Boerboels, also known as South African Mastiffs, are large, powerful, incredibly loyal, and protective. Their strong family bond is a testament to their unwavering commitment. If you’re considering bringing a Boerboel into your home, it’s essential to understand their unique care needs to ensure they thrive.
Understanding Boerboels
Boerboels are a working breed initially developed in South Africa for guarding homesteads and farms. They are intelligent, confident, and affectionate with their families, making them excellent companions and protectors. However, their size and strength require proper training and socialization, which they need from an experienced owner. If you’re new to owning large breeds, educating yourself and seeking professional guidance is crucial.
Dietary Needs
Boerboels have specific dietary needs to support their large, muscular bodies and high energy levels. Here’s what you need to know:
Amount of Food:
An adult Boerboel typically requires 4 to 6 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into two meals. Puppies need a diet formulated for large breeds to support their rapid growth.
Type of Food:
Choose a high-protein diet with real meat as the primary ingredient. Foods with balanced fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are crucial. Look for formulas designed for large breeds to ensure they get the proper bone and joint health nutrients. It’s also important to note that Boerboels can be prone to obesity if overfed, so monitor their weight and adjust their food intake accordingly. Avoid feeding them table scraps or foods high in fat and sugar.
Special Considerations:
Boerboels can be prone to obesity if overfed, so monitor their weight and adjust their food intake accordingly. Avoid feeding them table scraps or foods high in fat and sugar.
Grooming Needs
Boerboels have short, dense, relatively low-maintenance coats, but regular grooming is still necessary to keep them looking their best and to prevent skin issues. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any health issues such as lumps, ticks, or fleas.
Brushing:
Brush your Boerboel’s coat weekly to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. A bristle brush or a rubber curry brush works well for this breed.
Bathing:
Bathe your Boerboel as needed, typically every 2 to 3 months or when it gets filthy. Use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Nail Trimming:
Trim your dog’s nails once a month to prevent overgrowth and splitting. If you need help with this, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer.
Ear Cleaning:
Check your dog’s ears weekly for redness, odor, or discharge, which could be signs of infection. Clean them with a vet-approved ear cleaner to prevent ear infections.
Dental Care:
Brush your dog’s teeth several times weekly to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Dental chews and dental toys can also help maintain oral health.
Activity Level
Boerboels require regular exercise and being active and energetic to keep them healthy and happy.
Daily Exercise:
Provide at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. Exercise can include walks, playtime in a secure yard, and interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war.
Mental Stimulation:
Boerboels are intelligent and benefit from mental challenges. Engage them with puzzle toys, obedience training, and activities like agility or tracking.
Socialization:
Early and consistent socialization is crucial for Boerboels to develop into well-adjusted adults. It builds their confidence and exposes them to various people, animals, and environments, reducing the risk of aggressive behavior.
Size and Growth
Boerboels are a large breed; understanding their growth and size is essential for proper care.
Puppy Growth:
Boerboel puppies grow rapidly and can reach half their adult weight by six months. A balanced diet is essential to support their development without overfeeding.
Adult Size:
Adult male Boerboels typically weigh between 150 to 200 pounds and stand 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Weighing 110 to 150 pounds and standing 22 to 25 inches tall makes females slightly more petite,
Life Expectancy:
Boerboels have a 9 to 11-year lifespan. They can enjoy a long and healthy life.
Conclusion
Boerboels are loyal and protective companions that thrive with proper care and attention. Understanding their dietary needs, grooming requirements, and activity levels is crucial for their well-being. You can ensure your Boerboel grows into a happy and healthy family member by providing a balanced diet, regular grooming, ample exercise, and consistent training. Owning a Boerboel is a significant commitment, but the reward is a devoted and loving friend.
