General Appearance of the Boerboel

The Boerboel is a massive, Mastiff -like breed with a blocky broad square head and a flat skull. They have strong necks and shoulders and huge hindquarters. They are longer than they are tall, and when viewed in side profile their elbows should reach to the bottom of their chest. Boerboels are known for their impressive musculature and physical strength, both of which are key elements of correct breed type. They also should be agile, with free-flowing, ground-covering movement. Boerboels have short, smooth coats. A black facial mask covering the muzzle up to the eyes is hightly desirable in this breed, especially in show ring competition. Boerboels eyes should be brown and as dark as possible. Any other colors may be faulted and yellow eyes are a serious fault. The Boerboel’s tail is usually docked (surgically shortened) at the third joint shortly after birth, although breeders are increasingly keeping their dogs long, slightly curved tails natural.