For Boerboel owners

Your Boerboel is strong. Make sure the manners are too.

The Boerboel is a powerful South African mastiff with a deep protective instinct. We help you raise a calm, confident guardian with structure, patience and rewards.

See the 12 topics Read the blog
OriginSouth Africa
Also calledSouth African Mastiff
Height22 to 27 in
AKC groupWorking
Coat colorsBrownRedCreamBrindle
Our approach

Three pillars of a calm Boerboel

A Boerboel is powerful, protective and sure of itself. Structure, careful socialization and rewards keep that confidence calm.

I

Trust

A guardian that trusts you can relax and follow your lead.

II

Structure

Clear routines and fair rules give a powerful dog confidence.

III

Early habits

Teach the big lessons while your Boerboel is still small.

12 topics, four rungs

The training ladder

Each rung holds the topics that matter most at that age, so you always know what comes next.

I
8 to 16 weeks

Gentle beginnings

Trust around hands, bowls and new people.

A red Boerboel illustration for puppy mouthing.Puppy mouthingA red Boerboel illustration for handling and vet visits.Handling and vet visitsA brindle Boerboel illustration for guarding food and toys.Guarding food and toys
II
4 to 12 months

Growing safely

Protect joints and start leash manners early.

A brown Boerboel illustration for exercise while growing.Exercise while growingA cream Boerboel illustration for pulling on the leash.Pulling on the leashA cream Boerboel illustration for jumping on people.Jumping on people
III
1 to 2 years

The testing phase

Confidence grows. Keep meetings calm.

A brindle Boerboel illustration for the adolescent months.The adolescent monthsA brindle Boerboel illustration for a stubborn streak.A stubborn streakA brown Boerboel illustration for tension with other dogs.Tension with other dogs
IV
2 years on

The calm guardian

A watchful, settled adult.

A brown Boerboel illustration for guarding the property.Guarding the propertyA red Boerboel illustration for reserve with visitors.Reserve with visitorsA cream Boerboel illustration for time alone.Time alone
Self check

Watchful, or uneasy?

Four quick questions help you see whether your Boerboel is calmly watchful or carrying some worry.

It is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If you ever see growling, snapping or lunging, please work with a qualified behavior professional.

When a visitor comes inside, your dog

When someone walks past the food bowl, your dog

When another dog passes on a walk, your dog

After a sudden noise, your dog

Your result

See the training topics

“A Boerboel raised with patience protects with calm, not with fear.”

The idea behind every guide
Read the blog See the training topics