General Impression
The Miniature Boerboel is a compact, well-balanced, and muscular dog that mirrors the traditional Boerboel in type, expressed in a smaller, functional frame. The breed displays power, confidence, and athletic ability without exaggeration. Males and females should both exhibit breed type, strength, and clear gender distinction.
Purpose and Temperament
The Miniature Boerboel was developed as an alert and dependable family companion with natural protective instincts. The breed is confident, calm, and steady in demeanor, showing loyalty and attentiveness toward its family. While protective when necessary, it is not aggressive or nervous without cause. Timidity, fearfulness, or excessive aggression are undesirable traits.
Head
Skull
Broad, blocky, and proportional to the body, reflecting strength and balance. It should never appear narrow, snipey, or pointed.
Muzzle
Strong and square, approximately one-third the length of the head. It should never appear short, blunt, or snipey.
Facial Features
- Eyes: Medium-sized, set well apart, expressing confidence and intelligence.
- Ears: Medium-sized, V-shaped, and carried close to the cheeks.
- Teeth: Correctly spaced. Preferred scissor bite; undershot or overshot bite is allowed.
- Disqualifications: Excessive undershot or overshot bite where teeth are visible when the mouth is closed
- Wry mouth
Neck, Topline, and Body
The neck is strong and slightly arched, blending smoothly into well-laid shoulders. The topline is level and firm from withers to croup. The chest is deep, reaching at least to the elbows, with well-sprung ribs. The body is slightly longer than tall, giving a rectangular appearance while maintaining balance and athleticism. The croup is broad and slightly sloping.
Forequarters
Shoulders are well-muscled and properly angulated. The forelegs are straight, strong, and set well under the body, with firm pasterns. Feet are compact, well-arched, with thick pads and short nails.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular, matching the forequarters in balance and power. Stifles are well bent, with moderate angulation, and hocks are well let down and parallel when viewed from the rear.
Faults: Cow hocks, sickle hocks, or weak rears.
Tail
May be natural or docked. When natural, it should be carried straight or with a slight curve.
Disqualifications: Corkscrew or tightly curled tails.
Coat and Color
Short, dense, and smooth, offering weather resistance.
- Acceptable Colors: Any color or color pattern is acceptable.
- Required Pigmentation: Nose leather must be black.
- Disqualification: Lack of pigmentation around the eyes.
Size
Well-proportioned, athletic, and balanced, never appearing toyish or exaggerated.
- Males: 15–18 inches (38–46 cm) at the withers
- Females: 14–17 inches (36–43 cm) at the withers
Proportion, structure, and soundness take precedence over height alone.
Movement
Moves with strength, reach, and drive. Movement should be free, balanced, and efficient, maintaining a level topline while in motion.
Faults: Any sign of unsoundness or restricted gait.
Disqualifications
- Viciousness or extreme shyness
- Wry mouth
- Undershot or overshot bite showing teeth when the mouth is closed
- Merle coat pattern
- Albinism
- Long or curly coat
- Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism
- Entropion or ectropion
- Pricked or cropped ears
- Corkscrew tail
- Nose leather not black
- Lack of pigmentation around the eyes
- Height above 19½ inches (49.53 cm)
