Boerboel - origin of the breed, characteristics, education, nurseries

Origin story

South Africa is officially considered the birthplace of the breed. Historians claim that even under Alexander the Great, dogs similar to Boerboels were already brought to Europe.

Later, thanks to Boerboels, breeds such as hunting dogs and mastiffs were developed. Mastiffs are a large group that includes such breed varieties as Tibetan, Argentinean, American, Pakistani, German, English, French and others.

In the 7th century, the breed was restored at the Cape of Good Hope, and for a long time served as a farm dog.

Subsequently, the breed began to disappear. And only in the 80s of the 20th century work began on its restoration in South Africa. The modern Boerboel has the same strength as many centuries ago.

But now he is a family dog ​​with a calm character . The hunting and fighting qualities of the breed were lost.

Health

On average, a Boer Mastiff can live 11-15 years.

The Boerboel is naturally blessed with good health. The strong immunity and healthy body of these dogs is partly explained by the natural selection that the ancestors of modern Boerboels were forced to go through.

In South Africa, in ancient times, there was no veterinary medicine, so weak puppies and sick adults had no chance of survival. As a result, the strongest took part in breeding work.

There are very few diseases characteristic of this breed:

• Vaginal hyperplasia is a genetic disease in which dogs are not allowed for breeding.
• Dysplasia – there is unbearable pain in the joints, the dog begins to limp, and at the final stage may even lose the ability to move.
• Ligament rupture is an injury that is more common in puppies and older dogs.
• Allergy – a reaction occurs most often to food.
• Otitis – the culprit of the disease is ear mites, infection, etc.
• Dysbacteriosis is a violation of the composition of the intestinal microflora.

Be sure to carry out routine vaccination and treatment against parasites. It is also recommended to visit a veterinary clinic with your Boerboel 1-2 times a year for preventive examinations.

Interesting Facts

Some interesting facts about Boerboels:

1. One of the paintings in the British Museum, which dates back to 1400, shows Prince Charles accompanied by several dogs. One of them resembles a modern Boerboel.
2. Abroad, the breed is included in the list of dangerous and is prohibited for breeding and import.
3. In Africa, Boerboels still guard huge herds of livestock, and are sometimes used to hunt lions.
4. Some hospitals and nursing homes use Boerboels as psychotherapists. It is believed that a dog has a positive effect on a person’s psychological state.
5. A trained dog can help people with disabilities move.

History of the breed

African Ridgebacks were bred from hunting dogs that have long been used by local tribes in Africa to hunt lions. Such dogs with a crest on their back have been known in this region since the beginning of our era. But it was only at the end of the 18th century that the features of these animals were noticed by settlers from Europe. They began to be crossed with other dogs and were actively used for hunting and protecting homes. Thus began the breeding of a new breed. African dogs were crossed with the greyhound, mastiff, terrier, and mastiff. And in the 20s of the 20th century, a new breed appeared, which was called the Rhodesian Ridgeback. In 1924 it was recognized and became the only African dog in the International Breed Classification.

For its fearlessness and ability to help in hunting lions, it is also called the African lion hound. Thanks to this, she was very popular in Africa. But now, most often, the African Ridgeback is used as a companion, since this breed is easy to keep in a country house and even in a city apartment. These dogs live 12-15 years and remain active until old age.

In Russia, the African Ridgeback breed became known only in the 90s of the 20th century, and their breeding began in 1993. But even then they became very popular. Intelligence, calmness and devotion to the owner have become the hallmark of these dogs. Therefore, many rich and famous people have them. This breed is not always available to ordinary lovers, as it is quite expensive - at least 60 thousand rubles.

Description of the breed

The South African Boerboel is a powerful dog with a muscular body and broad bones..

Her head is large, square in shape, her muzzle is short, her bite is scissor-shaped. Almost all representatives of the breed have folds on their muzzle. At the same time, the skin on the body is smooth, without deep wrinkles.

In most cases, the Boerboel's tail is docked between the 3rd and 4th vertebrae . In its natural form, the tail is long, tapering towards the tip.

The dog's ears are medium in size with pointed and drooping tips.

The coat is short, smooth, thick.

A healthy dog ​​always has a shiny and shiny appearance..

Breed standard

The Boerboel is a large and strong dog. She has a heavy bone structure and an athletic build. Proud posture sets the animal apart from other breeds and makes an unforgettable impression. Every movement of this pet expresses strength and self-confidence.

