IS THE BOERBOEL FOR YOU !!!!!

Induna Hector

I feel that I should write a few words about whether or not the Boerboel as a breed is for you.

The Boerboel has a temperament of gold and is wonderful with children and women, having been bred for the purpose of protecting them as well as other animals on the farms in years gone by.

Today Boerboels are being bought for reasons other than protection – and quite rightly too – they make the most wonderful family pets, they house train well and are very intelligent BUT -----

• Boerboels grow to approx 70cms in height to the shoulder.
• Can weigh in the region of 55kgs up to 90kgs
• Can have a dominant personality

There is nothing worse than a large breed dog that is not controllable !!!!!!

To own a Boerboel you must be aware that he/she should be taken for obedience training from a young age – about 3-4 months is great – this has a few advantages, not only are you teaching your dog decent manners, but the training is also teaching YOU, the owner, how to relate to your dog and how to both understand each other better. It is always a good idea for the whole family to get involved in training so that every one uses the same commands to your pet.

Suzanna

Always start as you mean to carry on puppies are great cuddly things which can be picked up and allowed to sit on sofas and beds and it seems so mean not to allow them these priviledges whilst small – BUT – all of a sudden they are very large and you are not so happy with them sprawled out on your sofa especially if when told to get off they really can’t hear ( just like children they go deaf when it suits them ! ) Now what ??Don’t let it happen in the first place.

Boerboels have a very protective instinct and this must be borne in mind. Whilst it looks great to have a big dog at your side and no one is allowed to come near you because he growls, it is not very social and can be embarrasing let alone scary !!!

Your Boerboel should be well socialised at all times, and taken out as much as possible and taught to mix with other people and animals for a well balanced dog.

Should your Boerboel show these signs of over protectiveness, you must act straight away Socialise the dog in the areas where he tends to be most protective and give praise when he allows yours friends to come near ( treats are good ) Admonish him and let him know you do not like it if he shows over protectiveness when out and about.

If he is not happy with strangers coming into the home, put him away whilst you let them into your home and then bring him into the environment where they are but before they go – put him away and then let your friends out. He will think he is the one being brought into their environment and not the other way around.

Hope these few tips help any one that needs them.

Induna Nero

I am very firm with my dogs but also very loveing and we have a wonderfull relationship, all of my dogs ( 30 ) are of sound temperament and that is through good breeding and good upbringing. Dogs are like children if they think they can get away anything they will try.

Should a Boerboel be brought up the correct way you will have the most loyal, protective friend you could ever dream of and many many wonderfull times together.

Bear in mind it is harder to correct a bad habit than it is to teach one – so the moral of this story is – Start as you mean to carry on !!!!!!!!!!!!!!