This may be the first time that you’re hearing about this hybrid as this puppy is not as popular as other Rottie mixes. However, the Boerboel Rottweiler Mix is certainly one of the finest Mastiff breeds that you will find on the market!
Unlike Bullmastiffs, Cane Corsos, and Bulldogs – these loving, muscular dogs are great for families of all ages. They simply adore children as they have a high level of tolerance, but at the same time, the doggie will do anything to protect its loved ones!
Dog owners are often skeptical about mastiff breeds, especially due to the fact that many of them have a violent history. Still, the puppy we’re about to present is nothing but a big, spoiled baby that craves love and affection. But first, let’s give this beauty an orderly introduction!
What Is The Boerboel Rottweiler Mix
We won’t deny it – the Boerboel Rottweiler Mix puppy comes from two aggressive dog breeds – the Rottweiler, and the Boerboel, also known as the South African Boerboel (or South African Mastiff).
However, this mixed breed dog is more than a decent family dog that enjoys spending time with family. The Rottie Boerboel Mix is far from stubborn, and it inclines towards a stable, obedient watchdog that is eager to please and protect.
Thanks to its Boerboel bloodline that makes it calm and confident, these canines enjoy the credibility of being excellent guard dogs and family dogs at the same time. If we put the Rottie’s intelligence in this context – we would get the ultimate gentle champion who has an endless span of qualities!
Given that this large dog is quite new in the mixed breeds family, we feel obliged to give you a little bit of perspective first. That’s why the ideal way to start the whole ‘‘Boerboel Rottweiler Mix’’ story is to begin from the parent breeds first. Let’s begin!
Parent Breeds: A Rottweiler and A Boerboel
There are many Boerboel mixes that don’t come across as good family members unlike this particular one. The original idea of breeders was to design a confident, protective dog with family traits that would satisfy the needs of all types of families.
Despite the fact that all mastiff breeds need more experienced owners, these canines, especially the ones bought from reputable breeders, are highly manageable. What you need to do is start the socialization process, as well as obedience training, as soon as possible!
Both Rotties and Boer puppies are extremely dominant dogs that crave physical activity. That’s why the breed suits sporting people and active families more. However, if you have a huge back yard (ideally, a fenced one), then this dog won’t mind self-exercise.
During history, both of these dogs were known for being working dogs, cattle dogs, and homestead protectors, especially in rural areas. Given their excellent stamina and body strength, they were ideal for helping in households all over the world.
Rottweiler
The Rottie puppy qualifies among the oldest dogs on the planet. If you dig deep into its history, you will probably find out that these big dogs date back to Roman times. During this period, they were used for cattle driving and herding.
A similar tradition was preserved in Germany until World War II, when these puppies started their rescue and service role. If we take into consideration their exquisite intelligence, it is not at all strange why these German puppies had war burdens put on their pawtroling back.
Nowadays, this purebred puppy is represented all over the world as a family pet. Reputable Rottie breeders make sure that these intelligent dogs are socialized and well-mannered from an early age, which is why the breed is highly favorable among dog lovers.
The puppy has been an AKC member since 1931, which gives it almost a one-hundred-year-long tradition on the soil of the United States of America.
Male doggies stand up to 27 inches in height, unlike their female counterparts, which reach only 25 inches.
The average weight of this magnificent puppy revolves between 95 and 135 pounds, which is quite fascinating. The breed is recommended for experienced owners as it is high-maintenance, given its daily needs.
This large breed requires at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise during the day, as well as firm leadership. Still, all Rottie puppies appear as highly intuitive and affectionate dogs, which is why they make excellent nannies and family dogs.
Boerboel
Unlike Rotties, Boer puppies come all the way from South Africa. The breed’s name derives from the word ‘‘boer,’’ which is an African/Dutch word that stands for ‘‘farmer.’’ It is not that hard to guess what the initial purpose was of these puppies, right?
These smooth, short-coated puppies have a sturdier body physique than many other Mastiff dogs, which makes them excellent guardians. They stand up to 27 inches in height, the same as their Rottie counterparts.
On the other hand, they weigh far more than Rotties as they are 150 to 200 pounds on average. Still, Boerboel breeders have adjusted the puppy for housing as these canines, despite their size, make excellent family dogs, too.
