-
Activity Level:
high
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Shedding Level:
moderate
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Grooming Level:
low
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Trainability:
high
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Good for Novice Owners:
moderate
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Adaptability:
moderate
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Kid/Pet Friendly:
often
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Prey Drive:
low
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Watchdog:
aware
- Average Size: Giant
- Average Lifespan: 9-10 years
African Boerboel Mix Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
An African Boerboel Mix is a cross between an African Boerboel and another dog breed. Because a mixed dog breed can take on any combination of characteristics from one or both of the parent breeds, it’s important to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross. An African Boerboel Mix is likely to be a large, solidly built dog that is loyal and dedicated to their families.
The African Boerboel is known for their loyalty. They are devoted to their families and tend to long for companionship and affection from them. They also tend to get along well with children. Socialization and training are important for every dog breed and you should expect the same for your African Boerboel Mix.
Learning more about the other parent breed in the cross can give you a better idea of what potential temperament to expect in your African Boerboel Mix puppy. Also, meeting the puppy and the mother dog in person can also help give you an idea about temperament. But, once you get the puppy home, it’s up to you to continue socializing and training them.
Because African Boerboels are large, powerful dogs with a moderate energy level, they tend to be better suited to larger homes with a fenced-in yard where they can run. This also offers them a secure area to patrol. These dogs also tend to be sensitive to heat and also very cold temperatures.
This makes them a moderately adaptable dog breed. The other breed in the mix could make your African Boerboel Mix more or less adaptable than a purebred African Boerboel. Talking to the breeder about the other parent breed can help give you a better idea of what to expect.
Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than others? Sometimes they are, but it is definitely not a guarantee. A mixed-breed can sometimes win the genetic lottery and inherit none of the potential health concerns common to either of their parent breeds. However, they can also inherit any of the issues associated with one or both of the parent breeds as well.
For the African Boerboel Mix, potential health concerns could include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and juvenile canine epilepsy. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both of the parent breeds.
Because an African Boerboel grows into a large and powerful dog, they are usually not recommended for first-time dog owners. Generally, a dog owner with experience training large dog breeds is recommended. African Boerboels are highly intelligent and loyal. They are eager to please their owners and can pick up on things easily, but they also require consistent, structured training early on and long-term.
You should be prepared for something similar in your African Boerboel Mix puppy. The other parent breed in the cross may affect their trainability, but there’s no guarantee that it will. Don’t be afraid to enroll in puppy training classes. In addition to more training, these classes also often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy.
An African Boerboel sheds moderately year-round. Their short coat requires weekly brushing and the occasional bath as needed. The other parent breed may mean your African Boerboel Mix’s coat requires more maintenance. So, it’s important to ask the breeder about the other breed in the cross to get a full idea of what to prepare for when it comes to coat care.
Regardless of the maintenance your African Boerboel Mix’s coat requires, you will need to also care for their nails, ears, and teeth. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep your dog’s nails from growing too long. But, if they’re not wearing down as much naturally or they just tend to grow quickly, you may need to cut your dog’s nails more often. If you hear them clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim!
It’s also important to check ears regularly and to carefully clean your dog’s ears as needed. Making sure your dog’s ears are clean, dry, and free of debris can help prevent ear infections. Plus, if anything is happening, you’ll be able to catch it early and get to the vet. Good dental care for dogs is essential for preventing painful dental diseases later in life. Ideally, you’re brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day.
The African Boerboel has a moderate energy level, which tends to make them a bit more high-energy than many of their Mastiff cousins. Daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity are usually enough for this dog breed. Just make sure you keep things low-impact until they are finished developing. Too much stress on developing joints can damage them.
The other dog breed in the cross may mean your African Boerboel Mix needs more or less daily exercise to be happy and healthy. You’ll want to make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross, so you are prepared for the possibilities.
A fully-grown African Boerboel usually stands 24-28 inches tall and weighs 110-220 pounds. The other parent breed in the cross can have a big effect on what size to expect in your African Boerboel Mix puppy. Although it’s not always exact, the size of the mother can also give you an idea of what to expect.
An African Boerboel generally lives 9-10 years. The other dog breed in the mix could affect this life span.