General Appearance
The Boerboel is a large, well-muscled, and balanced dog with a powerful, athletic build. It exudes strength and agility and displays an impressive presence. The overall impression is that of a confident, self-assured guardian.
Size
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Height at the withers:
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Males: 24 to 27 inches (60–70 cm)
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Females: 22 to 25 inches (55–65 cm)
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Weight:
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Males: 150 to 200 lbs (68–90 kg)
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Females: 110 to 150 lbs (50–68 kg)
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The body is proportionate, with a slight rectangular appearance.
Head
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Head Shape: Large, blocky, and broad with a strong skull.
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Stop: Well-defined but not abrupt.
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Muzzle: Broad, deep, and square; the length is approximately one-third of the total head length.
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Nose: Black and wide with well-opened nostrils.
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Eyes: Medium-sized, oval or almond-shaped, widely spaced. Eye color ranges from dark brown to light amber.
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Ears: V-shaped, medium-sized, set high and wide apart, lying close to the head.
Body
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Neck: Strong, muscular, and slightly arched, flowing smoothly into the shoulders.
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Shoulders: Well-laid back and muscular.
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Chest: Deep and broad with well-sprung ribs and a prominent forechest.
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Back: Straight, broad, and strong.
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Loin: Broad and muscular.
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Croup: Slightly sloping and well-muscled.
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Tail: Set high, thick at the base. Often docked in countries where permitted, but natural tails are allowed and should be straight or slightly curved.
Legs and Feet
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Forequarters: Legs are straight, well-boned, and parallel. Elbows close to the body.
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Hindquarters: Strong and muscular with well-defined thighs and moderate angulation.
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Feet: Large, compact, and round with well-arched toes and thick pads. Nails are strong and dark.
Coat
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Type: Short, dense, and smooth with a shiny appearance.
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Texture: Tight to the body.
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Color: All shades of fawn, red, brown, and brindle. A black mask is common. White markings on the chest and feet are permissible but not preferred.
Gait / Movement
The Boerboel moves with purpose, strength, and agility. The gait is fluid and ground-covering, with a sense of power and confidence. The topline remains level during movement.
Temperament
The Boerboel is intelligent, calm, confident, and protective. It bonds closely with its family and is especially good with children. Aloof with strangers, the Boerboel will not back down from a threat but should never be unnecessarily aggressive.
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Disposition: Loyal, affectionate with family, territorial.
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Trainability: Highly intelligent and responsive to consistent training.
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Protectiveness: Strong guarding instincts; early socialization is essential.
Faults
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Light bone structure
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Poor muscle development
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Excessive white markings
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Shyness or timidity
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Aggressiveness toward people or animals without provocation
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Poor movement or gait irregularities
Disqualifications
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Blue eyes or mismatched eye color
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Undershot or severely overshot bite
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Unprovoked aggression
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Total lack of pigmentation on the nose or eyelids
Ideal Owner
The Boerboel is best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide consistent training, leadership, and socialization. They need a secure yard, regular exercise, and an environment where their protective instincts are understood and respected.