If you haven’t heard of Boerboel Pits before, it’s probably because they are not common across the world. While Pitbulls are one of the most popular household pets, Boerboels are not; hence, the rarity of this mixed breed.
This leaves many dog lovers with questions about the Boerboel Pitbull mix. Are they good home companions? Are they safe around children?
In this guide, you will learn all about the Boerboel Pit. We’ll touch on its origin, growth, temperament, health, care needs, and more. If you’re interested in getting to know the Boerboel Pitbull mix, keep reading!
What Is a Boerboel Pitbull Mix?
The Boerboel Pitbull mix is a cross between the Boerboel and any Pitbull-type breed, usually the American Pit Bull Terrier. Boerboel Pits are uncommon hybrids mainly due to the rarity of their Boerboel parents. This mix results in an energetic, loyal, protective, and playful dog.
If you’re looking for a lap dog, the Boerboel Pit is not the one you want. These hybrid dogs are highly active and industrious dogs that need a job to be happy.
Boerboel Pits can play many roles in your home — they can be watchdogs, guard dogs, home companions, or all three.
Owners of Boerboel Pits love them for their loyalty and affection. They may look tough and intimidating on the outside, but Boerboel Pits are absolute sweethearts! They can be great pets even for families with kids if trained well.
Because of their hybrid status, Boerboel Pitbull mixes are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). What this means for Boerboel Pit owners is that your dog does not conform to a breed standard.
In addition, your Boerboel Pit is also ineligible to participate in events organized by the AKC.
However, you can try checking with the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), or AKC Canine Partners to see if they recognize Boerboel Pits.
Boerboel Pitbull Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Boerboel Pit Come From?
Due to the fact that the Boerboel Pit is uncommon and new, there isn’t a well-documented history of its existence. But thankfully, we can always turn to its parents’ origins to explore more about their nature.
The Boerboel comes from a Mastiff descent, which explains its muscular frame and large size.
The ancestors of today’s Boerboels were fearless and powerful. They could scare off or fight lions, baboons, and leopards from their owners’ homes.
Meanwhile, the modern Boerboels are watered-down versions of the first Boerboels.
The powerful Boerboels or South African Mastiffs were only recognized by the AKC in 2015, which is why they are fairly uncommon in the United States.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, are related to Old English Bulldogs, which were popular dogs that were used to bait bulls or fight other dogs. As attack dogs for so long, Pitbulls are ferocious, robust, and have high endurance.
Unfortunately, Pitbulls have long been misunderstood and despised by the general public due to their tendency to be violent.
Thankfully, a growing number of dog enthusiasts recognize that Pitbulls make excellent house pets and guard dogs.
Considering the nature of its parent breeds, we can expect the Boerboel Pit to be a protective pet who will not back down from a fight. It might need a little help with aggression, but it will surely be a great home pet if handled well!
Boerboel Pitbull Mix Appearance: What Does a Boerboel Pit Look Like?
Looking at the Pitbull and the Boerboel, it shouldn’t be difficult to predict the overall appearance of the Boerboel Pit.
We already know that these canines are big dogs. Like their parents, they will have rectangular bodies with well-distributed muscles throughout their entire frame. Boerboel Pits are also sturdy on their feet.
The differences between the appearance of the Pitbull and the Boerboel will manifest in the mixed breed’s face.
The Boerboel Pit may have either the sharp-ended ears of the Pittie or the larger ears of the Boerboel. This dog may also inherit its Boerboel parent’s facial wrinkles or its Pitbull parent’s only slightly wrinkled forehead.
These dogs may have any eye color except blue.
In terms of coats, Boerboel Pits have short and smooth coats that shed regularly. They may come in coat colors that Boerboels and Pitbulls have, with the exception of merle.
For your reference, Pitbulls’ coats have a wide range of colors, including brindle, brown, cream, red, reddish-brown, champagne, and fawn. Meanwhile, Boerboels only come in brindle, fawn, and brown.
Your Boerboel Pitbull mix may inherit any of these colors, but it has a greater chance of developing a coat color that both of its parents have.
Boerboel Pitbull Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Boerboel Pits Get?