The size of the animals is impressive - height 66 cm for males (boerboels below 60 cm do not meet the standard), 61 cm for females (minimum 55 cm). The weight of pets is proportional to their height. The spread is very large - a medium-sized South African mastiff female can weigh about 50 kg, and massive males gain up to 90 kg.

The African Boerboel dog breed is characterized by pronounced sexual dimorphism. Bitches are much smaller and more graceful than males.

The South African Mastiff is a short-haired dog with thick, shiny fur. The Boerboel breed standard allows the following color options:

• plain fawn, red;
• brindle - the body of the animal is covered with asymmetrical vertical stripes of exceptional black color. The background color is fawn or red.

Piebald or black Boerboel are subject to disqualification.

The animal may have a dark mask on its face. Small white spots on the limbs or chest of a Boerboel are not considered a defect. The eyelids, nose, lips, pads, claws and the area where the pet's genitals are located should only be black. The exterior features of South African mastiffs can be assessed from photographs.

The Boerboel moves freely and sweepingly, pushing powerfully with its hind limbs and throwing out its forelimbs well. When a dog picks up speed, it moves its paws slightly closer to each other, but never crosses them. At all gaits, the back of the South African Mastiff remains straight, does not sag or sway from side to side.

Character traits

The South African Boerboel has an extraordinary character.

This breed is extremely devoted to its owner, an excellent watchman and security guard . As for family members, the dog is always affectionate and playful with them.

If something threatens the owner, he will protect him even at the cost of his life.

The Boerboel has a stable psyche, but at the same time he is active and mobile. This is why your dog needs daily exercise.

If the dog is properly raised, then conflicts with other pets are practically excluded..

The dog is thoughtful, slow, and never follows commands automatically. At the same time, she is not capricious and balanced.

A properly socialized Boerboel is an excellent nanny for a child, patient and affectionate. Sometimes the dog allows the kids to sit on its back and ride like a horse.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

“Boerboels are smart, calm and intelligent. They have a good memory and flexible character. They can be called easy-going; even if they were treated badly, they are able to forgive and will continue to treat the person well. On the other hand, this is a leader dog, prone to dominance; if not properly trained, the dog can get out of control.”

Education and training

It is necessary to start training the African Ridgeback as early as possible. It is important that the owner has plenty of time to raise the puppy and walk it. If the owner does not have experience in keeping such willful and stubborn dogs, it is better to do this under the guidance of an experienced dog handler. It is important to be firm and consistent in parenting. But harshness and physical punishment are unacceptable. These dogs are vindictive and keenly aware of injustice. Undeserved, from their point of view, punishment can be remembered for a long time.

If such an intelligent and stubborn dog falls into the hands of an inexperienced, weak owner, the African Ridgeback can get the better of him and begin to do whatever he wants. In this case, the dog will begin to behave like the leader of the pack. Therefore, it is not recommended for timid and gentle people to own African Ridgebacks. Such a dog must immediately understand who is boss in the house. She needs a firm hand and determination in her upbringing.

These dogs are easy to train and usually learn all commands the first time. But they don’t always do it - it’s difficult to force a Ridgeback to do something he doesn’t want. The owner can achieve his goal only with affection and patience. These dogs are very intelligent; with the right approach, they are able to remember many, even unusual, commands. In addition, it is very important not to leave your pet alone for a long time. Ridgebacks constantly need communication; due to loneliness, they can show signs of destructive behavior.

Advantages and disadvantages

pros:

1. The Boerboel has undeniable power, strength and endurance.
2. With the right approach, he will be happy to learn commands and carry them out.
3. Calmness and courage. The Boerboel is a phlegmatic and slow breed. All his actions are balanced and calm.
4. Devotion to the owner. In critical situations, the dog will protect its owner even at the cost of its life.
5. Kind attitude towards children and pets. If the dog is well socialized, then even a baby can be left with it.
6. The Boerboel is an excellent guard and watchman. Despite the fact that the dog is affectionate and has seven members, he can be aggressive and vicious with strangers.
7. Easy to care for. Despite its power, the dog is unpretentious in food and care.

