Are you searching for a powerful and devoted companion that combines the best traits of the Boerboel and Rottweiler breeds? Look no further than the Boerboel Rottweiler mix!
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this fascinating hybrid breed, including their personality, exercise needs, health concerns, and training tips.
Whether you’re considering adopting a Boerboel Rottweiler mix or just curious, get ready to discover the ultimate furry friend. Let’s dive in!
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Parent Breeds
The Boerboel Rottweiler mix is a powerful hybrid breed that combines the Boerboel and the Rottweiler
The parent breeds of this mix are both physically imposing, with a reputation for being protective and loyal.
The Boerboel originated from South Africa and was bred to guard farms and homesteads. They are considered a giant breed, with males weighing up to 170 pounds.
On the other hand, the Rottweiler originated from Germany, where they were bred to herd livestock and protect their owners. They are also large dogs with strong protective instincts.
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Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Appearance and Features
The Boerboel Rottweiler mix is quite a physically impressive breed. Known for their muscular physique, strong jawline, and broad head, they really stand out in a crowd!
They have short, thick fur that is typically black or brown with some white markings.
Their tail is thick and long, and they weigh between 105 and 170 lbs and grow up to 24 inches tall.
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Temperament
This breed is often described as a gentle giant and is typically very affectionate with its family.
While they may be easygoing in the family home, they will be very protective around strangers or if they feel their owner is threatened.
Their protective instincts can lead them to become territorial and potentially aggressive, especially if they are not properly trained and socialized.
“This is further compounded by the breed’s high prey drive, where they love nothing more than to hunt and chase down moving objects.”
Owners of this breed, therefore, need to be careful, especially if there are young children or small animals around.
They could be viewed as prey, and accidents can happen due to their huge size and massive energy levels!
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Training Needs
Due to the sheer size of the Boerboel Rottie, they need training early to ensure they start developing some healthy behaviors.
As this breed is intelligent and stubborn, owners need to be firm and consistent with their commands.
Potty Training
The potty-training process may be a little more challenging with this breed because they can be territorial about their “bathroom area”.
It might take longer to get the hang of it if they have never been housebroken, but with patience and consistency, it will happen.
The easiest way to potty train a Boerboel Rottweiler mix is by taking them outside regularly, giving them plenty of praise when they do their business, and being consistent with commands.
Obedience Training
Obedience training should start as early as 8 weeks old for this breed.
As they will grow into strong and powerful dogs, they are likely to do a lot of damage if their behavior is out of control.
By providing structured training early, the Boerboel Rottie will learn what behaviors are acceptable and which ones aren’t. This can be reinforced through rewards and positive reinforcement by their owners.
“By putting the work in early with this breed, you will reap the rewards down the track as they continue to develop.”
There are many types of obedience training you should consider for this breed. We’ve outlined the main training methods below:
| Training | Description | Purpose | Tips |
| Basic Obedience | Teaches commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel | Establishes a foundation for more advanced training | Helps the dog develop good social skills and reduce fear or aggression toward new experiences |
| Leash training | Teaches the dog to walk calmly on a leash | Provides control and safety during walks | Use a sturdy leash and collar or harness, and start training in a low-distraction environment |
| Socialization training | Exposes the dog to a variety of people, animals, and environments | Advanced Obedience | Start socialization at a young age and gradually increase exposure to new experiences |
| Advanced obedience | Teaches more complex commands, such as off-leash recall and advanced agility training | Provides mental stimulation and builds a stronger bond between dog and owner | Build on basic obedience training and use positive reinforcement for desired behavior |
| Behavior modification training | Addresses problem behaviors such as separation anxiety, fear, or aggression | Improves the dog’s quality of life and helps prevent potential harm to people or other animals | Improves the dog’s quality of life and helps prevent potential harm to people or other animals |
Keeping in mind, that teaching your dog new behaviors can happen quickly and easily by utilizing some clever online training options.
The training listed below is what we highly recommend for quick and lasting results!
Socialization
Due to the size, temperament, and energy levels of this breed, socializing them from an early age becomes one of the most important things you can do for your dog.
They need this exposure to ensure they are well-behaved around people and other animals.
Puppy obedience classes are always a good start. And finding your nearest dog park for weekend visits should also be high on the list.
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Aggression Levels
This breed has a strong personality, which becomes even more evident when you consider they have a high prey drive and overly protective instincts.
It is therefore likely that you will encounter aggression at times, especially if your Boerboel Rottie hasn’t been socialized enough.
Typically, you should expect to see different types of aggression with this breed in certain settings, with the main types to expect as follows:
- Territorial aggression – this can occur when another animal enters their personal space or territory, typically in or around the family home.
- Predatory aggression – this occurs when the breed stalks another animal or person, which can start off as harmless yet become hostile. It’s not uncommon in these situations for the dog to lunge and bite at its prey.
- Resource Guarding – this can occur when another dog comes near the dog’s possessions, which are normally food or toys. They can react in fear of their possessions being taken away, which results in aggression.
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Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Exercise Needs
As this breed has high energy levels, they need a lot of exercise, at least one hour every day.
