Boerboels were bred in South Africa to protect homes and farms from ferocious predators. The Boerboel dog breed is:
- Unwavering, affectionate, loyal, and calm with his family and those he knows well
- Territorial with innate guarding instincts
- Naturally aloof and wary of strangers
- Very strong and muscular, weighing 150-200 pounds, and can easily knock someone down
However, if not raised, socialized, and trained properly, the Boerboel can be aggressive and a liability. Due to its size and strength, it can inflict a lot of damage on a person or animal.
The age of a Boerboel can become aggressive
From eight to 14 weeks, Boerboel puppies are easy-going and docile. They rarely show aggression during this learning window. First-time owners can be lulled into a false sense of security, believing they will stay that way. They won’t.
At the age of three months, the puppy is still learning but may show some aggression. No longer a puppy at the age of eight to nine months, the adolescent Boerboel may become aggressive and overprotective depending on their genetic makeup or they may become fearful or timid which may also manifest as aggressive behavior when he feels challenged.
Training and socialization required
Of course, all dog breeds need to be properly socialized and trained. But if a Boerboel isn’t, it can attack any person or animal it sees as a threat, and due to its large size and strength, it can cause serious damage.
A Boerboel puppy should be socialized and have positive experiences with people, dogs, and life events from eight weeks old. This should continue throughout its life, which can span 8-12 years.
Owners must also demonstrate through consistent training that they are the leaders or the dog will dominate the household. Only positive reinforcement training should be used, otherwise a Boerboel can become aggressive even towards his parents.
Training should begin when a Boerboel is eight weeks old and continue throughout its life. The “nothing in life is free” (NILIF) protocol should be used, in which the dog must work (perform signals) for everything. At a minimum, basic cues for Boerboel training should include:
- Attention work so that it focuses on the animal’s parent and not on external stimuli
- Walks on a loose leash so as not to run over anyone walking him
- Sit, sit and stay – all of this helps with impulse control and prevents it from knocking someone down
- Callback and emergency callback, which must be foolproof for everyone’s safety
- Leave him, which is crucial for him not to randomly approach people or animals
- Drop it or give it away, to help prevent resource protection
- Settle down, so he has impulse control
If the Boerboel dog breed does not get a few hours of physical and mental exercise each day, a Boerboel can become destructive. Long walks, fetches and robust puzzle games are required. Due to his size, strength, and intimidating presence, he should never be let loose. One of the most agile Mastiffs, the muscular Boerboel can thrive if given work, such as obedience, rallying, weight pulling, agility, protective sports, or stock work.
Boerboels are not for inexperienced owners. They need early and ongoing training and socialization to become reliable household dogs. But if raised and raised correctly, they can be a welcome member of the right dog-knowing family.
