The Boerdboel is a large, strong and intelligent working dog that has been bred in Africa since approximately the 17th century. Various mastiff-type dogs from Europe as well as large dogs from Africa contributed to the breed.
Even though Boerboels are large, they are balanced dogs with well-developed muscles and resilient movement. Boerboels are an impressive and imposing figure of strength. Male dogs appear more masculine and females more feminine.
Male dogs are typically larger than the females, normally ranging from 25-28 inches in height at the withers and weighing between 130-160 pounds. The females normally range between 23-26 inches in height and weigh between 100-130 pounds.
Recognized colors are yellow, tawny, reddish-brown, brown, and all shades of brindle, with or without black mask. Piebald is also acceptable, provided there is sufficient pigmentation and coloring around both eyes and both ears.