BOERBOEL – BREED STANDARD
GENERAL IMPRESSION
The Boerboel is a large, strong, confident, and muscular dog, displaying powerful, free-flowing movement. Developed in South Africa as a general farm and guardian dog, it embodies a protective, intelligent, calm, and steady temperament. This breed demonstrates strength, athleticism, and alert composure both at rest and in motion. Type, conformation, functional efficiency, and temperament are all equally important in evaluating the ideal Boerboel.
SIZE, PROPORTION, AND SUBSTANCE
Preferred Height:
– Males: 24–27 inches
– Females: 22–25 inches
– Body slightly longer than tall, ideal ratio: 10:9
– Chest reaches elbows (approx. half height at withers)
– Balanced front and rear angulation
– Males larger and heavier-boned; females feminine but never weak
Serious Faults:
– Lack of proportion or balance
– Reversal of sex characteristics
HEAD
– Broad, blocky, deep, square, and muscular
– Moderate forehead wrinkling when attentive
– Skull: Square, flat, and muscular
– Stop: Gradual slope, not steep
– Muzzle: Broad, deep, slightly narrowing toward nose; parallel to skull; length slightly over one-third of head
– Nose: Large, well-pigmented, black only
– Jaws: Deep, wide, strong, taper slightly to front
– Teeth: White, evenly spaced, complete dentition preferred; scissor bite preferred; undershot ≤ ¼ inch allowed
– Lips: Upper lip loose/fleshy, lower lip moderately tight
– Eyes: Medium-sized, forward-facing, intelligent expression; shades of brown preferred darker than coat
– Ears: Medium-sized, V-shaped, carried close to head, set wide; give impression of width when alert
NECK, TOPLINE, AND BODY
– Powerful, arched neck blending smoothly into sloping shoulders
– Moderate dewlap acceptable
– Level and firm topline from withers to croup
– Broad, muscular, well-ribbed body
– Strong loin, slightly narrower than ribcage
– Broad, well-muscled croup, level with or slightly lower than withers
– Tail: High set, thick at base; docked or natural (reaches hocks); slight upward curve in motion
FOREQUARTERS
– Straight, strong-boned, muscular legs
– Parallel, elbows close to body
– Length from ground to elbow ~50% of height at withers
– Shoulders: Moderately sloping, powerful
– Pasterns: Short, thick, slight slope
– Feet: Large, round, compact, arched toes, thick black pads
– Front dewclaws may be removed
HINDQUARTERS
– Strong, muscular, balanced with forequarters
– Thighs: Broad, deep, well-muscled
– Stifles: Moderately angulated, powerful
– Hocks: Broad, short, perpendicular
– Feet: Compact, pointing forward
– Rear dewclaws may be removed
COAT AND COLOR
– Short, dense, smooth, shiny coat
– Thick, loose, well-pigmented skin
– Colors: All colors accepted if properly pigmented
– Irish-marked and piebald patterns acceptable
– Black mask desirable but not required
– White markings: Limited to chest, feet, and lower legs; ≤ 33% of coat; clean, no ticking or spots
MOVEMENT
– Reflects correct structure and balance
– Powerful, purposeful, effortless reach and drive
– Body firm, minimal roll
– Legs converge slightly toward center line at speed
TEMPERAMENT
– Intelligent, confident, protective
– Calm, stable, self-assured
– Recognizes threats
– Devoted to family, good with children
– May show dominance toward other dogs
– Well-trained and tolerant of examination when shown
FAULTS
– Any deviation from the ideal described dog should be penalized
Serious Faults:
– Lack of proportion or balance
– Reversal of sex characteristics
– Yellow (bird of prey) eyes
DISQUALIFICATIONS
– Blue eye(s)
– Entropion or ectropion
– Undershot bite greater than ¼ inch or overshot bite
– Wry mouth
– Prick ears
– Lack of pigmentation (including unpigmented skin or nose leather)
– White exceeding 33% of total coat
– Ticking or spotting within white areas
– Long coat
– Nose leather in any color other than black