They resemble Pitbulls and Great Danes in their appearance. Still, they are much calmer and steadfast, which makes them more favorable for families with small children. Both Boerboel and Rottweiler dogs are a good choice if you have kids in the house as these puppies just enjoy accompanying little kids.
The Crossbreed’s History
The exact birth date of this hybrid is unknown, as well as its overall history. Still, the breed is relatively new in the United States, which is why these canines are not as popular as other Rottie or Boerboel mixes.
In fact, the Boer puppy was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015, which puts Boerboel dogs in an unenviable position historywise.
However, it is for sure that these South African beauties have passed the reliability test at reputable U.S. breeders as more and more of these canines are sold to lucky owners every year.
The idea behind crossbreeding these two extremely dominant purebreds was to create a brand new guardian with highly expressed family traits. Both the Rottie and the Boer are highly intelligent dogs that prefer pleasing their owner instead of looking for trouble.
The ‘‘How to socialize an aggressive dog’’ dilemma won’t bother you if you decide to buy this relatively new mix. That’s because these puppies are affectionate and loyal to their owner by default, and they won’t do anything to hurt you.
Still, early socialization and obedience training would be a good choice, and if you’re a first-time dog owner – getting professional help from a certified dog trainer is always a good choice!
Physical Appearance
First of all, you should know that by getting a Boerboel Rottweiler Mix, you will get a giant that stands anywhere between 90 and 200 pounds. This means that the puppy’s growth chart is not that different from the Rottie’s or the Boer’s growth chart.
This may be too much for some owners, but the truth is that regardless of their size, these canines make excellent companions and family dogs.
Furthermore, the puppy has a big, flat head, with a short muzzle, and medium-sized pendant ears. Its smooth, short coat doesn’t meet frequent grooming requirements, which makes this puppy ideal for housing.
Still, these mixes are moderate shedders, which means that weekly brushing will probably be a good idea.
The puppy has great stamina, and a sturdy, muscular body. Still, the puppy is extremely agile, given its strong hindquarters. The recommendation is to give this dog at least 60 minutes of exercise during the day as it needs activity to burn off energy and remain calm.
Coat Type And Coat Color
As both of its parents have a short, smooth coat, the prediction is that this mix won’t deviate from them in this regard. These dogs are not that hard to maintain as they need weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Nail clipping will be needed on a monthly basis, though.
These canines are not hypoallergenic, which makes them unfavorable for people suffering from dog allergies. If you’re inclined to buy a dog and you suffer from dog allergies – give Poodles, Malteses, or Bichon Frises a try!
Furthermore, there is a high possibility that this hybrid will come in one of the following Boer colors: brindle, black, fawn, red, gray, or brown. However, puppies with over 50 percent of the Rottie’s DNA can pick up a rust, or a tan pattern.
Regardless of their bloodline, all Boerboel Rottweiler Mix puppies are quite fashionable as they have a charming coat and a unique, sharp look. Being a hybrid doesn’t stop this canine from having an outstanding appearance at all times.
Size
The size of this puppy is a very debatable subject. That’s because Rotties and Boer dogs differ when it comes to size, and their offspring don’t always come in a uniform pattern. With that being said, Boer Rotties can be anywhere from 90 to 200 pounds in weight.
On the other hand, this dog stands between 25 and 27 inches when it comes to height. Its magnificent, yet giant look makes these dogs a little harder to maintain than some other dog breeds. They take a lot of space in a house, but the good news is that they adapt to a dog bed easily.
Given their size, you should be aware of their daily feeding needs. These giants need between four and six cups of quality food during the day. Still, you should be strict when it comes to their feeding as both the Rottie’s and the Boer’s feeding chart require special attention and consideration.
Despite their high-activity level, these dogs are prone to weight gain, which means that dosing their meals will be required. Always give them healthy snacks, and avoid table scraps. Obesity in these gentle giants can lead to many other health problems, such as cardiac disease.
On the other hand, avoiding daily exercise could be as equally fatal as a poorly planned feeding chart. Bear in mind that this puppy needs a lot of movement in order to preserve its muscular physique.
The Boerboel Rottweiler Mix’s Temperament
This may not be the easiest dog to potty train as it is with a German Shepherd. You should know that all Mastiff-type dogs have a certain dose of stubbornness in their temperament.
Still, puppies that are socialized and obedience trained from an early age show a respectable trainability potential and a great temperament.