A fully developed Boerboel Pitbull mix may grow from 19 to 26 inches tall and weigh around 80 to 90 pounds. Remember that in most cases, male Boerboel Pitbull mixes are larger than their female counterparts.
Typically, a Boerboel Pitbull mix is bigger than a Pitbull but smaller than a Boerboel.
To give a clearer picture, the Boerboel Pit mix is the same size as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Keep in mind that Boerboel Pitbull mixes tend to take a bit of time to reach their full maturity. On average, these mixed breeds will take about 18 to 24 months to reach adulthood.
If you’re interested to see how much a Boerboel Pit can grow in a year, check this video out:
1 year update MY BOY BRINX THE AMERICAN STAFF X BOERBOEL MIX #80POUNDS N GROWING💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾<a href="https://youtu.be/fuJ2BN2LYIE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FfuJ2BN2LYIE%2F0.jpg" alt="1 year update MY BOY BRINX THE AMERICAN STAFF X BOERBOEL MIX #80POUNDS N GROWING💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Boerboel Pitbull Mix Temperament: Are Boerboel Pits Good Family Dogs?
Photo by @shadow_the_pit_ (IG)
Since the Boerboel Pitbull mix is a mixed breed, its temperament can be unpredictable. Most of the time, its personality depends on who it takes after. And it can be hard to tell since the parent breeds don’t have a lot in common.
Generally, a Boerboel Pitbull mix is a social and affectionate dog. These dogs love getting attention from people and engaging in human interaction. In the house, it is most likely snuggled up with its family on the couch.
However, keep in mind that its parents have a history of aggression, so a Boerboel Pit may have a tendency to be more alert around strangers. Don’t worry, though, as this may be corrected through proper socialization.
The Boerboel Pitbull mix can get along with other pets, especially if they grow up together. However, due to its high prey drive, it can get aggressive with other canines, especially of the same sex.
Thanks to its Boerboel side, it is an effective guard dog. You can rely on these pooches in times of danger as they are highly protective of their family. It is a Boerboel Pitbull mix’s instinct to protect its loved ones from harm.
Your Boerboel Pit can be a good companion to kids. Its parent, Pitbulls, are referred to as “nanny dogs,” while Boerboels are known to be affectionate towards kids.
But keep in mind that the Boerboel Pit mix is a large dog that can knock over a kid by accident or when things get out of control. With that said, make sure also to teach kids how to safely interact with animals to avoid accidents.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pitbull: Which Is Better?
Boerboel Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Boerboel Pits Healthy Dogs?
Fortunately, Boerboel Pits are healthy dogs. If you manage to raise them properly, they can live up to 10 to 14 years. But like any dog, they are still prone to health issues.
The conditions they might develop growing up are inherited from the parent breeds, but their environment can also be a big factor.
Here are some common health issues the Boerboel Pitbull mix may encounter:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common disease big dogs like Boerboel Pit mix suffer from. It is caused by a change in the shape of the hip that happens as a dog grows. This disease is not fatal but causes extreme pain and discomfort in your dogs.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is the most prevalent cause of forelimb lameness in large breed dogs, like the Boerboel Pit. It is a disorder that involves several developmental defects of the elbow joint, resulting in painful forelimb movement.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a disease that targets a dog’s retina’s photoreceptor cells that causes blindness. It is a common ailment that affects mixed-breed dogs, and defective genes usually cause it.
Heart Disease: Heart disease is another ailment from which the Boerboel Pit might suffer. Aging, obesity, breed, and nutrition are the most common causes of heart diseases.
Listed above are only some of the health issues your Boerboel Pit mix may deal with. This is by no means a complete list. There are still more health problems they could face as they grow up.
Additionally, the breed of your dog’s Pitbull parent may also affect its life expectancy. Read our Pitbull lifespan guide to learn more.
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Boerboel Mix
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The Boerboel Pitbull mix has specific needs that its owner has to know. Below is a discussion on how to feed, groom, train, and exercise your Boerboel Pit. Read along to find out more.
Food and Diet
Feeding a Boerboel Pit shouldn’t be a challenge for dog owners.
