Boerboel

Question 1

Is the Boerboel good with children?

Answer

Yes, the Boerboel is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Boerboel naturally loves children.

Question 2

Is the Boerboel friendly with strangers?

Answer

The Boerboel is not naturally friendly with strangers. Dogs who are timid or defensive with strangers have typically been bred that way, and it is not always a fault.

Question 3

Is the Boerboel friendly with other dogs?

Answer

The Boerboel is not naturally friendly with other dogs, but with a good amount of early socialization as a puppy they can learn to get along with most breeds of dog. Proper training is required before letting the Boerboel go off-leash or to dog parks.

Question 4

Does the Boerboel like to cuddle?

Answer

The Boerboel is not a cuddle bug, but it can still appreciate affection. It just has different boundaries with physical affection.

Question 5

Does the Boerboel like to play?

Answer

The Boerboel is playful both as a puppy and as an adult dog. As they get older they may appreciate their alone time, and may not be in the mood for constant play, but certainly will have plenty of time for play as well.

Question 6

Does the Boerboel make a good service dog?

Answer

The Boerboel would not be a great fit as a service dog for several reasons.

Question 7

Is the Boerboel good for first-time owners?

Answer

The Boerboel would not be a good fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and pleasing its owner.

Question 8

How well can the Boerboel be trained?

Answer

The Boerboel does not have high levels of training potential. There are exceptions, but the Boerboel is not typically seen in competitions or as a service dog or police dog.

Question 9

Does the Boerboel shed a lot?

Answer

The Boerboel does shed, but less than average.

Question 10

Is the Boerboel easy to groom?

Answer

The Boerboel requires very little grooming relative to other dog breeds, their coat is very low maintenance.

Question 11

Does the Boerboel need a lot of exercise?

Answer

The Boerboel has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.

Question 12

How smart is the Boerboel?

Answer

The Boerboel is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.

Question 13

How much does the Boerboel bark? Does the Boerboel bark too much?

Answer

The Boerboel occasionally barks, but only for specific reasons such as when they need something, for protection, etc.

Question 14

Is the Boerboel a good guard dog?

Answer

The Boerboel can serve as an excellent guard dog. It is both physically intimidating and also enjoys having a "job" to protect its family and property.

Question 15

Is the Boerboel good at staying alone? Is the Boerboel independent?

Answer

The Boerboel does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.

Question 16

Is the Boerboel a good apartment dog?

Answer

The Boerboel is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.

Question 17

How big is the Boerboel?

Answer

The Boerboel is one of the biggest dog breeds in the world. In the "giant" category!

Question 18

How much does the Boerboel tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Boerboel?

Answer

The Boerboel can do very well in hot weather. Owners should still be aware of over-heating as this is one of the most common reasons for dogs going into the emergency room, but overall the Boerboel can do well in hot climates.

Question 19

How much does the Boerboel tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Boerboel?

Answer

The Boerboel can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.

Question 20

Does the Boerboel try to run away?

Answer

The Boerboel does not have a large drive to run away. They can still be distracted and run, so precautions should be taken, but overall they have a less than average urge to run away.

Question 21

Is the Boerboel a healthy dog? The health of a Boerboel should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

Answer

The Boerboel is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Boerboel high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.

Question 22

How energetic is the Boerboel?

Answer

The Boerboel has some energy and requires daily walks, but overall the Boerboel has less energy than average.

Question 23

How much does the Boerboel drool?

Answer

The Boerboel is one of the dog breeds that drools the most. It may not be the most important factor, but something to consider if you live in a home where that may bother you.

Question 24

Does the Boerboel have a large prey drive? Does the Boerboel like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

Answer

The Boerboel has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.

Question 25

Is the Boerboel atheltic?

Answer

The Boerboel can have athletic moments, and bursts of speed, but does not have the endurance as other highly athletic dog breeds. They would do great for occasional jogs, but probably not the best for long-distance runs or anything more athletic than that.