Cons of the breed:

1. The breed is suitable only for experienced dog breeders, as a beginner simply cannot cope with it.
2. The Boerboel requires professional training. And this requires time and money.
3. The dog does not tolerate low temperatures well.
4. The pet requires quite a lot of personal space.
5. The dog needs a lot of time for walks. This breed is not suitable for busy people.
6. Improper upbringing can cause spontaneous attacks of aggression.

Boerboel character

The Boerboel is, first of all, a personality, with pronounced individual characteristics. Representatives of this breed are characterized by independence, stubbornness and independence. Males have a pronounced tendency towards leadership and dominance. Combined with enormous physical strength, these qualities can become a serious problem when adjusting the behavior of an adult dog. Of course, if this is required in the future.

Therefore, we strongly recommend raising a puppy, starting from the first days of its appearance in your home. Focused, consistent and patient.

The Boerboel is a fairly large, very smart dog. The Boerboel has shown himself to be excellent as a guard and watchman, as he is fearless and self-confident. Can be a wonderful companion, friend for children and a pet.

The South African Boerboel is a formidable and loyal guard dog. He will always bark when someone unfamiliar approaches, but he quickly learns who is a friend and will calmly let someone introduced to him into the house.

The Boerboel is not only a watchdog, it is also an excellent guard, using its size and strength to protect its family and property with as much physical strength and aggression as possible.

Keep in mind that these dogs tend to expand the boundaries of their protected territory as soon as they leave their home, so the South African Boerboel should only be kept behind a secure fence.

Security and guard instincts do not prevent the Boerboel from being an affectionate family pet. The South African Boerboel loves spending time with his family. Despite their aggression towards strangers, these dogs are very friendly with all family members and get along especially well with children.

They take even very rough play with children very calmly, and their large size makes them excellent companions for children of all ages. The South African Boerboel is also extremely gentle with small children, but remember that small children should never be left unattended with any dog.

The Boerboel gets along well with other animals, dogs and cats, and even small animals. Good socialization is the basis for the correct behavior of the South African Boerboel. It is important to teach him to distinguish between intruders and harmless strangers.

The South African Boerboel will usually be somewhat reserved with new people at first until he is sure they are friendly. This is very important to know, especially if the care of the dog needs to be temporarily entrusted to another person. Give your Boerboel enough time to get to know this person before leaving him with someone who is not a family member.

The Boerboel is a dog that is considered to be the only dog ​​bred for protection and protection. All kinds of whims, imbalance and dissatisfaction from the punishment suffered are alien to her. It is the character that can be called the main positive feature of the Boerboel. He is loyal and reliable, he is sensitive to your mood and is able to predict the threat.

In addition to the fact that this dog can find out whether you like this or that person, it can also play the role of a nanny who will happily play with your child. For the Boerboel there is no one owner - it is the family that is the single whole to which it obeys. Affectionate and gentle, this dog loves its owners so much that it is ready to give its life for them. She clearly understands that you are also devoted to her.

The Boerboel is prone to dominance and leadership. For this reason, as soon as a Boerboel puppy appears in the house, it is necessary to purposefully, clearly, and daily engage in its upbringing. If you miss the moment, then the puppy will take over the owner and it will be difficult and practically impossible to retrain and re-educate him.

In addition, such a dog should not be kept in a small apartment. It is better if it is possible for the dog to live in an enclosure during the warm season, and in the house during the cold season, since the short hair of the Boerboel is not adapted to severe frosts.

We advise you to read: Whippet Dog Breed

The Boerboel is able to sense the owner's fear. Every owner of a dog of this breed can confirm this. All these qualities are manifested in an animal that has reached 7-12 months of age. The better your contact with the dog, the more reliably the Boerboel will protect you. He is able to love not only one owner, but also all members of his family. The Boerboel views the family as a pack and considers its main task to be to protect it.

Despite their large size, these dogs are the embodiment of harmony, compactness and energy. For all its harsh character, the Boerboel is very gentle and kind towards children. During the time of the first settlers, their children were often left alone with the dogs on the farms. At the same time, it was necessary that the dogs obey the children unquestioningly.

During the absence of adults, there were cases when the children ran out of food, and then the children sent the dogs to hunt, and the dogs invariably brought home the caught game. At the same time, the Boerboels did not forget about their primary task - protection.

Pet standard

The Boerboel is a serious dog, with well-developed muscles and harmonious movements.

