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How does the Boerboel do with family and friends?
As a whole the Boerboel is a good family dog, intelligent, socializes
well, even temperament, and excellent with children. A Boerboel will
take direction from anyone in the family, making the Boerboel a true
"family" pet. Historically in South Africa the Boerboel was bred for the
purpose of protecting the family and the family "farm". But they are not
a lab, they are a dominate breed dog. As an owner you need to feel
comfortable being the "pack leader" and establishing that from day one.
A properly raised Boerboel will be a gentle, loyal and protective
companion. But a large, unruly dog is no one's friend.
Do they chew?
Overall the Boerboel won't eat anything in your home as an adult if
exercised regularly. Puppies well are puppies, and need supervision to
learn what “their chew toy” is and what it is not. I have never lost
anything in my home to my dogs. Some dogs have more energy than other so
that's good to keep in mind when selecting a puppy for your specific
living situation.
Are they easy to housebreak?
If you are consistent in training and remember that a puppy’s bladder is
small they typically house break in a week. The most difficult part is
that they usually wont’ bark to let you know they need out, they just go
and sit by the door. So you need to pay attention to your pup’s
behaviors.
How are they to train?
Naturally each dog is different, but in general the Boerboel is
intelligent, quick to learn, but can be stubborn in compliance. The
training must start the week you get your puppy and continue until your
pup is mentally mature (about age 3. Of course you continue to work with
your dog in new ways as time goes on). You will see the first evidence
of your training between the ages 12 -20 months. At this age they seem
to hit their "teenage" years and often one of two things happen (1) they
are afraid of everything (2) the challenge your authority. In both cases
if you help you pup work through this time with consistency and
attention you will be pleased to find you have a wonderful family pet.
Is the Boerboel the right breed of dog for me?
Today, internationally, Boerboels are bought for various reasons: family
pet, protector, "big dog - presence", or as a working / show dog.
However, this is a dominate breed and will assume the dominate role in
the house if the owner does not. That does not mean that a Boerboel will
be aggressive to the owner, but it does mean he/she won’t respect you or
listen to you. Owning a Boerboel requires dedication to train your dog
and establish yourself as the “pack leader”.
The nature of a Boerboel is to be protective - so it is not like taking
a lab for a walk in the park. A Boerboel is on the "look out" for things
that may "harm" you; they're not just interested in "play". So, as their
owner, you too need to be aware of your surroundings and potentially
threatening situations. Such a situation could simply be another dog
running up to you and your Boerboel. If that strange dog is at all
aggressive, your Boerboel will feel the “need” to protect you. You as
the owner need the confidence to manage your Boerboel in that situation.
If you are not comfortable with being the “pack leader” then the
Boerboel is probably not the breed for you to own. There are many
wonderful Master Dog Trainers that you could contact for advice as well
prior to purchasing any breed. |
History
Breed Standards
Health Problems
Character
F.A.Q. |
