What to Think About Before Getting a Boerboel Dog

You already know the Boerboel is big. What you might not know is just how much dog comes packed into all that muscle.

These South African mastiffs are loyal to a fault, affectionate with their people, and wired to protect. But they're also powerful, wary of strangers, and absolutely not a beginner's dog.

Here's the honest truth: get a Boerboel right, and you'll have one of the most devoted guardians on the planet. Get it wrong, and you'll have 180 pounds of problem.

So before you fall in love with those soulful eyes, let's walk through what living with one actually looks like — the good, the demanding, and the deal-breakers.

What You’re Signing Up For

Let's start with the elephant in the room — the sheer size.

Boerboels typically weigh between **110 and 200 pounds** of solid, working muscle. They're one of the largest mastiff-type breeds around.

But here's what surprises people: unlike, say, an English Mastiff, the Boerboel is genuinely **athletic and agile**.

They're not couch potatoes. They want to move, play, and patrol your property with real purpose.

They're also deeply bonded to their families. A well-raised Boerboel will shadow you from room to room and flop down at your feet the second you sit.

The flip side? They're naturally suspicious of anyone — human or animal — they don't know.

Can They Be Family Dogs?

Absolutely — but with some big asterisks.

Raised alongside children, Boerboels are typically gentle and fiercely protective of "their" kids. Many owners describe them as calm, patient babysitters.

Here's the catch: **their size is a hazard in itself.** A happy tail-wag or a clumsy turn can knock a toddler flat without any bad intent.

And visitors change the whole equation. Neighborhood kids or houseguests can trigger a Boerboel's protective instincts unless it's been thoroughly socialized.

What this means in practice: a Boerboel can be a wonderful family dog — but only if you're committed to supervision and socialization from day one.

Training and Temperament

Boerboels are smart and eager to learn. They're also stubbornly independent.

That combination means they need a confident, experienced handler who sets **firm, consistent boundaries** — and holds them.

Food and praise work wonders here. But you have to stay one step ahead, because a 200-pound dog that ignores you isn't naughty — it's dangerous.

The good news? They're not needless barkers. When a Boerboel sounds off, something's usually genuinely up — which makes them superb watchdogs.

And despite their intimidating look, they're deeply loyal and unlikely to turn on their owners unless severely mistreated.

Health and Lifespan

Here's some genuinely good news for a giant breed.

Boerboels are relatively healthy and often **outlive other mastiffs**, commonly reaching 10 to 12 years with proper care.

Still, big dogs come with big-dog concerns to watch for.

One practical note: Boerboels don't handle temperature extremes well.

If you live somewhere with brutal winters or blazing summers, you'll need to adjust their routine — indoor cooling, limited midday walks, and warm bedding in the cold.

Exercise and Living Space

Let's be blunt: this is a working dog that needs a job.

Plan on **at least 2 hours of activity a day** — brisk walks, fetch, and off-leash time in a securely fenced space.

A yard helps, and it needs to be seriously fenced. But a yard is not a substitute for real exercise and mental engagement.

• ✓Two or more hours of daily activity
• ✓A securely, solidly fenced yard
• ✓Swimming sessions — they love water and it’s easy on the joints
• ✕Relying on a yard alone to tire them out
• ✕Apartment living with only short walks

Apartment life? Only if you're genuinely committed to hours of outdoor time daily and have real indoor space.

Grooming and Shedding

Good news for the low-maintenance crowd: the coat is easy.

Boerboels have short, dense coats with an undercoat, so a few brushing sessions a week keeps shedding under control.

They're not hypoallergenic, and yes, they shed — but not excessively if you stay on top of grooming.

Color-wise, you'll see red, brown, brindle, cream, and even black — all striking, all equally low-maintenance.

Cost and Legal Stuff

Before you commit, let's talk money — and law.

That upfront price is only part of the picture. A dog this size means bigger food bills, bigger vet costs, and sturdier everything.

Boerboel vs. Bullmastiff

Torn between the two? Here's the quick breakdown.

In short: pick the Boerboel if you want an active, healthier guardian and can meet its exercise needs. Lean Bullmastiff if you want a calmer, more low-key companion.

Both are loyal and protective — just in slightly different packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Sviatoslav Oleksiv · Founder & Editor

Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.

Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.