The Boer Rottie Mix has an affectionate nature, despite being a watchdog by default. These canines are loyal at all times, and they are always eager to please their owner. Their calm nature enables owners to train them in obedience without major obstacles.
In fact, the puppy loves being mentally challenged, which is not surprising at all if we take into consideration its high intelligence. Still, the breed can show a certain amount of aloofness towards strangers, which is why you should slowly introduce new people to your dog.
This is a guard dog by default, which is why you shouldn’t be surprised with its high prey-drive. However, getting your puppy used to chew toys or interactive play instead of chasing other dogs in a dog park will reduce its unpredictable behavior and aggressiveness.
All Boer Rotties need early obedience training, especially if you plan to take your puppy out in public on a daily basis.
Socialization
Generally, aggressive dog breeds need early socialization, and if possible, early obedience training. This way, you will reduce potential aggression towards strangers, or even towards your family members.
However, this puppy is well-mannered, and it won’t display any unpredictable behavior as long as you do the right job. Many Mastiff dogs don’t respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, but that’s not the case with the Rottie Boer Mix.
The usage of interactive dog toys or healthy snacks during training will have a positive impact on your puppy’s behavior. Still, the dog needs a firm touch and good leadership.
If you’re planning to have other pets next to your Rottie Boer, the best timing to do this is during the early puppyhood stage of this hybrid. Early socialization is crucial for these puppies, especially when introducing them to smaller pets or smaller dogs.
The breed has a high prey-drive instinct, which means that older Rottie Boers won’t be so welcoming to other pets if not initially socialized with them. This is a long-term process, which is why you should not be discouraged at first.
Being committed and persistent is the key to having a good, reliable Boerboel Rottweiler Mix.
Housing
You have probably wondered what it is like to have a 200-pound dog indoors. Well, it’s simple – think of this puppy as an extra family member. Despite their giant size, the dog is well-behaved, and it doesn’t represent a burden to its family members.
Despite not being put on the list of the best family dog breeds, these dogs know their place perfectly, which means that they are not prone to indoor outbursts or excessive behavior.
They will rather curl up next to you and enjoy some quiet time. This is a calm and gentle puppy that loves spending some quality time with its owner.
However, the puppy needs regular brushing and an occasional bath in order to stay sharp. Even though the dog is not a high shedder, they still need weekly brushing in order to lose their dead hair.
However, this breed loves outdoor frolicking and goofing around, which is why you need to take this dog out on a regular basis. Aside from regular walks and plays in the back yard, these puppies will accompany you in other activities, such as hikes or road trips.
This is a highly curious dog as it is interested in various activities, and it requires constant creativity.
The Boerboel Rottweiler Mix Around Kids
Boer puppies are known to be one of the best Mastiff breeds when it comes to their relationship with kids. Luckily, the same goes for its offspring – the Rottie Boerboel.
If you’re still quite unsure about the Boer Rottie – don’t hesitate. These canines have a natural parental instinct, and they have a great way with small kids. Unlike other Mastiff dogs, they are highly tolerant, and they won’t mind being occasionally teased or roughly pulled by your kids.
These canines have proven to be excellent nannies as they act quite protective around kids. Still, this breed needs early socialization in order to get used to the fact that they are not the only “children” of the house.
Health Issues
Despite the fact that none of the Boer Rottie’s parents qualify among the healthiest dog breeds in the world, these canines can live a pretty healthy life. The average lifespan of these canines revolves between 10 and 11 years.
However, there are some things that you need to pay attention to when buying this hybrid. Namely, given their Rottie-Boer DNA heritage, both male and female dogs of this mixed breed can face several health problems.
Probably the most frequent health issues in Rottie Boerboel dogs are entropion, ectropion, hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and obesity.
Aside from these issues, you need to make sure that your puppy gets a proper feeding chart and a proper amount of exercise during the day, too. Mental health is as equally important as physical health. In fact, improperly-raised canines can display aggressive behavior even towards their owners.
1. Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs represents a major issue that mostly affects large breeds. This is a very unpleasant condition that manifests in the loosening of the hip joint.
Bunny walk, inability to perform regular physical activities, and complete lethargy are just some of the symptoms that affect a puppy suffering from hip dysplasia.
On the other hand, elbow dysplasia, manifesting in the abnormal development of the elbow joint, is equally unpleasant, and it requires immediate vet intervention.