Breed standard:

1. The pet's weight ranges from 70 to 90 kg. Some bitches can weigh 50-60kg.
2. Height at withers - 59-65 cm (females), 64-70 (males).
3. The dog's body is powerful and elongated.
4. The tail is long and thick; tail docking is acceptable between the 3rd and 4th vertebrae.
5. The paws are dense and strong.
6. The head is large, but at the same time the proportions of the body are not disturbed.
7. Ears are drooping.
8. The coat is short, thick, lying close to the body.

South African Boerboel Health

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by good health, the average life expectancy is 12-14 years.

The main health problems are related to the musculoskeletal system. The dog's sufficiently heavy weight affects the bones and joints of the limbs. As a rule, Boerboels suffer

• ligament ruptures;
• dysplasia of joints (hip and elbow);
• menisci;
• arthritis.

If you see your dog limping or walking with difficulty, consult a doctor. Sometimes, in order to identify the cause, it is necessary not only to examine the animal, but also to take an x-ray.

Train your dog to be hygienic. Be sure to wash your paws after walks, brush your teeth (without toothpaste!), wipe your ears, and bathe periodically.

Color variations

Boerboel color can be:

• Palev.
• Red.
• Yellow-red.
• Red-red.
• Tiger.

Any other coat color and the presence of tan is considered a breeding defect.

White spots on the chest and paws are allowed by the standards, but are considered undesirable.

Boerboel photo

We present to your attention several photos of the Boerboel - this powerful, mastiff-like dog with a gentle soul.

How to properly care?

The Boerboel has a dense, short coat that is quite easy to care for. To do this, it is enough to comb the dog 1-2 times a week and bathe it once every 2-3 months.

In this case, you should use only special dog shampoo and conditioner . Frequent bathing is not recommended, as this can cause dry skin. While brushing, it is advisable to massage the dog's skin to improve blood circulation.

Your pet's teeth also require care. They need to be cleaned at least once a week. Use a special toothbrush and toothpaste for this.

About once every 1-2 weeks, your pet should have its nails trimmed . To do this, use a special tool, but in no case nail clippers.

NOTE!

You need to walk your dog every day for at least 2-3 hours.

In this case, be sure to provide your pet with physical activity. During walks, the dog must run, jump, overcome obstacles, etc.

The Boerboel needs to run at least 5 km per day every day..

Feeding the African Boerboel dog breed

You can feed your South African Boerboel dry food. You need to choose super or premium food. The healthiest food for this breed is natural food, but the balance must be properly maintained. It is recommended to add multivitamins to natural nutrition. They contain microelements that are beneficial for the animal’s body, fur and skin.

Milk. Goat's milk is good for a Boerboel puppy, but cow's milk is not recommended. Goat's milk should not be given often, as it can lead to digestive upset. 150 ml of milk is enough for a puppy. per day (no more). For an adult dog, the dose can be increased to 500 ml.

Fermented milk product. For a puppy or an adult, fermented milk products play a major role. Cottage cheese, kefir and yogurt with a fat content of 1% are very useful.

Bird. This type of product is considered dietary. You can feed poultry meat after three months, and it should make up no more than 20% of the total feeding ration.

Meat. The meat ingredient is the main one in the Boerboel's diet. The meat you can use is beef. Once a week you can give your dog lamb or goat meat. You can give your dog muscle tissue or offal (heart, liver). Beef tripe and trachea are very useful.

Bones. Large dogs need bones, but this does not mean that they should be given daily and in inorganic quantities. Bones are allowed from large ungulates.

Fish. You can’t feed fish often, but once a week will even be beneficial. You can feed only sea fish without bones.

Egg. In small quantities, eggs are beneficial for your pet's body. You can give one boiled egg once a week.

Cereals. The best cereals are rice and buckwheat, the rest are subject to agreement with the veterinarian or breeder.

Vegetables and fruits. This African breed will benefit from carrots, zucchini, pumpkin and cauliflower, banana, and apple.

Bread. You can give your dog a bread product only in very small quantities: bran bread and wholemeal bread in the form of crackers.

Water. When feeding natural food, the dog drinks significantly less water than when feeding dry food. The water should be clean, cool and accessible to the dog.

It is useful to give 1 teaspoon of olive oil to food. You can give raw or dried ears, tails, and hooves as treats.

Important!

Monitor your four-legged friend’s diet and do not overfeed. This can cause the animal to become overweight. Excess weight is dangerous for a Boerboel.