The key to a healthy diet for this hybrid dog is including lots of protein in its daily nutrition. Because Boerboel Pits are big, high-energy dogs, they need something to fuel their bodies.
If you’re mainly feeding your Boerboel Pit kibbles, make sure you choose high-protein ones. Cheaper dog foods tend to have low-quality proteins, which can do more harm than good for your Boerboel Pitbull mix.
Because they engage in intense physical activities every day, it follows that Boerboel Pits need large servings of food every meal. To be specific, Boerboel Pits need about three to 10 cups of food daily.
This varies based on your dog’s size, energy level, activity level, and health. We highly recommend that you consult with a professional to avoid under-or overfeeding your Boerboel Pit.
Cleaning and Grooming
Just like its parents, the Boerboel Pit mix has simple grooming regimes. It is because of the breed’s short and straight coats. Also, the Boerboel Pit mix is a low to medium shedder but may shed a bit more during spring and fall.
Your Boerboel Pit mix would need at least once a week of brushing to distribute natural oils, remove excess dirt, and stimulate blood circulation in the skin.
Brushing regularly guarantees that the old and dry hair is removed, and new, shiny and healthy-looking hair grows in its place. Picking the right brush for your dog’s coat is also important!
This hybrid only needs a bath once every two to three months. Remember that excessive bathing of dogs will strip off natural oils in their skin.
Training and Exercise
Training a Boerboel Pit mix can be challenging due to its stubbornness and drive to assert dominance. It will need a trainer who is assertive and has extensive experience with training large dogs.
No matter how difficult training could get, it is never advisable to go harsh on these pooches. They respond well with positive reinforcement, so stick to that.
If you have established dominance during training, the Boerboel Pit mix can be highly trainable as they are smart dogs.
As per exercise, a Boerboel Pit requires at least an hour of daily exercise. It both needs physical and mental stimulation to keep them healthy. You can go on walks, give toys that challenge the mind, or have active play sessions.
How Much Does a Boerboel Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
Before thinking of getting a Boerboel Pit, make sure you’re capable of spending about $800 to $2,000 per puppy. This price could be due to the Boerboel parent’s rarity, but other factors can also affect its market value.
Additionally, you should be able to set aside a portion of your budget to accommodate the needs of a Boerboel Pitbull mix. To start, you need to get this pup some initial supplies and tools.
Here is a breakdown of the initial costs of raising a Boerboel Pitbull:
To sustain your dog, you need to replenish your Boerboel Pit’s supplies monthly and regularly maintain its health. This should cost you anywhere between $147 and $404 per month.
Feel free to go through our guide on the costs of owning and raising a Pitbull. This will give you a detailed idea of how much you need to raise a Pitbull mix like the Boerboel Pit.
Places to Find Boerboel Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Photo by @shadow_the_pit_ (IG)
As we mentioned in this guide, Boerboel Pits are relatively new, so expect that finding places to buy or adopt one is a challenging experience. Pitbulls and their mixes are quite common in rescues, but Boerboel Pits are not.
To help ease your search, we’ve rounded up some online services and rescues where you can find Boerboel Pit puppies.
Here are some of the places where you can find Boerboel Pitbull mix puppies for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – The pups available at Lancaster Puppies come from a variety of breed combinations in addition to purebreds. There are a number of Pitbull mixes on their website, so you may be able to find a Boerboel Pit puppy for sale.
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is a website where people who breed puppies can post ads. Keystone Puppies reviews and accredits each ad and breeder, so you’ll only find the best ones. Check their Pitbull mix listings for a Boerboel Pit.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a website that lists a variety of designer breeds, including Boerboel mixes. During registration, untrusty breeders are screened and flagged for improper practices, so you can rest assured that they only advertise reputable breeders. Check the page to see if they have Boerboel Pits.
You can also consider adopting a Boerboel Pit instead of buying one. This helps you save money that you can use for buying food and supplies for your Boerboel Pit instead. Plus, by adoption, you’re saving a life!
