The South African Boerboel is also known as the African Boerboel, the Boerboel, and the South African Mastiff. These large dogs are a loyal, dedicated, charming, and good-natured breed that craves human companionship. Here are a few more facts about African Boerboels:

1. African Boerboels Were Bred to Be Defenders

The African Boerboel is a Molosser breed and a working dog that originated in South Africa during the mid-1600s. The Boerboel’s breed name in Dutch/Afrikaans translates to “Boer’s dog” or “farmer’s dog”. “

Boer” is the word for “farmer” in Dutch/Afrikaans while “boel” is slang for “dog”. They are one of the most powerful dog breeds and were originally bred to be working farm dogs that also guarded the homestead.

In fact, they are the only South African dog breed created specifically to defend the homestead. Their territorial instincts make them a particularly good guard dog and also make them protective of their family and home. That protective instinct also makes good training and proper socialization even more important for this breed.

2. It Took Time for the AKC to Fully Recognize Them

The Boerboel is now recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Although this dog breed has been around since the mid-1600s, it was not fully recognized by the AKC until 2015. It is considered part of the Working Group, along with its Mastiff brethren. Before this, they were considered part of the AKC Miscellaneous Class.

The Miscellaneous Class is for dog breeds that are part of the Foundation Stock Service Program, but have not yet been fully recognized or assigned to a specific breed group. Breed groups include the Hound Group, Terrier Group, Working Group, Herding Group, Sporting Group, Non-Sporting Group, and Toy Group.

3. African Boerboels Are One of the Largest Dog Breeds

Fully-grown, African Boerboels weigh in at 150 to 200 pounds. Some of them even grow to be larger than that! Although this doesn’t make them the largest dog breed in the world, it does make them a giant breed and one of the largest dog breeds in the world.

4. They Are Sweethearts

Although Boerboels are protective guard dogs at heart that will be initially wary and suspicious of strangers, they are absolute sweethearts with their families. They even get along well with children. When they are with their favorite humans, these dogs big, loving cuddlers.

They are sweet and affectionate with their families. African Boerboels may look like intimidating or aloof dogs, but they crave affection and attention from their families and are at their happiest when they are with them.

These are just a few facts about African Boerboels. Overall, the African Boerboel is a large, imposing dog with a soft heart and a calm composure. They love their families and are protective, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They are happiest when they have a job to do and are a loved member of the family.

If you think this is the right dog breed for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available African Boerboel puppies. Who knows? You could end up finding the perfect addition to your family!