Prohibited Products

Fruits from the citrus family, white bread, semolina, legumes, tubular bones, river fish, fatty meats, cow's milk, sweets, spicy foods, semi-finished products, sausages, potatoes.

Nutritional Features

The basis of the Boerboel diet is meat . Cereals, fermented milk products, offal and fish are used as additional nutrition.

You can also feed your dog prepared food. In this case, the serving size will be indicated on the package. Some owners prefer to keep their dog on a mixed diet, where it is fed both dry food and natural food.

The daily portion should be approximately 3.5% of the pet's weight . If the dog weighs 80 kg, then its daily norm will be 2.8 kg. Moreover, 0.5 kg should be meat. Another 0.5 kg - fermented milk products. The rest is porridge or vegetables.

An adult dog is fed 2 times a day.

Features of the use of the breed

The history of Ridgebacks comes from hunting dogs. Local tribes used them to hunt lions and protect their home. Therefore, even now dogs of this breed are fearless and strong. They are great as a guard or watchman. Thanks to its endurance and ability to adapt to different climatic conditions, the African Ridgeback can be owned by people leading an active lifestyle. A dog will become an excellent partner and companion for such a person.

Representatives of this breed have a very good sense of smell and vision, they are able to easily pick up a scent and pursue prey for a long time. Thanks to these qualities, African Ridgeback dogs are often used not only for hunting. They spread throughout the world and became popular. They are used by the police to catch criminals. Moreover, females are more suitable for hunting and search service, and males are used as guards.

In addition, as already mentioned, the African Ridgeback dog can be an excellent companion for an active person. She is unusually active and often participates in various sports and entertainment shows. And thanks to its cleanliness and unpretentiousness, it is easy to maintain even in a city apartment.

Permitted and prohibited product groups

Authorized Products:

• Lean meat (beef, veal, lamb).
• Fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt, yogurt).
• By-products (beef tripe, heart, kidneys, etc.).
• Raw vegetables.
• Sea fish.
• Porridge (rice or buckwheat).
• Premium dry food or higher.

Prohibited Products:

• Chocolate.
• Sausage and frankfurters.
• Pork.
• Onion and garlic.
• Raw river fish.
• Yeast dough.
• Potatoes and beans

Dog food

Proper nutrition is very important to maintain health and fitness. Many inexperienced owners make mistakes when keeping an African Ridgeback. They don’t figure out what to feed such a dog, and as a result, the pet develops various health problems.

When feeding animals natural food, it is very important to balance the diet so that the dog receives all the necessary nutrients. You need to give her natural meat, offal, fish. It is not recommended to give bones to an adult dog. It is important that the diet includes cereals, vegetables, and dairy products. You should not give your pet sweets, fried foods, onions, legumes, or chocolate.

An alternative to natural food is ready-made dry and wet food. But you need to choose only high quality food so that it is balanced and does not contain harmful chemical components. You should choose a product according to the age and preferences of your pet, but it must be premium.

Dog training. How to teach basic commands?

The dog should be taught discipline and commands from the age of 3 months. Rigidity and firmness are the basic principles on which education should be built. In addition, the dog must obey not only adults, but also children.

The first command that the dog must learn is “Place” . Show your pet his place, and every time the puppy wants to rest, send him there. At the same time, strictly say the command several times.

The next command is “Nearby” . A leash is used for training. While walking, while pulling on the leash, say the command loudly and lightly pull on the leash.

In this position, take a few steps. If the dog continues to walk alongside you when the leash is loosened, praise him and treat him with cheese.

Another important command is “Fu” . Every time your pet does unauthorized actions, strictly say “Ugh” and take away the thing that he is chewing or take him away from the wrong place. The command should be pronounced strictly and not abused.

To teach your dog the “Come to me” command, you will need the help of someone close to you . To do this, put the puppy on a leash and ask a helper to hold it.

Walk away a few meters, say the command loudly and pat your hand on your thigh. After this, the partner must release the pet. As soon as your baby runs up to you, praise him. After several successful attempts, treat your baby with a treat.

African Boerboel dog breed training

South African Boerboels are intelligent and amenable to training, but you need to train your dog from puppyhood. When the puppy appears in the house, the first thing you need to do is show him a place where he can take a break from activities and fuss.