They require plenty of physical and mental stimulation and are not the best choice for people who don’t have a fenced yard, as they love to run free!
Some good exercise options could include:
Jogging and Running: If you’re looking for a fun way to bond with your Boerboel while getting some exercise, jogging or running is the perfect activity.
“Not only will it tire them out mentally and physically, but it’s also a great way to bond and enjoy the sights together.”
Frisbee: A great way to give your Boerboel Rottie the exercise they need is to play Frisbee with them. All you need is some open space to play and you can be assured that this breed will have your full attention!
Swimming: Swimming can be a great exercise option for this breed, as they have a strong, muscular body that helps propel them through the water with ease.
Their webbed feet enable them to move quickly through the water and their thick coat keeps them warm in colder temperatures.
Hiking: As they are strong and athletic, this breed has a natural affinity for walking long distances. They are also very intelligent, and will quickly learn the routes you take them on.
When hiking with Boerboel Rotties, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as they will want to keep up with you every step of the way!
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Mental Stimulation
Along with regular physical exercise, this breed also needs regular mental stimulation and brain exercise to remain healthy.
Some great methods to achieve this include:
Puzzles – You can give your dog puzzles to solve, which will keep their brain active throughout the day. These can include food puzzles and treat dispensing toys.
Treat Puzzles – These toys will dispense treats when your dog plays with them. They can be great for keeping your dog’s brain active.
Tennis Balls – Dogs love to play with tennis balls, especially the squeaky variety. It’s best to purchase balls that are durable, even though they might be a little more expensive.
I’ve found the cheaper variety will likely get punctured and completely damaged almost immediately!
Dog Agility Equipment – There are many different kits you can buy, which will allow your dog to do agility training on its own.
This is not only great from a physical standpoint but keeps their minds sharp as they navigate the different obstacles.
How to Groom a Boerboel Rottweiler Mix?
The Boerboel Rottie requires minimal grooming and is generally a low-maintenance dog.
We’ll discuss some of the basic grooming methods that can help keep this breed healthy and clean below:
Bathing
As this breed is very active and playful, they are likely to get dirty from time to time. Bathing is therefore required about once a month. If your dog is super active, this may increase to every 2 to 3 weeks.
Bathing this mix can be quite a challenge. While muscular and heavy, they can sometimes be difficult and won’t always cooperate.
Here are some tips to overcome this:
1. Choose a time when your dog is calm and relaxed. If they are tired from playing or exercising, they are generally more cooperative.
2. Get everything you need ready before you start. This includes shampoo, a towel, and a brush.
3. Get your dog into the tub. If they don’t like baths, try to do this when they are a puppy. This way they will be used to the process and less likely to protest.
4. Use a shampoo that is mild and specifically formulated for dogs.
5. Gently lather your dog. If they are particularly nervous, you may want to try using a spray bottle of water first to get them wet.
Brushing
When it comes to brushing your Boerboel Rottweiler mix, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First of all, you need to make sure that you brush them regularly. We’re talking at least once a week.
This will help to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
Secondly, you need to be gentle when brushing their coat. You don’t want to pull on their fur or cause them any discomfort. Use a soft brush and maybe a grooming glove as well.
Finally, you need to be patient when brushing this breed.
They may not be the most cooperative when it comes to grooming, but with a little perseverance, you’ll get the job done.
Ears
One of the most important things you can do for your Boerboel Rottweiler mix is to clean its ears.
Ear infections are common in dogs, and Boerboel Rotties are no exception. If you don’t keep their ears clean, they could develop an infection that could lead to serious health problems.
Fortunately, cleaning this breed’s ears is easy to do. All you need is some cotton balls, a mild dog ear cleaner, and some patience.
Teeth
As a responsible dog owner, you want to do everything you can to make sure your pup is healthy and happy. That includes taking care of their teeth!
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Start brushing your dog’s teeth when they’re a puppy. The earlier you start, the easier it will be.
2. There are many different types of toothpaste for dogs, including ones that are flavored like bacon or peanut butter.
3. Purchase a toothbrush made specifically for dogs.
4. Brush your dog’s teeth daily, starting with their top teeth and then moving to the bottom ones.
5. Try to do this outside so that you don’t get any of the toothpaste or water on your carpet.
Nail Trimming
Regular nail trimming is important to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. It’s recommended to trim their nails every 3-4 weeks or as needed.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Regular flea and tick prevention is important to protect your dog from harmful parasites. A variety of products, including topical treatments and collars, are available for this purpose.
Recommended Products and Tools
The following tools and products and recommended when grooming and maintaining a Boerboel Rottweiler mix:
- Rubber brush or grooming mitt for brushing
- Mild dog shampoo for bathing
- Nail Clippers or a grinder for nail trimming
- Dog toothbrush and toothpaste for teeth cleaning
- Ear cleaner recommended by a Vet for ear cleaning
- Flea and tick prevention products recommended by a Vet
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Health Conditions
The Boerboel Rottie has several health conditions that owners should be aware of, including the following:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: As they are a large powerful dog, they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition can be painful for dogs and expensive to treat as it requires surgery and in mild cases, prolonged medication.
