Boerboel - description of the breed and character of the dog

This breed has not been officially recognized, but the breeders appreciate the South African burbules, and the owners admire their pets. For some specialists, the representatives of this breed are only half-breeds, mastiffs that have no tail. But lovers of these dogs simply call them kings among all dogs. Why do these dogs cause so much controversy and doubt?

Breed history

South African burbuli have a related relationship with mastiffs and moloss, but you cannot call them mestizo. If you study the history of the breed, you realize that it can still be considered independent.

Scientists believe that these dogs originate originally from Asia, and not from Africa. Only later did they appear in ancient Egypt. It is believed that Alexander the Great brought them to Europe. Further, little is known about the development of the breed.Some researchers believe that many European dog breeds originated from them.

According to another version, dogs came to Africa from European countries, after which they mixed with local dogs. But supporters of both theories are confident that the breed was formed naturally. For a long time, this breed has its own properties, which have not changed much over time. This applies to both the appearance and nature of animals. To date, these dogs are considered among the most enduring and strong. They have good health.

In the 17th century, South African mastiffs were recreated from European dogs. They were used as assistants for agricultural purposes. They protected the territory, hunted, defended their masters and their homes. Already in the 20th century, there were fewer representatives of the breed, since few people needed these properties. But in the 80s in Africa there was a successful revival of the breed. Today these dogs can be found all over the world. Russia also has its own connoisseurs of this breed.

Appearance of South African Mastiff

At the international level, the breed has not received its recognition, but some organizations strongly support it. For example, the Kennel Club of South Africa, which defined the breed standard.

Representatives of the South African Boerboel breed can clearly trace the sex difference. Bitches, though they look rather menacing, but their addition is more elegant, they are more sociable.

For representatives of this breed is important to match the weight and height. They can weigh 60-90 kg. The height of the males should be from 60 to 66 cm. Bitches should have a height of from 55 to 61 cm. But more preferable is the greater growth of dogs. These dogs have a large body. Their muscles and skeleton are strong, well developed.

1. The size of the head is proportional to the size of the body. In profile, it has a rectangular shape. If you look at the dog in full face - its square muzzle. These dogs have a broad frontal bone. On the nose, the skin is usually with folds. When the dog is focused, they become pronounced. The musculature of the animal is clearly visible, it is noticeable even on the dog's face. The muzzle of the South African mastiffs is quite wide, but to the nose it is becoming increasingly narrow. The lips are thick and fleshy, with the upper one stepping forward. Representatives of the breed have bryl, but they hang down quite a bit. If they are expressed too well, this is considered a disadvantage.
2. The jaw of the South African mastiffs is very strong. It has a strong and powerful look. The teeth are large. Basically, these dogs have a scissor bite. But sometimes there is a direct snack.
3. The nose has a large lobe. Nostrils wide.
4. The eyes of the South African Boerboel should be brown. The darker the color of the eyes, the better. They are set wide apart and round. Eyelids tight, painted black.
5. Ears are set wide apart. They have a triangular shape, their size is small. In a calm state, they hang down. When the dog is interested, the ears rise a little upwards.
6. South African mastiffs have a strong body with a flat back. These dogs have broad shoulders. Sometimes in the area of ​​transition to the neck there are wrinkles.
7. Burbuli - owners of a wide muscular chest. Their limbs are large. If the dog has straight knees, then it does not meet the standard. The same can be said about the straight hock.
8. Paws are large, pads are covered with dark skin. The tail is set high, has a bend. It is usually stopped.
9. The coat of these dogs is short, soft. The skin on the nose and lips is black.
10. Sometimes South African mastiffs may have a mask.This does not affect compliance with the dog standards. It can be in an animal of any color.
11. Color can be red or tiger. Sometimes there may be white spots on the paws and chest. Although this is not considered a disadvantage, it is undesirable to use such dogs for breeding.

Character

Boerboel has an appearance that is associated with aggressiveness, but what is his character really? In a sense, their appearance really matches the character. This is due to their origin. Representatives of the breed tend to dominate. These dogs were used for the protection of agricultural farms for a long time, so they are used to directing their inhabitants, protecting them from external hazards. In modern South African mastiffs, this feature is genetically preserved. In those days, not only foxes, but also larger animals could have attacked farm animals. For example, the doe or antelope, which was grown by farmers in their yard, could be attacked by lions.

