Boerboels have been bred in South Africa to guard properties and farms from ferocious predators. The Boerboel canine breed is:
- Steadfast, affectionate, loyal and calm with household and people he is aware of properly
- Territorial with inborn guarding instincts
- Naturally aloof with and cautious of strangers
- Very robust and muscular, starting from 150 to 200 kilos, and may simply knock somebody over
Nevertheless, if not bred, socialized and educated correctly, the Boerboel might be aggressive and a legal responsibility. Due to his dimension and power, he can inflict plenty of harm to an individual or animal.
Age a Boerboel can turn out to be aggressive
From eight to 14 weeks outdated, Boerboel puppies are easygoing and compliant. They not often present any aggression throughout this studying window. Novice homeowners could also be lulled right into a false sense of safety, believing that they’ll stay that manner. They gained’t.
By three months outdated, the pup continues to be studying however would possibly present a bit of aggression. Not a pet at eight to 9 months outdated, the adolescent Boerboel can turn out to be aggressive and overly protecting relying on his genetic make-up or he might turn out to be fearful or shy, which may additionally manifest in aggressive conduct when he feels challenged.
Coaching and socialization required
In fact all canine breeds must be correctly socialized and educated. But when a Boerboel isn’t, he might assault any individual or animal he sees as a risk and due to his giant dimension and power, may cause severe hurt.
A Boerboel pet have to be socialized and have constructive experiences with individuals, canines and life occasions from eight weeks on. This could proceed all through his life, which may span eight to 12 years.
Homeowners should additionally display by way of constant coaching that they’re the leaders or the canine will dominate the family. Solely constructive reinforcement coaching must be used or a Boerboel can turn out to be aggressive even to his pet mother and father.
Coaching ought to start when a Boerboel is eight weeks outdated and proceed all through his life. The “nothing in life is free” (NILIF) protocol have to be used, by which the canine should work (carry out cues) for every part. At a minimal, fundamental cues for coaching the Boerboel ought to embody:
- Consideration work so he focuses on the pet mother or father not exterior stimuli
- Free-leash strolling in order that he doesn’t pull down somebody strolling him
- Sit, down and keep — all of which assist with impulse management and keep away from him knocking somebody over
- Recall and emergency recall, which have to be rock strong for everybody’s security
- Depart it, which is essential for him to not randomly strategy individuals or animals
- Drop it or give, to assist stop useful resource guarding
- Settle, in order that he has impulse management
If the Boerboel canine breed doesn’t get just a few hours of bodily and psychological train day-after-day, a Boerboel can turn out to be damaging. Lengthy walks, fetching and sturdy puzzle video games are crucial. Due to his dimension, power and intimidating presence, he ought to by no means be left to run free. One of many extra agile mastiffs, the muscular Boerboel can thrive if given a job, akin to obedience, rally, weight pull, agility, safety sports activities or inventory work.
Boerboels aren’t for inexperienced homeowners. They want early and ongoing coaching and socialization to be dependable home canines. But when bred and raised correctly, they could be a welcome member for the precise dog-savvy household.