If a puppy is banned from something, then this ban will not be lifted under any circumstances. The puppy must develop qualities such as patience and perseverance. A dog must have one owner who feeds it, trains it, forbids it or allows it. The rest of the family should not interfere in raising the Boerboel. Otherwise, the dog will not develop the authority of the owner, and as a result, it will cease to obey.

The puppy must become familiar with the environment (people, animals) from childhood. Socialization will help the puppy react quickly in any situation. A highly socialized dog will better follow commands, understand what can and cannot be done, and will not consider people as enemies. Around 2.5-3 months, the puppy can begin to teach basic commands.

“Ugh” - For such a majestic guard, this team plays a major role. From a young age, the dog needs to know this command by heart, so that it does not pick up anything on the street.

“Don’t” - A pet must distinguish from the first days what is possible and what is not. This command must be carefully worked out and reinforced. This is where the main education begins.

“Come to me” - This command guarantees that the dog will rush to its owner at any moment. Until the command is learned, it is strictly forbidden to let the animal off the leash.

“Nearby” - When walking in the fresh air, the dog should walk next to the owner’s leg, not pull forward or back away.

Other teams can be trained according to an individual program. During training, do not forget to encourage your pet. It is best to entrust the training of this dog to a canine organization.

On a note!

When training a Boerboel, you should not swear or punish him. It is especially important that you should not punish with a leash, because the animal associates a leash with joy. You need to use a calm but stern voice to demand that the dog follow the command. If the dog does not begin to consider its owner as a leader, then it will not follow commands.

During puppyhood, dogs' teeth begin to itch and you need to prepare for this. Boerboels can chew shoes, furniture, or even a person's hand. Therefore, from the first minutes the puppy must be categorically prohibited from doing this, otherwise he will start gnawing on everything.

How to choose? Boy or girl?

Even the most exemplary breeder cannot guarantee that you will get a bright representative of the breed.

But, if you still decide, then you should contact trusted breeders with a good reputation. It is best to take the advice of experienced dog breeders.

What to look for:

1. Brand. If you buy a puppy older than 1.5 months, it must have a brand, the number of which will correspond to the number in the puppy card and veterinary passport.
2. Ask the breeder to show the documents of the puppy's parents and provide their regalia (if any).
3. Look charmingly at the baby’s parents, they should be healthy and well-groomed.
4. Conditions in the nursery also matter. The room where the dog lives should be clean and warm, and there should also be no unpleasant odor.
5. By 1.5 months, the puppy should already be well socialized. A healthy baby is curious, active, sociable, and lacks fear and apathy.
6. Carefully inspect the chosen puppy. Smooth and shiny coat, clean skin, absence of discharge from the nose, ears and eyes are signs of a healthy pet. Also, the baby should not have any redness or wet ulcers on the skin.

You should also know that bitches are more flexible.

If you are unsure of your abilities, choose a girl . If you are an experienced dog breeder, then a male dog can become your friend and guard.

Reviews about the Boerboel breed

Anyone who is seriously thinking about buying a dog should read reviews about the breed to understand whether it is suitable for the future owner:

Elena: “Boerboel puppies are very cute, but they just grow before our eyes. So, when purchasing this nimble little lump, you need to immediately look for a person who understands the subtle psychology of this particular breed.”

Ignat: “My South African Boerboel, named Marcus, is an excellent protector. Due to my duty, I often have to be on the city streets in the evening, and it is not always safe there. At the slightest hint of aggression in my direction, my dog ​​immediately shows who’s boss.”

Konstantin: “Bun – this is how we affectionately call our dog in our family. Despite a lot of negativity from the media, we chose to get this particular breed and we were right. This is a dog that is devoted with all its soul not only to its owner, but also to his “pack.”

What is the price range for the breed, nurseries in Russia

The price range for South African Boerboel puppies ranges from 5,000 to 40,000 rubles, depending on the class of the pet.

The best Boerboel nurseries in Russia:

1. Nursery “S Yeseninsky”, Tula.
2. Multi-breed nursery “Zlato Rusi”, Moscow.
3. Kennel of the Boerboel breed “Form Sauce Africa”, Moscow.
4. Multi-breed kennel "Horse", specializing in Boerboels and Novich Terriers, St. Petersburg.
5. Boerboel nursery “Legend of Africa”, Saratov.

