The Truth About the Boerboel: Debunking the “Slender Dog” Myth

At Cold River Boerboels, we believe in preserving the integrity and true history of the Boerboel. Over time, some breeders and enthusiasts have started promoting a version of the Boerboel that is slimmer and more lightly built—claiming that this was the original intention of the breed. We’ve done our research, and we’re here to set the record straight.

In this article, we’ll break down the original 1987 Boerboel breed standard, compare it to the current SABBS, AKC, and UKC standards, and show why the Boerboel has always been a large, powerful, well-muscled guardian—never a slender dog.

Feature	1987 Standard	SABBS	AKC/UKC
Size	Large, robust	Large, strong-boned	Large, substantial
Bone & Muscle	Heavy, muscular	Heavy, muscular	Heavy, muscular
Head	Blocky, broad	Blocky, broad	Blocky, broad
Movement	Strong, agile, not clumsy	Strong, fluid	Strong, fluid
Temperament	Loyal, protective	Loyal, protective	Loyal, protective
Slender Build?	❌ Rejected	❌ Rejected	❌ Rejected

A Deeper Exploration of the Boerboel Breed

In recent years, there has been a growing conversation within the Boerboel community. Some suggest that the breed was originally intended to be a slender, lightly built dog. They even compare it to the frame of a Rhodesian Ridgeback. However, when we return to the roots of the Boerboel and carefully examine its history, this claim does not hold up.

Let’s take a closer look at the original Boerboel breed standard from 1987. We will compare it to the current SABBS, AKC, and UKC standards. This will help us settle this debate with facts.

The Original Boerboel Standard: 1987

When the Boerboel was formally described in 1987, the breed was outlined as:

• Large, strong, robust, and muscular.

• More substantial than a Boxer but shorter and stockier than a Great Dane.

• Males: Minimum height of 26 inches (66 cm).

• Females: Minimum height of 24 inches (61 cm).

• A broad, powerful chest, straight strong back, and a blocky, heavy head.

• Movement must be agile but never clumsy.

• Required to have strong guard dog instincts and deep loyalty to the family.

  
  

Nowhere in the original standard does it suggest the Boerboel should be slender, narrow, or lightly built.

The Modern Standards: SABBS, AKC, and UKC

Let’s break down how the current breed organizations describe the Boerboel today.

SABBS (South African Boerboel Breeders Society)

• Requires a large, strong-boned, heavily muscled dog.

• Chest depth must reach the elbows, and the body proportions must follow a balanced 2:1:1 ratio (rib:loin:croup).

• Males: 24–27.5 inches (60–70 cm) | Females: 22–25.5 inches (55–65 cm).

  
  

AKC (American Kennel Club)

• Describes the Boerboel as large, muscular, confident, and agile.

• Males: 24–27 inches | Females: 22–25 inches.

• Prioritizes substance, balance, and powerful movement.

  
  

UKC (United Kennel Club)

• Boerboel must be large, powerful, and well-muscled.

• Ideal height: Males 26 inches | Females 24 inches.

• Movement should be purposeful and strong, with balanced proportions.

  
  

Key Similarities Across All Standards

Why the “Slender Boerboel” Idea is a Myth

Some individuals have promoted the concept of a more slender, lighter Boerboel. They may do this to fit into sport or protection arenas or due to personal breeding preferences. Some even attempt crossing Presa de Canario into their lines. However:

• The original standard explicitly rejects slenderness.

• All recognized breed standards consistently require a dog with substantial bone, muscle, and mass.

• While Boerboels must move fluidly, this has never meant sacrificing the breed’s core structure.

  
  

In fact, intentionally breeding for a slim, narrow frame is counterproductive to the Boerboel’s historic purpose. The Boerboel is designed to be a reliable, powerful guardian capable of protecting livestock and property in challenging environments.

Final Word: Preserve the Breed’s Integrity

The Boerboel has always been a large, powerful, and substantial dog. They have a deep bond with their family and natural guardian instincts. There is no version of the breed standard—past or present—that supports a slender, lightly built Boerboel. The "slender type" is a modern misinterpretation, not part of breed history.

When selecting, breeding, or judging Boerboels, it’s essential to prioritize:

• Correct size and proportion.

• Balanced, agile movement.

• Proper temperament.

  
  

By staying true to the breed’s original purpose and standard, we honor the Boerboel’s legacy and protect its future.

👉 Interested in learning more or adding a true Boerboel to your family?

Contact us today or Follow us on Instagram to see our dogs in action and join us in preserving the authentic Boerboel.

Sources:

• Original 1987 Boerboel Standard

• South African Boerboel Breeders Society (SABBS) Standard

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Breed Standard

• United Kennel Club (UKC) Breed Standard

  
  

The Standard of the BoerBoel (1987)

1 – General Appearance:

The Boerboel is a large dog, strong build and (robust or solid) with a powerfully developed muscular system. His movements should not be clumsy. The body must be more robust, heavier, and larger than that of a Boxer but shorter and not as tall in the leg as a Great Dane. A male must not be shorter than 26in or 66cm. A female not smaller than 24in or 61cm.

2 – Temperament:

The Boerboel must have good temperament. It must be intelligent with a firm and balanced character. The dog should be loyal to the death to its owner. It must display good guard dog characteristics and a love for the household, especially a predilection for children.

3 – The Head:

The head must be large, strong, and broad between the ears. There should be clearly visible wrinkles on the forehead between the eyes. The upper jaw must be strong and broad at the rear, narrowing slightly towards the front. The lower jaw must be wide, with only a slight narrowing towards the front and be a little longer than the upper jaw.

4 – Shape (Build Form) of the Body:

The neck should be short and solid. It should have sufficient length that fits well with the body. The spine must be straight and connect beautifully to the shoulders. The back should be strong, wide, and straight. A slight curve near the loin area is acceptable.

5 – Colour:

All colors except Black, Black Piebald, White or Piebald dogs with one or both eyes white will not be accepted. The acceptable colors are Yellow, Fawn, Red-brown, Brown, Dark-brown, Piebald, brindle, and grey, with or without white feet, white on the head, or necks or stomachs with or without black masks.