Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Boerboel developed in South Africa as a working guardian breed whose origins trace back to the large dogs that accompanied early settlers. These powerful animals were used to protect farms, livestock, and property from predators and external threats, which required strength, a stable temperament, and high adaptability. Later, various molosser-type dogs brought by Europeans influenced the breed’s formation, yet the primary focus remained on preserving functionality and endurance. By the 20th century, the Boerboel had fully established itself as a national South African breed, combining a strong guarding instinct, confidence, working ability, and the capacity for independent decision-making. Today, the Boerboel is regarded as a valuable working breed that has retained its original type and traditional purpose.
General Appearance
The Boerboel is a large, impressive molosser-type dog with a strong bone structure, well-developed musculature, and a distinctive silhouette. The body is slightly elongated, powerful yet harmonious, with a deep chest and a stable topline. The head is broad and proportional to the body, featuring a voluminous muzzle and strong jaws, highlighting the breed’s working purpose. The neck is strong, of moderate length, smoothly transitioning into compact but powerful shoulders. The limbs are straight, sturdy, and well-angulated, with strong joints and feet capable of supporting substantial loads. The tail is typically straight, set high, and follows the line of the croup. Overall, the Boerboel’s appearance reflects strength, stability, and balance essential for effective guarding work.
Important Proportions
The breed is defined by a balanced combination of substantial size and functional mobility, crucial for working performance. The height at the withers is proportional to the body length, creating a slightly elongated outline without excessive heaviness. The head should represent roughly one-third of the dog’s height, remaining voluminous but not coarse. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, ensuring optimal lung capacity and endurance. The topline is firm and level, smoothly transitioning into a medium-length croup. The limbs must maintain correct angulation for stability and free movement, and the feet should be compact and strong. Musculature is well-developed but never excessive, maintaining balance between power, agility, and working longevity. All proportions serve to support maximum functionality and structural soundness.
Behavior and Temperament
The Boerboel is confident, balanced, and alert, making it a natural guardian and reliable protector. It shows strong loyalty to its family, a clear orientation toward its owner, and the ability to make independent decisions in challenging situations. The breed is known for high stress resistance, calmness in everyday life, and rapid readiness for active defense when necessary. The Boerboel is not prone to unwarranted aggression but has a pronounced territorial instinct and requires proper training and socialization. Its intelligence allows for effective learning while maintaining initiative and independence. In work, the Boerboel demonstrates persistence, strength, and the ability to remain focused for long periods. The correct temperament combines courage, stability, thoughtful judgement, and controlled reactivity.
Head
The Boerboel’s head is large, broad, and proportional to the massive body, with a characteristic molosser shape. The skull is wide, slightly arched, with a noticeable but not abrupt stop. The muzzle is powerful, deep, moderately broad, nearly equal in length to the skull, and does not taper excessively. The nose is large with wide nostrils, preferably black. Lips are firm, not loose, with the upper lip slightly covering the lower without excessive hanging. The jaws are very strong with a correct scissor bite. Minimal skin folds are acceptable if they do not interfere with facial expression. Eyes are medium-sized, oval, well-spaced, with colors ranging from dark brown to lighter tones that harmonize with the coat. The expression is calm, attentive, and confident. Ears are medium-sized, triangular, set high, and lying close to the cheeks, emphasizing the head’s width.
Foreface
The foreface is wide, deep, and fully developed, maintaining volume throughout its length. The bridge of the nose is straight, without dips or bulges. Skin is tight and smooth, with minimal mobility, not affecting expression. Cheeks are developed but not coarse, blending smoothly with the head’s contours. Lips are moderately pendulous and neatly defined. The lower jaw is powerful, broad, and well-outlined, providing strong grip capability. The nose is large with open nostrils, preferably black. The overall foreface must reflect confidence, functionality, and protective ability without signs of coarseness or looseness.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, oval, and widely set, creating a calm and attentive expression. The color ranges from dark brown to lighter shades, always harmonizing with the coat. Eyelids are tight and well-fitting, without sagging or distortion. Eye rims should preferably be dark, enhancing expression. The slightly oblique placement contributes to softness of expression while maintaining alertness. The expression must convey confidence, balance, and inner strength. Irritation, excessive roundness, pale eye rims, or uneven pigmentation are considered faults.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and naturally hanging with soft contact against the cheeks. They are set high and wide, emphasizing the width of the head. In rest, the ears hang downward, forming a clean and balanced outline. Tips are slightly rounded, the leather firm but not heavy. Ears should not be overly large, long, or low-set. During alertness, a slight lift is allowed. Incorrect shape, poor placement, excessive weight, or stiffness are faults.
Neck
The neck is strong, muscular, and of medium length, harmoniously transitioning into the shoulders. It has a slight arch and a pronounced crest, emphasizing power. Skin is tight with mild looseness permitted, as long as it does not appear overly pendulous or disrupt the silhouette. Musculature is even and supportive of the massive head. The neck should allow the dog to carry the head proudly and confidently. Weak musculature, excessive throatiness, or insufficient crest are faults.