Colors of the Boerboel breed

You are probably already interested in knowing what colors the African Boerboel breed has. It turns out they are not very diverse. The breed standard is 3-4 shades of brown or red. So puppies from the same litter will most often be almost identical. It is important that the Boerboel has a so-called “mask” - darkening on the face. But various inclusions in the main color are unacceptable - this will be a mestizo, and not a purebred individual.

Puppies

Anyone who has decided to get a Ridgeback should know how to choose the right representative of this breed.

Choosing a puppy

It is necessary to pay attention to the following points:

• presence of a pedigree, parents with documents confirming their achievements;
• the puppy must also have the necessary documents;
• age category (you can adopt a dog after it reaches the age of 45 – 90 days);
• features of appearance, condition of coat;
• active behavior of the puppy.

Price

The pricing policy is based on the puppies belonging to a particular class:

• pet (pet) – 25,000 – 30,000 rubles;
• breeding (allowed for breeding) – 35,000 – 45,000 rubles;
• show (can take part in exhibitions) – 50,000 – 80,000 rubles.

Buying a puppy

When buying a puppy, you must clearly understand the characteristics of the breed. The Boerboel is designed to protect its owners.

Before purchasing, evaluate your options:

• walk the dog every day for 10-12 years for 5-10 km;
• spend time training your dog;
• be persistent enough in education;
• Socialize your dog with people and other animals.

If yes, there are no obstacles to buying a Boerboel. Choose a breeder and litter. Read the documents of the parents, and examine the puppies and check how they behave with each other. Identify the leader of the pack.

Ask the breeder what he feeds the dogs, whether he has vaccinated the litter and whether he has given anthelmintic treatment. Check the likelihood of breed diseases. A responsible nursery owner who has nothing to hide will be happy to share information with you.

Care and maintenance

The South African Boerboel can be kept in a city apartment if there is enough space for such a large dog. Caring for him is not difficult, but this dog is not comfortable within four walls.

It is ideal to keep a Boerboel in a private house with a large, fenced area. There the “African” will be able to fully realize his security potential. You just have to take into account that if you are chained, your Boerboel’s character will deteriorate significantly or severe depression will develop. Therefore, it must be kept in an enclosure with a spacious, insulated booth.

- Shall we play?..

Attention! The short hair of the Boerboel does not protect the dog from frost, so in harsh winters you will have to take the “African” into the house or keep it in a utility room, but heated.

Regardless of where your dog lives, you must walk with him at least 2 times a day. The Boerboel's build may resemble that of an imposing bumpkin, but it really needs long, active walks. He will be happy to accompany his owner on a hike, frolic with a ball or run next to a bicycle.

The Boerboel should be accustomed to mandatory hygiene procedures from puppyhood:

• The coat should be brushed at least once a week. And in the off-season, during the molting period - every day;
• Washing your dog twice a year is enough;
• trim the claws once a month if they do not grind down on their own;
• inspect the ears daily, if necessary, clean them from dirt with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide;
• For prevention, wipe your eyes once a week with a cotton pad soaked in chamomile decoction;
• Brush your teeth regularly with toothpaste for dogs, give cartilage and “bones” from the veins to prevent tartar.

Boerboels are not picky when it comes to food. The easiest way is to feed your dog ready-made factory-produced food of the highest quality. They have already added all the necessary vitamins and microelements.

- I am hungry…

But if you decide to feed the “African” with natural products, this will not be difficult either. It should be noted that the basis of a dog’s diet is raw lean meat, to which it is necessary to add vegetables (except potatoes), fruits, cereals, and dairy products. Eggs and sea fish should be given no more than once a week.

Important! Boerboels are prone to obesity, so strictly follow the dog's feeding regime. It is prohibited to feed dogs sweets and flour products.

Feeding and diet

Basenjis need to eat properly. The life expectancy and well-being of the pet also depend on this. The owner can choose natural food or industrial food. In the first case, the diet should consist of:

• lean meat;
• offal;
• vegetables and fruits;
• cereals and greens;
• fermented milk products;
• purified water;
• boiled fish.

Basenji puppies need to be given cottage cheese and kefir regularly. Cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits should be included in the diet in smaller quantities.

Specialized dog food from the store is also suitable for feeding. It is recommended to buy only super-premium class.

Important! It is forbidden to give your pet spicy, smoked and sweet food. You need to adhere to the correct diet plan.