It’s best to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder that can provide health clearances for both the parents of the puppy. Joint problems are often detected during these checks.
Feeding a Boerboel Rottie a healthy diet along with moderate exercise will also reduce the risk of joint problems when they get older.
Bloat: Bloat is another condition common with this breed, and is known to affect its Rottweiler parent. This is often a life-threatening situation where the stomach fills with gas and twists.
Dogs experiencing bloat go through severe pain and will require immediate surgery. It’s important that they avoid exercise immediately after they have eaten.
What Can a Boerboel Rottweiler Mix Eat?
One of the most important things to remember is that this breed requires a healthy diet to maintain its muscular athletic physique.
Boerboel Rotties should ideally eat twice a day and around 2 pounds of food across both meals.
These should consist mainly of quality proteins, healthy fats, and a range of healthy vegetables.
It is also important that you try to vary their diet and ensure they get a wide variety of nutrients and minerals. This will help reduce the risk of allergies, stomach issues, and other health problems.
Table Scraps
Table scraps should be kept to a minimum and should only supplement this breed’s diet. Certain table scraps can be dangerous and likely cause the Boerboel Rottie to become very sick.
Any scraps given should be of high quality, including cooked chicken, red meat or fish, eggs, cheese or yogurt.
A good rule of thumb is that table scraps should never be more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet.
Doggie treats
Dog treats are a great way to reward your dog for good behavior and during training exercises.
Be mindful that many of the dog treats sold in supermarkets are full of preservatives and other nasty fillers, which are generally unhealthy for your dog.
Always read the labels when buying dog treats. I’ve found that homemade dog treats are the safest and often healthier option.
There are many homemade dog treat recipes available that can be quite healthy without breaking the bank!
Is a Boerboel Rottweiler Mix Dog Friendly?
Yes, a Boerboel Rottweiler mix is typically friendly with other dogs as long as they have been socialized.
Due to their protective instincts and high prey drive, they may be difficult with certain dog breeds.
Smaller dogs that are vocal may have problems with the Boerboel Rottie. This is particularly the case if they’re seen as prey or become annoying or agitate their larger companion.
The other concern is that this breed may sometimes clash with other dogs of the same sex. Again, with proper socialization at an early age, they will likely be friendly with most dogs without too many issues.
Is a Boerboel Rottweiler Mix Child Friendly?
As this mixed breed is large, powerful, and physically intimidating, many people may wonder if this type of dog is child friendly.
The Boerboel Rottie mix can be a bit much for small children to handle. However, this is mainly due to their lack of training and socialization.
While they are fiercely loyal to their family and loved ones, their huge size and energy levels can sometimes cause accidents with young kids.
Close supervision of this breed should therefore occur, especially with children under 10 years of age.
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Drooling Levels
Drooling is a natural concern for many people considering adopting a large dog breed.
The Boerboel Rottweiler mix may not be as big of a drooler as you may think. This dog can actually be quite low maintenance when it comes to drooling, especially compared to a Labrador or Golden Retriever.
The only times you should expect some slobber from this breed is after a meal or snack or straight after a solid exercise session!
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Barking Levels
This breed is known as a moderate barker, so they may not be the perfect choice for all households.
It’s always best to research its barking habits first and talk to experienced owners to see if it’s the right fit for your home.
To manage this breed’s barking, you should first understand why they are barking in the first place.
“The typical reasons a Boerboel Rottie mix will bark are when it’s frightened or feeling threatened, or when it wants to alert its owners of a potential threat.”
By understanding the triggers of their barking, the focus should be to make them feel appreciated, safe, and secure.
This can be achieved by giving them lots of positive reinforcement for doing a great job guarding the home. They can also be redirected to something else if their barking becomes a problem and for no particular reason.
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Weather Tolerance
The Boerboel Rottweiler mix can be sensitive to extreme weather conditions, including hot and cold weather.
The parents of this breed are quite sensitive to extreme weather conditions. While the Rottweiler prefers cold weather, they typically struggle with the heat and can easily become sick if left unattended.
Whereas the Boerboel prefers the hot weather and is known to struggle with extremely cold weather.
Their thin coats give them less protection during the winters, whereas the Rottweiler’s coat tend to be thicker and provide more protection from the elements.
So, depending on which traits the Boerboel Rottie mix inherits from its parents, will determine its overall weather tolerance.
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Life Expectancy
This breed will typically live for 10 to 11 years. This lifespan is about the same as most other large breeds.
You should be prepared to make a lifetime commitment when adopting a Boerboel Rottweiler mix puppy. Also, remember that large-breed dogs are more likely to develop health issues later in life.
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix – Puppy Prices
Boerboel Rottweiler Mix puppies will typically cost around $1,500.
This amount will vary, of course, depending on the breeder’s credentials. Other factors affecting the price include location, lineage, and appearance.
You could also find Boerboel Rottweiler mix puppies for free or at a reduced cost from local shelters and animal rescues.
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