Body
The body is powerful, broad, and deep, reflecting the working nature of the breed. The chest is spacious and well let down with long, rounded ribs, supporting lung capacity and endurance. The withers are moderately pronounced, merging into a straight, strong back. The loin is short, broad, and firm. The croup is broad, slightly sloped, with well-developed musculature enabling strong rear drive. The abdomen is moderately tucked-up, never loose or overly tight. The outline must appear balanced and stable. Faults include a narrow chest, weak back, loose structure, or abrupt transitions.
Tail
The tail is natural, thick at the base, tapering toward the tip, and reaching approximately the hock. It is set high and follows the line of the croup. At rest, it hangs straight without curves or kinks. In movement, it rises to back level or slightly above, remaining straight and firm. Tails curled over the back, kinked, or excessively carried are unacceptable. Correct structure is essential for overall balance and expression of confidence.
Exterior Description
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, parallel, and strong, with heavy bone and well-developed musculature. Shoulder blades are long, moderately sloped, and tight-fitting, ensuring correct angulation. Upper arms are strong and of sufficient length; forearms are straight and sturdy. Elbows point directly backward without turning inward or outward. Pasterns are strong and slightly sloped. Feet are compact, round or slightly oval, with well-arched toes and thick pads. Weak bone, turned elbows, soft pasterns, or loose feet are faults.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful, well-developed, and balanced, providing strong propulsion and stability. Thighs are broad, long, and muscular. Stifles have correct angulation and height, allowing efficient movement. Lower thighs are strong and well-proportioned, transitioning into firm, low-set hocks. Metatarsi are short, vertical, and stable. Hind feet are slightly longer than the front but equally compact. When viewed from behind, the limbs must be parallel. Weak angulation, narrowness, or looseness are faults.
Gait and Movement
Movement must be strong, wide-reaching, and stable, with pronounced drive from the hindquarters and confident reach from the front. The topline remains steady without sway, reflecting structural correctness. At the trot, the gait is free, economical, and effortless. Front limbs move straight and parallel without crossing or paddling. Rear limbs provide powerful thrust while maintaining smooth coordination. Faults include instability, rolling, cow-hocked movement, or exaggerated stride. Correct gait reflects confidence, power, and readiness for work.
Coat
The coat is short, smooth, dense, and close-fitting, forming a protective barrier against environmental conditions. The texture should be moderately firm but not coarse, maintaining elasticity and uniform density. Undercoat varies with climate but should be even and supportive. Coat length is uniform, slightly shorter on the head and muzzle. It must highlight the dog’s musculature without excessive volume. Soft, sparse, wavy, or long coats are faults.
Permitted Colors
Accepted colors include shades of red, brown, fawn, brindle, and variations in intensity from light to deep tones. A black mask may be present, enhancing expression. Small white markings on the chest, feet, or chin are permissible but should not dominate. Excessive white, poor pigmentation, or atypical patterns are undesirable. Nose, lips, and eye rims should be as dark as possible. Weak pigmentation or nonstandard colors are faults.
Size
The Boerboel is a large and powerful breed, and its size must reflect strength, stability, and working ability. Males are significantly larger than females, with greater mass and musculature. Average height at the withers: males 64–70 cm, females 59–65 cm. Weight varies but must correspond to robust working constitution without obesity or excessive refinement. Balance between mass and mobility is essential. Dogs that are too heavy or too light are considered deviations.
Faults
Faults include structural or behavioral deviations affecting balance, function, or breed type. Weak bone, narrow chest, underdeveloped musculature, or loose body disrupt strength and balance. Incorrect head shape, weak chin, overly pendulous lips, or disproportionate foreface diminish breed expression. Light eyes, poor pigmentation, or incorrect eyelid shape are undesirable. Faults in limb structure—turned elbows, soft pasterns, poor angulation, or lack of parallelism—reduce working ability. A weak or uneven topline and poor coat quality are also faults.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include severe structural or behavioral defects. Unprovoked human-directed aggression or marked cowardice is unacceptable. Complete lack of pigmentation on nose or lips, significant depigmented areas, blue eyes, or heterochromia are disqualifying. Incorrect bite, severe underbite/overbite, or multiple missing teeth are serious disqualifications. A tail curled over the back, unnatural shortening, or severe anatomical defects hindering movement are disqualifying. Nonstandard colors, excessive white, or spotting exclude a dog from breeding.
Important Notes
Important notes emphasize that the Boerboel is a working guardian breed, and functionality must always remain the primary criterion. Sexual dimorphism must be evident: males should appear more massive and powerful, while females remain strong but slightly lighter. Excessive looseness, softness, or decorative appearance is unacceptable. Any signs of physical weakness, movement disorders, or unstable behavior are serious concerns. While care and conditioning affect appearance, evaluation must focus on innate qualities and structural correctness.
Conclusion
The Boerboel is a breed that combines strength, endurance, stable temperament, and deep attachment to its family. Its exterior must balance mass and mobility to maintain its capacity for prolonged and vigorous work. Every structural element—from head to limbs—should contribute to a harmonious, functional, and confident type. The temperament must be steady, balanced, decisive when needed, and guided by a strong guarding instinct. Evaluation should consider overall health, stability, functional structure, and breed type. A true Boerboel embodies strength, controlled temperament, and natural dignity.