These dogs grew up in harsh conditions, so they grew up early.As early as 3 months, Burbul puppies had to defend themselves in order to survive. Therefore, modern burbuli still in puppy age can zealously protect the entire owner. For these dogs, it is important to immediately determine which territory belongs to him, which of the inhabitants is his, and who is a stranger.

For children, representatives of this breed is good. But it swings only those who live in the house of the owner. If they have to deal with other people's children, then caution should be exercised here, as the dog may take the alien child for a predatory beast, starting to protect the territory and the host children from it. But do not be afraid that the Boerboel will cruelly attack the child or bite. He may well frighten him or push him away, which may lead to some injuries. It is best for the dog to recognize other people before they enter your home.

Bkrbuli will protect their master and his family to the last. At the same time, the Boerboel himself decides who is the enemy for his family. It will be very difficult to protect a person with commands. If the dog even realizes that by protecting the territory or the owner, paying for it with his life, he will try to do the greatest harm to the offender.

Dog care

1. Wool South African Mastiff does not require any special care. To care for her, it will be enough from time to time to brush the dog with a brush or rubber glove. This will help improve blood flow, cleanse the skin of dead cells and loose hair. When a dog sheds, it is recommended to do such procedures a little more often.
2. It is only necessary to bathe Boerboel, if such a need arises, since they are afraid of hypothermia. In winter, it is better to remove pollution in another way. For this special dry shampoo and a rag will do. You can wipe the animal with snow if it is clean. It will be enough to bathe representatives of this breed twice a year. It is important that the dog dries in warm conditions. Do not allow the wet animal to be in the wind.
3. Using a cotton swab, it is necessary to clean the dog's ears every month. After each walk in nature, they should be well inspected. Healthy ears should have a smooth surface. Sulfur should be light and smell nothing. If the discharge has an unpleasant smell, you should immediately show the dog to a specialist.
4. The eyes of a healthy animal should not tear.To prevent the development of eye infections, it is necessary to wipe the eyes with chamomile decoction. Anxiety should cause symptoms such as redness or discharge from the eyes.

To keep a dog of this breed, it is desirable to have a spacious aviary. There should be a booth in it where the dog could hide from the cold and bad weather. This is due to the fact that Burbuli love space very much. But at the same time, it is important to limit the habitat of these dogs. It is allowed to keep these dogs in the apartment, but at the same time it is necessary to provide the pet with physical activity. At home with the South African mastiff will not be a big hassle, as they love to sleep.

It is necessary to walk representatives of this breed twice a day. In addition, each walk should last about an hour. During the walk, it is advisable to run and play with the dog.

Training

In no case can not raise such a dog in permissiveness. This will lead to the fact that the dog will grow up arrogant and will not obey you. Therefore, Boerboel suitable for people with a strong character, able to subjugate and control such a dog.It is very important to stop all manifestations of leadership and self-confidence in the dog. In education, it is important to be tough, but by no means cruel.

The dog should know that some things are strictly prohibited. Do not allow the dog to bite the owner or family members, even if it happens in a playful way. During walks, in no case should you drag the animal by the leash. Also, the dog should not be taught to lean on people with its front paws. Burbuli are heavy enough dogs, and can knock down a child or an elderly person. Prevent the pet's desire to pick up any objects from the ground. Representatives of this breed are prone to such a habit, and then it will be difficult to wean them from it.

Ever since puppy age, it is necessary to stop the conflicts of Boerboel with other dogs. This breed is prone to dominance, so the dog may show aggression. This is especially true for males.

Since childhood, the dog must get used to the fact that the owner must be obeyed without question. As a puppy, the South African mastiff should be familiar with some commands, be aware of bans. From the age of four months he can be trained.As already mentioned, this breed matures quite early, due to historical reasons.

Puppy price

If you buy such a dog with it, the price can reach about 5,000 rubles. But, if you want to have a dog that was bred and selected by experts, this is not worth it. The price for a purebred dog will vary from 40 to 50 thousand rubles. However, by spending this money, you will get a faithful friend.

Those who know these dogs, say that, having a burbulya in the house, you can not close the door at night. But it is important to remember that the breed is suitable for people with strong character. In addition, the owner should have time to care for the dog and his upbringing.

Video: breed dogs Boerboel