The answer to this question should be as easy as referencing the Boerboel breed standard. But in the case of Boerboels, there are many registries and breed standards, and too many differing interpretations of them all. Therefore, answering this question requires a more nuanced response with background and education.
We dual register our dogs in SABBS and AKC. In that context, let us limit our review to these registries and their standards.
NOTE: Reference to height in a breed standard always refers to the measurement at the dog’s whithers.
SABBS - Boerboel Breed Standard
The SABBS Boerboel Breed Standard states (metric units from the standard have been converted to inches for convenience):
3.1.2 - GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Boerboel is:
a) a large dog with a strong-boned structure;
b) perfectly balanced within the desired proportions for the breed. The main structural components of the dog should show acceptable proportions to each other. The body is approximately 10 – 15% longer than the height (at the withers) and is measured horizontally, from the prosternum (breastbone) to a vertical line at the rear of the rump;
c) a dog with prominent and well-developed musculature;
d) impressive and imposing in appearance, created by a combination of conformation, carriage, confidence and powerful, buoyant and unencumbered movement – notwithstanding its size.
e) Males are distinctly masculine, larger and more heavily built with stronger bone, while females are distinctly feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure. Sexual dimorphism must be clearly evident.
f) The ideal height of a male is 26” (66 cm) but not lower than 23 3/4” (60 cm).
g) The ideal height of a female is 24” (61 cm) but not lower than 21 3/4” (55 cm).
h) Height must always be in relation to mass (the ideal ratio for a full-grown dog is approximately 1:1 – 1:1.2 cm per kg), overall balance and conformation of major body components.
AKC - Boerboel Breed Standard
The AKC / ABC Boerboel Breed Standard states:
The preferred height for Dogs – 24 to 27 inches. Bitches – 22 to 25 inches.
understanding standards
The problem here begins with the disparities in the SABBS and AKC breed standards (assuming both matter to you). It also illustrates why we prefer the SABBS standard, which beyond being the cultural standard of the Boerboel, is more precise, descriptive, and prescriptive.
SABBS pinpoints ideal height, sets height-to-weight ratio, sets height-to-length ratio, emphasize the importance of balance and conformation, notes the differences between sexes, and even sets a threshold for disqualification below a certain height. Additionally, when applied to the Linear System by SABBS to evaluate dogs, these ideals are referenced, and the further the dog deviates from the ideals the less points they receive in the Linear System; dogs with a score of less than 75% in the Linear System are not allowed into the breeding registry.
AKC has no such mechanisms to enforce quality and the standard is much more open to interpretation and less inclined to disqualification. These problems are reinforced not only because of the lacking and open-ended nature of the AKC standard itself, but also because the Boerboel is rare in AKC, having only been introduced into the registry in the past five years. Few people fully understand how to interpret or judge a Boerboel by the AKC standard for all of these reasons.
sexual dimorphism
It is also worth noting the difference in male and female size and height. Unlike other breeds, like Golden Retrievers, where males and females are almost physically identical, Boerboels are a sexually dimorphic. Female Boerboels are notably smaller and more feminine than males.
interpreting vs. misinterpreting
This question is one of our mostly frequently asked. Clearly, there is confusion on the part of consumers, because in the market you will find great variation and disparity stemming from deviations from the breed standard, ranging a wide spectrum.
On one end, there are people who want to create leaner, more agile Boerboels for reasons such as protection and bite work, trying to build a Boerboel like a Belgian Malinois. There are even those attempting to miniaturize the Boerboel.
More often, though, the deviation is a bigger-is-better philosophy, which presents problems in other ways. We often see Boerboels that are 29” or taller in height and 200-plus pounds in weight. When Boerboels get that big, the “overall balance and conformation of major body components” referenced in the SABBS breed standard starts to fall apart. The structure of the dog begins to suffer, which in turn impacts essential qualities of the dog, like movement. Boerboels are not supposed to be so tall; it is their low center of gravity which allows them to remain so athletic and agile despite their large size. Moreover, imagine how long a 29” tall dog must be, if length is 10% to 15% greater than height. The laws of physics apply, and a dog so big will never be able to agilely move, defeating one of the main functions of this working breed. One must also question such exaggerated statistics on other points; it must also beg the question whether the 200-pound dogs are lean and well muscled, or if it is a result of bad diet and/or overfeeding.
real-life examples
To go back to the SABBS standard’s height-to-weight ratio, a dog with an ideal height of 26” dog should have a weight range from 145 to 174 pounds. Our stud Max is a great example of these measurements with balance. At 26.5” in height and at 165 pounds, he is not a tall or extraordinarily heavy dog by any means. But his balance, thick bone, and heavy muscling could not be more impressive or imposing. More importantly, despite his size, he can move. He has a feline grace and can run and jump unlike any other large breed we have ever known.
large dogs, not giant dogs
People often mistakenly think that Boerboels are giant dogs, like Great Danes. The really are not. They are a very large dog, whose muscling, thick bone, and overall balanced proportions create a collectively impressive and inspiring effect. Think of a good Boerboel like a good muscle car; it looks great and balanced from any angle, but it should never be overblown. The exaggeration diminishes or negates the desired function and effect.
breed standard as north star
When shopping for a Boerboel, look for one bred to conform to the SABBS breed standard. Beware of Boerboels developed based on the personal preferences or desires of the breeder, for example creating the biggest dogs imaginable. From our perspective, the SABBS standard is the north star for this breed. This standard is available to anyone on the Internet. As a consumer, study and familiarize yourself with the standard. Look at the parents of the litter from which you are considering purchasing a puppy. How do the dogs match the standard?