Boer Boel
Boer Boel
Boer Boel
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Yellow (bird of prey) eyes, two or more missing teeth. Disqualifications - Blue eye(s), entropion
or ectropion, over bite, under bite of more than inch, wry mouth, prick ears.
Neck, Topline, Body: The neck is powerful, of medium length, and forms a muscular arch. It
flows smoothly into the sloping shoulders, gradually increasing in width from the head to the
shoulders. (In the female the muscles are less accentuated but should remain in balance with the
head and body). The dewlap is noticeable but disappears towards the sternum. The topline is
firm and level, extending in a straight line from behind the withers to the croup. The back
remains horizontal to the ground while the dog is moving or standing. The under line of a mature
dog has a slight tuck-up. The body is blocky, muscular and solid, with good depth and width.
The back is broad and straight, with pronounced muscles. The ribcage is well sprung and well
filled behind the shoulder blades. The transitions between the chest, loin and rump are well filled
and flowing. The loin is strong and muscular, and only slightly narrower than the ribcage and
rump. The croup is broad, flat and strong, with well defined musculature. Its height should not
exceed the height at the shoulders. The tail is thick and set fairly high. It should be well covered
with hair and without kink. Tails are traditionally docked at the third or fourth caudal vertebrae.
Natural tails are acceptable. The natural tail should reach to the hocks when the dog is standing
and be carried with a slight curve upwards when excited or moving. Tail set is more important
than the length.
Forequarters: The forelegs are strong boned, with well-defined muscles. Viewed from the side
the forearm should be vertical from the elbow to the pastern. When viewed from the front they
should be parallel to each other, not bowed or with toes turning inward. Elbows should be held
close to the body. Length of the foreleg to the elbow is approximately 50 percent of the dog's
height at the shoulder. The chest is broad, deep and wide with well-sprung ribs and strong
developed pectoral muscles. The shoulders are moderately sloping, powerful and muscular, with
no tendency to looseness. The shoulder blade is long with moderate angulation. The upper arm is
equal in both length and angulation to the shoulder blade. The pastern is short, thick and strong
and with a slight slope when viewed from the side. The front feet point straight forward, are
large, round, strongly boned and compact. The toes are well arched, with short, preferably black
toenails and protected by hair in between. Front dewclaws may be removed. The pads are thick,
tough and black.
Hindquarters: The hindquarter is sturdy and muscular. The hind legs are strong boned. The
stifle should be sound, strong and moderately angulated and in balance with the forequarters, to
support the powerful propulsion from the hindquarters during movement. The upper thighs are
broad, deep and muscular as seen from the side and the rear. The lower thighs have well defined
muscles and show substance down to the hocks. The metatarsus is broad, relatively short and
perfectly upright. The hind feet point straight forward and are slightly larger than the front feet.
Rear dewclaws, if any, are generally removed.
Coat and Color: The coat is short, dense, smooth and shiny. The skin is thick and loose but fits
smoothly. Skin is well pigmented. The recognized colors / patterns are with or without a mask;
however, the black mask is desirable. All shades of brown, red or fawn with limited clear white
patches on the legs and the fore chest are permissible. Brindle in any color is
acceptable. Piebald, a white dog, with colored markings, total area of white may not exceed 33
percent or is disqualified, ticking or spots within the white to be disqualified. The Boerboel is
well pigmented, especially on the lips, palate, the skin and hair around the eyes, nose leather,
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paw pads, toenails, the anus and the skin and hair around the genitals. Serious Faults - Pink paw
pads. Disqualifications - Black (black means black without a trace of brindle), black with white
markings, blue colored (Powder Coat) dogs, long coat and nose leather in any color other than
black.
Movement: Movement is the ultimate test for correct conformation. The Boerboel is the most
agile of the molosser breeds and it should be reflected in its movement. The Boerboels
movement is powerful and with purpose. The front reach should compliment a strong rear drive.
The legs and body should move in line front to rear. As speed increases the legs will converge
under body towards a center line. The back remains firm and strong and without excess body
roll.
Temperament: The Boerboel is a dominant and intelligent dog with strong protective instincts
and a willingness to please. When approached is calm, stable and confident, at times displaying a
self-assured aloofness. He should recognize a threat or lack thereof. He is loving with children
and family. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted.
Boerboels that are shown in competition should be trained to allow examination.
Faults: The foregoing description is that of the ideal Boerboel. Any deviation that detracts from
the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Severely out of proportion and balance. Reversal of sex characteristics. Pink paw pads. Yellow
(bird of prey) eyes. Two or more missing teeth.
Disqualifications: Blue Eye(s). Entropion or ectropion. Under shot greater than inch or
overshot bite. Wry mouth. Prick ears. Black (black means black without a trace of
brindle), black with white markings, blue colored (Powdered Coat) dogs, white exceeding more
than 33 percent of the color on a dog, ticking or spots within the areas of white. Long coat. Nose
leather in any color other than black.
Approved May 11, 2010
Effective January 1, 2011