Standard of the Boerboel Breed

The Boerboel is a big strong dog, well balanced, with good muscle development and swift in movement. The dog should be impressive, and imposing. Male dogs appear noticeably masculine and bitches feminine.

The Boerboel is reliable, obedient and intelligent, with a strong watchdog instinct which is visible from a young age. It is self-assured and fearless but perspective to the needs of the family.

The head is the most important feature of the Boerboel, as it represents its total character. The head is short, broad, deep, square and muscular with well filled cheeks. The part between the eyes must be well filled.

Stop:

The stop should be visible but not prominent.

Muzzle:

The muzzle is black with large nostrils which are widely spaced.

Nasal Bone:

The nasal bone is straight and parallel to the top-line of the head. It is deep, broad and it tapers slightly to the front. The nasal bone should be 8-10cm long.

Lips:

The upper lip is loose, fleshly and should not hang lower than the lower jaw. The upper lip (beneath the muzzle) should cover the lower lip.

The jaws (mandibles) are strong, deep and broad, and narrows slightly to the front.

Teeth should be white, well developed, correctly spaced, a complete set (42 teeth), and should have a scissors bite.

The colour of the eyes can be any shade of brown but darker than the pelt. Eyes should be horizontally set. It should be broad-spaced with firm, well pigmented eye lids.

Ears:

The ears should be of medium size, V-shaped and should be in proportion with the head. They are set fairly high and wide against the head. When the dog is interested, the ears should form a straight line with the top of the head.

Profile:

The neck shows a noticeable muscle curve, and is attached high at the shoulder.

Length:

The neck is of medium length and in proportion to the rest of the dog.

Appearance:

The neck is quite strong and muscular, firmly attached to the head and gradually broadens up to the point where it is attached to the shoulder. The neck, head and shoulders should form a unit.

Skin:

The skin of the neck is loose under the throat and becomes taut between the front legs.

Top-Line:

The top-line should be straight.

Back:

The back is straight, broad and in proportion, with prominent back muscles and a short loin.

Rump:

The rump is broad and strong, with good muscle development.

Chest:

The chest is muscular and strong. The chest should be broad and deeply set between the forelegs with well attached and curved ribs. The rib cage should be in proportion to the chest.

Tail:

The tail is attached high to the body. It should be straight and preferably short (three joints). Long tails are acceptable.

Shoulders/Withers:

The withers should be well attached, correctly angulated and with good muscle development.

Upper Arm:

The upper arm should have good muscular development.

Front Legs:

The front legs should be thick, strong, muscular and should stand perfectly vertical.

Front Pasterns:

The front pasterns are short, strong and a vertical extension of the front legs and pastern joints.

Front Paws:

The front paws are big, well padded and rounded with strong, dark and curved toenails. The paws should point straight forward.

The hindquarter should be strong, firm, muscular and in proportion to the rest of the dog, with the ability for effective propulsion.

Upper Thighs:

The upper thighs are broad, deep, well developed with prominent muscles.

Second Thigh/Gaskin:

The second thighs should be well developed with prominent muscles.

Knee-Stifle:

The knees are strong, firm and correctly angulated.

Hock Joints:

The hock joints are firm with correct curving.

Hocks:

The hocks are relatively short, strong and thick. The hocks are parallel. (Dew claws should not be present).

Hind Paws:

The hind paws are slightly smaller than the front paws. They should be well padded, rounded and should point straight forward. The nails are strong, dark and curved.

Movement should be easy, smooth, powerful and purposeful. This should be accomplished by good propulsion of the hindquarter and parallel movement of the legs. In movement, a straight top-line should be maintained.

Male Dogs:

The ideal height for a male dog is 66cm. It can, however, vary between 64 and 70cm.

Bitches:

The ideal height for a female is 61cm. It can vary between 59 and 65cm.