Boerboel (Low Risk Brachycephalic Breed)
We often get told that the Boerboel is not a Brachycephalic dog breed. And it’s true that many may not be. At the end of the day, a brachycephalic dog is a dog with a cephalic score over 80 (ratio of head length to width) and there are variations of shape within most Dog breeds.
The Boerboel is described in some breed descriptions as having a somewhat Brachycephalic head. And in all breed standards the size & shape of the head is a prominent feature.
Boerboels that conform to the original type from South Africa are more likely to be Mesocephalic (Middle-Headed) but as they have spread around the world and gained in Popularity they have been bred by different people for different purposes and there are considered to be 4 distinct types.
The Hound, Terrier, Bulldog & Mastiff types.
Our view is that some Boerboels should be considered Brachycephalic, but certainly not all and as their lineage is from a hot country and they are considered to be more heat resistant than the Bullmastiff which they are often compared to we do rate them as in the lowest risk group of Brachycephalic Breeds. But it must be pointed out that Boerboels, along with all Mastiff type dogs, also have other prominent health problems and a shorter life span due to their size. We therefore do still have to ensure that owners are aware that we consider them to be a breed at risk during transport and that there are additional terms & conditions they need to be aware of and accept.
