The Boerboel General Appearance:

The Boerboel is a big, strong and sturdy dog with powerful muscles. His movements should be agile and his body should be sturdier, heavier and bigger than the Boxer, but shorter in the leg than the Great Dane. The dog should not measure less (at the shoulders) than 66 cm and the bitch not less than 61 cm.

Character:

The Boerboel must be good natured, intelligent, with a steadfast well balanced character and loyal to his master, even if it means losing its own life. He must show good watchdog qualities from very early age and must love all members of the family, especially the children.

The Head:

This is one of the most important features of the dog as the whole character of the dog is reflected in the head. The head must be big, strong and broad between the ears. The upper jaw must be strong and broad at the back, with only a slight narrowing to the front. The lower jaw must be broad with only a slight narrowing to the front and should not protrude in front of the top jaw. The lips must be loose and fleshy and the top lip flaps must not hang over too low or appear too coarse and thick. The nose must be black – not liver coloured. The nose or bridge of the nose should not be too long – between 8-10cm, measured from the tip of the nose to a straight line between the eyes, where the eyes start. The nose bone must be straight, with very little or no tilting up like the Boxer – and the nose no longer than a Great Dane. The head must definitely be a “Boel” head with a strong mouth which melts in symmetrically with the head. No teddy bear look. The head of the bitch would naturally be slightly smaller and appear more feminine than the dog’s. The ears must be floppy and of medium size and fit the head.

Build Of Body:

The neck – strong and thick with sufficient length to go with the body, also strong and muscled with loose skin. The top of the neck should be straight and blend well into the shoulders. The back – strong, broad and straight, slightly hunched over the haunches is acceptable. The chest – broad and strong with the loose skin of the neck blending in and taut between the front legs, which should be widely spaced to accommodate the broad chest. The legs – strong, straight and able to carry the body well with well-shaped paws. The tail – preferably cut short. The coat – short and smooth.

Colour:

Brindle. Yellow (lion), grey, tan, brown, with white markings, with or without black muzzles, will be acceptable.

Eyes:

Light brown, yellow brown and dark brown is acceptable. Blue or blue-grey is unacceptable.

Life Span:

Twelve to Fifteen years depending on the size of dog. (There is a 60kg dog in Africa who is twelve years old and is still fathering pups.)

Maestro Raisa , Imported from South Africa. Close to perfect construction and a wonderful temperament.