Both of these issues impact the overall quality of a dog’s life, and they require a timely approach. Ultimately, hip and elbow dysplasia surgery is the solution in late stages of hip and elbow dysplasia. However, these procedures are not that cheap as the average price of surgery revolves between $1500 and $3000.
Still, puppies are expected to recover within several weeks, after which, they should live a normal life.
2. Bloat
Unlike hip dysplasia, bloat can have deadly repercussions if not treated timely. This condition is related to large dogs with a deep chest. Bloating leaves obvious and painful symptoms, such as a stomach ache, lethargy, panting, hard stomach, constant lethargy, restlessness, and loss of appetite.
Some dogs even refuse to drink water during bloat.
Subjecting a dog to immediate vet intervention is the key if you don’t want your puppy to deal with severe consequences. Releasing the build-up of gas can be done by a pump. However, in some extreme cases, surgery is needed.
The average price of bloat surgery revolves anywhere between $1500 and $7000.
There are some home remedies that you can do in order to prevent bloating in your dog, though. For instance, you can arrange your puppy’s meals in an orderly manner. Don’t feed the puppy right before bedtime. Furthermore, try to divide meals into several smaller portions.
Avoid giving your dog junk food. These canines need high-quality food enriched with protein and fibers in order to digest it easier. Table scraps are never a good option either!
Additionally, adding probiotics in your dog’s diet can reduce the possibility of getting bloat.
3. Entropion And Ectropion
Entropion and Ectropion are common in Rottie Boer puppies. In the case of entropion, the eyelid rolls inwards and causes an unpleasant rubbing of the skin against the eye surface. This condition manifests through eye redness, irritation, twitching, and frequent tear production.
On the other hand, ectropion is the opposite problem, which implies the eyelid rolling outwards, which causes irritation, protrusion, and recurring bacterial infections.
The latter is often treated with eye lubricants, while entropion more often requires a surgical procedure. The advice is to visit a vet as soon as you notice the first symptoms as both of these issues can be extremely unpleasant.
4. Obesity
Despite not being classified on top of the list of Rottie Boer health problems, obesity can cause major problems in your puppy. Taking care of the dog’s feeding chart is highly needed, especially if we take into consideration that these dogs need high-quality food to maintain their musculature.
Still, these gentle giants don’t take junk food or poor dog food brands well. They are prone to obesity, even though they burn off a lot of energy during the day.
Obesity in these puppies can lead to lethargy, disinterest, and possibly aggression. These canines are not used to weight gain as they are highly active by default.
In order to avoid obesity in your dog, you should come up with a strict and to-the-point feeding chart that includes the best possible foods for these gentle giants. Additionally, try giving your puppy even portions of food. That way, you will prevent it from overeating, and possibly getting bloated.
You can always take advice from your veterinarian if you’re not quite sure what to feed your Boer Rottie.
FAQs
Despite the fact that these two dogs share a lot of common traits, Boer puppies are not the same as Rotties. These are completely different breeds that have totally different histories.
Boer puppies come all the way from South Africa, where they have served as working dogs on farms. On the other hand, Rottie puppies date back to Roman times, where they were used as cattle dogs. Years later, this dog was used at WWII fronts as a rescue dog and a service dog, too.
Still, both of these canines share some common traits, such as an excellent body physique, strength, agility, and intelligence. Boerboel dogs are known to be slightly calmer and better with kids.
On the other hand, both Boer and Rottie puppies, as well as many Boer and Rottie mixes, are active, playful, and extremely loyal to their owner.
Definitely! This puppy, despite being calm and affectionate for the most part of the day, is an excellent guardian of its family. They are always on alert, especially with strangers. That’s why this puppy needs early socialization and obedience training as a family pet.
Using firm leadership, or training tools such as dog training collars, is a good way to socialize your puppy! Untrained puppies tend to be aggressive and unfriendly, even to familiar faces.
Conclusion
The Boerboel Rottweiler Mix, despite being a hybrid, is a fantastic guard dog that happens to be an excellent family pet, too! Hopefully, this article has resolved many enigmas related to this quite unknown breed.
Despite being a Mastiff breed, these canines make perfect companions that show loyalty at all times. Additionally, you will get a pet that has a way with kids and strangers! That’s something you don’t get to see in a Mastiff breed.