Discover Common Boerboel Colors and Markings

Source:AZ Animals Time:January 27, 2024

The Boerboel’s height ranges between 22 to 27 inches, and they can weigh up to 200 pounds. The average Boerboel can live up to 11 years old and is known for its dominant personality. These fierce guardians are descendants of the mastiff, which you can see in its build and appearance, as they are easily one of the largest breeds of dog in the world. These dogs come in several types of coloring and markings. Which one of the below is your favorite?

Discover Common Boerboel Colors and Markings

Boerboels are thought to have been bred as hunters as well as protectors.

©Natalia Fesiun/Shutterstock.com

A Brief History of the Boerboel

Discover Common Boerboel Colors and Markings

Closeup portrait of a beautiful South African Boerboel with white markings and a black mask.

©EstrellaBuena/iStock via Getty Images

The history of this cross-breed of mastiffs and bulldogs is long and varied! Originating in South Africa in the 1600s, the name “Boerboel” originates in both Dutch and Afrikaans. The word “boer” means “farmer,” and “boel” translates to “dog.” This breed would guard large estates and farms from big game such as lions. They have a short, sleek coat, strong bones, and well-toned muscles. As such, they require a lot of activity and exercise! They can be pretty stubborn, so starting training efforts at a young age is essential.

These dogs are still the best choice for many farmers when it comes to guarding against predators, as well as those looking for home defense. Their loyalty and intelligence are incredible to behold, and they’re known to be very affectionate with children. Boerboels have strong protective instincts, so teaching them how to accept and behave around strangers in their homes is crucial. Despite all of this, these gentle giants are full of lots of love and devotion!

Boerboel Coloring and Markings

Discover Common Boerboel Colors and Markings

Boerboels with black mask markings are the most common.

©Natalia Fesiun/Shutterstock.com

Standardizing efforts for the Boerboel breed began in the 1980s, and through tireless efforts of breeders and enthusiasts, interest in the breed across the US spread like wildfire. The breed didn’t receive full American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition until 2015. Due to the popularity of the breed, many breeders tried to take advantage of the situation and create “rare” colors, most notably the color black. This isn’t a historically accurate or accepted color, and it caused many breeding clubs to fracture due to disagreements. Below are the officially recognized colors of Boerboels.

  • Brown
  • Brindle
  • Cream
  • Tawny
  • Reddish Brown
  • Red

The different types of markings that come with this breed make every dog so unique! The arrangement of markings will differ for each dog, creating a unique and beautiful coat.

  • White markings
  • Piebald
  • Irish marked
  • Black mask

Caring for Your Boerboel’s Coat

Discover Common Boerboel Colors and Markings

These Boerboel dogs have a brindle coat.

©verbaska_studio/iStock via Getty Images

You shouldn’t need to bathe your Boerboel more than once a month. Some dogs might even be able to go longer without a bath, which will always benefit their skin. Bathing dogs removes their natural skin oils, so bathing them only when absolutely necessary will ensure their skin doesn’t dry out or become irritated. Their soft, smooth coats need to be brushed weekly to remove foreign objects and help distribute their skin’s natural oils more evenly. You can use a rubber mitt or medium bristle brush, but beware of all the hair! These pups are big shedders, especially in the spring and fall seasons, so be prepared!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock.com

RECENT POSTS

Woman Comes Within Mere Inches of Becoming a Shark's Lunch

Surrounded by both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Key West is a diminutive yet vibrant island. Known for its proximity to the world’s third-largest...
January 27, 2024
Woman Comes Within Mere Inches of Becoming a Shark's Lunch

5 Ways Sharks Communicate and What Each Means

Sharks don’t use a voice to communicate. Instead, they talk to each other through body language and swimming patterns. An arched back signals “go away,” wh...
January 27, 2024
5 Ways Sharks Communicate and What Each Means

The Biggest Great White Ever Spotted Off Georgia's Coastline

Summer and spring are ideal times to enjoy the beaches of Georgia and swim in the Atlantic Ocean along the southeastern coast of the United States. This region...
January 27, 2024
The Biggest Great White Ever Spotted Off Georgia's Coastline

The 20 Best Toys for Your Pitbull

Pitbulls often have an unfair stigma attached to them. These types of dogs are inaccurately portrayed as aggressive and dangerous. However, the reality is Bul...
January 27, 2024
The 20 Best Toys for Your Pitbull

Male vs Female Basenji: 6 Key Differences

The basenji breed has a long and proud history as a hunting dog in Africa and may have been one of the first-ever domesticated dog breeds. They are medium-siz...
January 27, 2024
Male vs Female Basenji: 6 Key Differences

Discover the Amazing Tabletop Mountains (Tepuis) of Venezuela

Imagine a flat yet lush landscape seemingly at the world’s edge with impossibly tall waterfalls and plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. It...
January 27, 2024
Discover the Amazing Tabletop Mountains (Tepuis) of Venezuela

Marans Chicken Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Supplies, Food, and More!

Marans chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) vary in price depending on their color, sex, and age. Marans are friendly chickens and they also lay highly valuabl...
January 27, 2024
Marans Chicken Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Supplies, Food, and More!

Can Chickens Eat Strawberries?

Before feeding chickens anything that isn’t specifically for them, you should ensure they can safely eat it. If you’ve ever considered feeding them fruit, y...
January 27, 2024
Can Chickens Eat Strawberries?

10 Sports That Start With P (Origin and Where Each Is Played)

Sports come in all shapes and sizes. Some sports are on land, and others are on water. There are also sports that require using all your strength and enduranc...
January 26, 2024
10 Sports That Start With P (Origin and Where Each Is Played)

10 U.S. States and Cities that Start with the Letter D

If you’re taking an alphabet-inspired look into the United States, then keep reading to discover 10 cities and states in the U.S. that start with the letter...
January 26, 2024
10 U.S. States and Cities that Start with the Letter D

CATEGORY