease, the tissue of the joints is destroyed. The sick dog limps, gets up with difficulty and moves up the stairs. To treat the disease, doctors prescribe a diet and anti-inflammatory drugs. In difficult and advanced cases, an operation is performed.
2. Epilepsy manifests itself in periodic seizures and is accompanied by nervous behavior, profuse saliva, heavy rapid breathing, whining and spontaneous urine. Unfortunately, this ailment cannot be cured. Doctors usually prescribe sedative, anticonvulsant drugs for the pet. The treatment of an animal lasts throughout its life.
3. Volvulus of the stomach. With this disease, the dog has vomiting, shortness of breath, low body temperature, an increase in the belly, cyanosis and pallor of the mucous membranes. The disease cannot be treated with medication. After the diagnosis is established, urgent surgical intervention is required.
4. Ligament rupture, bursitis and arthritis.

Pets that are not properly fed often suffer from dysbiosis. Worms can also cause such an ailment. An animal may develop otitis media, which is triggered by hypothermia, infection, a tick bite, and sometimes malnutrition.

Owners of a South African Boerboel bitch should know that their first estrus occurs at 12-14 months and lasts for 22 days, in some cases up to a month. This condition occurs in a dog every 6-9 months. Signs of heat:

• swollen genitals;
• bloody issues;
• frequent passing of urine;
• change in behavior, the appearance of lethargy and aggression;
• change in appetite and desire to drink more fluids;
• molting;
• licking.

If you want to get puppies from a Boerboel bitch during estrus, the owner should follow these rules:

• to walk the dog exclusively on a leash;
• avoid accidental crossing with males;
• do not go for a walk if the weather is too cold, since during this period the animal is prone to colds.

The ideal period for mating Boerboels is 11-15 days of estrus. Animals must be at least 24 months old. Previously, it is not recommended to cross representatives of this breed, as this can negatively affect the health of the female and her future cubs. Before the mating process, the dogs should be walked, but not fed. Acquaintance of a couple should be carried out on a neutral area, but crossing - on the territory of a male. Control knitting should be carried out one day after the previous one.

After the mating procedure, 56-72 days pass before delivery. The owner should write down the date of crossing in order to calculate the time of birth of the puppies as accurately as possible. Very early births, as well as late ones, can cause the death of babies. With a small number of offspring, the gestation period is shortened. A young bitch often has fewer puppies than an older bitch.

The number of babies in the litter will increase by the age of the female at 3-4 years old, after which it will decrease again. Determining that a dog is pregnant is not always easy. The fact that the female is carrying puppies will become noticeable not by her appearance, but by her behavior. The animal behaves calmer, more affectionate, demanding a kind attitude and attention to itself. It may even seem that the Boerboel is not entirely healthy.

During the normal course of pregnancy, fetuses can be probed for about 21 days. After a month of bearing puppies, the female's belly grows, and in the fifth week, the mammary glands swell and lighten. Immediately before giving birth, the bitch's belly drops, and mucus is secreted from the genitals. Typically, the birth of babies Boerboel occurs from 58 to 63 days.

If you want to buy a South African Boerboel puppy, you should contact a nursery that has proven itself well. Only there you can get a vaccinated baby with a passport and a good pedigree. A healthy puppy has the following symptoms:

• appearance that meets the standard;
• sociability, mobility;
• lack of rashes on the body;
• clean eyes, in which there is no purulent discharge;
• testicles descended into the scrotum (this applies to males);
• moderate fatness.

Also, the future owner should think about what sex he wants to have. You should know that the female is considered more flexible, so she is suitable for people who are not confident in their own abilities. For an experienced dog breeder with a strong character, a male dog can become a reliable companion.

After a puppy has appeared in the house, it is worth thinking about his name. The nickname should be short, sonorous and easy to pronounce.

The female Boerboel can be called Aira, Banga, Vaira, Yerona, Zhesa, Zeta, Ilta, Liana, Ulma. A South African dog can be called Cupid, Vex, Kadar, Kabul, Fang, Mars, Nord.

The enemy in raising a Boerboel is considered permissiveness in everything, such an animal grows up headstrong and rather arrogant. In order to avoid this situation, it is necessary to train the pet from an early age, while applying the strength of character. It is imperative and immediate to prevent the dog from trying to dominate, as well as to show self-confidence and disobedience. In raising a South African, it is necessary to use harshness, but not cruelty.

The dog must master the following prohibitions.

1. Do not bite your master even during entertainment.
2. Do not pull on the leash.
3. Do not stand on a person, leaning on him with the front limbs.
4. Pick up rubbish from the floor. This breed of animals is prone to gathering, so it should initially prohibit such actions.
5. It is forbidden to provoke or come into conflict with relatives.

A representative of this breed should be taught to obey as early as possible, as well as explain the prohibitions to him. It is worth starting upbringing and training at the age of 4 months. This animal has a good memory, so they learn quickly. Perceiving the command, the dog shows slowness and thoughtfulness, since it does not perform any actions unconsciously.

If during training sabotage is observed, then it was caused by the weak authority of the owner, as well as the fact that he made some mistakes during upbringing. To correct the shortcomings in the upbringing of a pet, it is recommended to seek professional help. If you want to self-study the South African Boerboel, you should be attentive and persistent. Do not physically punish the animal, as this will shake your authority in the eyes of the dog.

The South African Boerboel is an animal that has an explosive and powerful temperament. This pet is suitable exclusively for experienced dog breeders. The owner of this dog should have a lot of time to deal with the dog.

According to the reviews of dog breeders, the Boerboel is not a simple breed. This dog is not suitable for beginners who lack patience and a lot of time. You might think that this is a terrible beast that is ready to attack at any moment, but this opinion is deceiving. On close acquaintance with this animal, one can be convinced that this is an affectionate and kind creature.

According to the owners of the South African dog breed, this dog is very intelligent and loyal. This "pile of muscles" is distinguished by dexterity, extraordinary activity, freedom of movement. If the animal is not handled, then it can become uncontrollable and aggressive.

A dog of this breed, which is previously trained, is used to help people who have difficulties with movement, the disabled. Family members with whom the South African lives, argue that there is no better companion. A dog of this breed has an excellent character, a cheerful disposition, it is smart, sociable, gets along with children and adults. The dog is distinguished by devotion to its owner and immense affection.

The opinion that this breed is dangerous for keeping in families with children is not based on any basis. Only in appearance this dog seems formidable and aggressive, in fact it turns out that this is the sweetest and good-natured dog that will always support its owner and keep his children company in active games. In addition, an aggressive appearance is a definite advantage, because with such a dog it is not scary to walk on dark streets. Teenagers can be safely sent for a walk with the dog on dark evenings without fear for their well-being.

For more on the characteristics of the breed, see the next video.