With that said, here are some places where you can find Boerboel Pitbull mix puppies for sale:
Giant Paws Boerboel Rescue (GPBR) – GPBR is a rescue that works to save and find new homes for Boerboels to South African Mastiffs. They give our rescues a place to stay, food, and vet care until they find their forever homes. Check out their dogs available for adoption for a chance to score a Boerboel Pit.
Born Again Pit Bull Rescue (BAPBR) – BAPBR is the oldest registered nonprofit in the Portland Metro area that works to find Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes better places to live. This rescue raises awareness and educates the public about Pitbull-type dogs. Inquire to see their available dogs at the moment.
Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions – Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions is the largest organization in the world that helps big dogs find new homes. Located in Los Angeles, this rescue has a wide range of big dog breeds, including Boerboels and Boerboel mixes. Give them a call now to see if they have a Boerboel Pit available.
If these breeders or rescues don’t work for you, don’t lose hope. You can always join communities on Facebook or Reddit, where you can connect with Boerboel Pit owners. They can teach you a thing or two about looking for pups!
You can also check out our guide on the best rescues and breeders for Pitbulls. From there, you may find a breeder or rescue that can link you up with Boerboel Pit kennels.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Boerboel Mix
The Boerboel Pit is a wonderful companion dog, but owning one has its downsides, too. No dog is perfect, after all. Here, we will weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of owning this hybrid.
To start, here are some advantages of owning a Boerboel Pitbull mix:
Excellent guard and watchdogs: Thanks to its Boerboel genes, a Boerboel Pit is a highly reliable companion. They are naturally alert to any potential threats and will do whatever it takes to protect their owners from danger.
Intelligent: The Boerboel Pit is a highly intelligent dog that responds well to commands and tricks. If you know how to assert leadership, training will be easy with this dog.
Hardworking: Its parent breeds are known for being working dogs, so expect your Boerboel Pit to be very hardworking. These canines thrive in helping their owners with tasks, making them reliable companions. Give them tasks from time to time to stimulate their minds.
On the other hand, this hybrid possesses some negative aspects, too. The disadvantages of raising a Boerboel Pit mix are as follows:
Not recognized by the AKC: As a mixed breed, the Boerboel Pitbull mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Thus, it is hard for owners to predict their Boerboel Pit’s temperament, growth, etc., as there is no breed standard. Finding reputable breeders can also be difficult due to this.
High prey drive: The Boerboel Pit mix has a high prey drive, making it hard for them to get along with other animals. They tend to chase small animals and get aggressive towards large movements and noises. Make sure to socialize and train your dog at an early age to minimize this.
Stubborn: The Boerboel Pit can be stubborn due to its parent breed. Thus, extra patience is much needed in raising one. They may love serving and pleasing their owners, but their stubborn side may still appear.
Now that you have seen both sides of the Boerboel Pit mix, it is easier to decide. But remember that this is just a mere guide, and your decision still relies on your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @luna_pitbullboerboel (IG)
Are Boerboel Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
Yes, Boerboel Pits have aggressive tendencies due to their parents’ origins as fighting and guard dogs. The key to minimizing this behavior in your Boerboel Pit is through early socialization and proper training.
If you’re a beginner dog owner, we strongly advise that you pair your Boerboel Pit with a professional trainer. This ensures that your pup will get the right training and treatment and will guarantee favorable results.
Do Boerboel Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
Boerboel Pitbull mixes shed throughout the year and especially in springtime. But thankfully, they are low-maintenance dogs that require minimal grooming and caring. Brushing their coats a few times a week should do.
Are Boerboel Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Boerboel Pitbull mixes are not hypoallergenic. However, because they don’t shed much, they are fairly suitable for people with mild allergies. If you have allergies, it’s best to consult a professional before getting a Boerboel Pit.
Final Thoughts: Is a Boerboel Pit Mix the Right Dog for You?
Boerboel Pits are definitely not for everyone. But even though they have certain needs different from most home pets, they are just as lovable, sweet, and intelligent as other dogs.
Do you think you can keep up with a Boerboel Pitbull mix? If so, then they should be the perfect home companion for you! These dogs will love and protect you and be your buddy in all your exciting adventures!
What are your thoughts on this mixed breed? Let’s chat about the Boerboel Pitbull mix in the comments below!
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