Boerboel Weight Chart – Size & Growth Chart
You should consider using a Boerboel weight chart if you own a Boerboel or thinking of adopting one. Boerboels are large and sometimes intimidating dogs that make excellent protectors.
Even though they are great guard dogs, they are also family-friendly, and loving. They especially love human children and got along quite well with them.
Boerboels originate from South Africa, and they were bred to assist farmers by fending off large animals like lions, hyenas, and other wildlife on the homestead.
The name Boerboel originates from the Dutch/Afrikaans language that roughly translates to “farmer’s dog.”
Boerboels are easy to groom with few health problems. But behavioral training is needed, and you could have a loyal companion.
When Is A Boerboel Fully Grown?
Boerboels start their life as cute tiny puppies with litters of about 7 to 10. Even though they start off small, they grow rapidly within a few months. This makes a lot of sense as they have a lot of ground to cover being a large breed dog.
They reach their full height at around 18 – 24 months but would still grow in mass for around two years after.
It is better to keep Boerboels lean because they may suffer from joint problems if their joints are not fully developed, and they are overweight. Pay special attention to the food that you gave them.
Boerboel Weight Chart
You can use this way chart to monitor your Boerboel dog by looking at the figures and comparing them with your actual dog. The figures listed are simply an average based on the study of Boerboel dogs.
You need to understand that there are a variety of factors that can affect how big and healthy your dog will be.
These factors include but are not limited to genetics, health, and nutrition level, and exercise level. You are free to use our Boerboel weight chart as a guide to measuring your dog’s development.
You will find the age of your dog and the corresponding average weight range that he should be. So to use this chart you need to have an accurate account of your dog’s age.
The corresponding figures will be what his ideal healthy weight should be.
There is no need to be overly concerned if your dog’s weight is slightly off. This may be due to a number of reasons.
You should simply pay a visit to your veterinarian so that you can be provided with the requisite information and take action accordingly.
Boerboel Puppy Weight Chart
Age | Male Weight | Female Weight |
---|---|---|
1 Month | 15 lbs | 13 lbs |
2 Months | 29 lbs | 24 lbs |
2.5 Months | 36 lbs | 32 lbs |
3 Months | 45 lbs | 39 lbs |
4 Months | 60 lbs | 50 lbs |
5 Months | 80 lbs | 65 lbs |
6 months | 100 lbs | 80 lbs |
7 months | 125 lbs | 90 lbs |
8 months | 140 lbs | 100 lbs |
9 months | 155 lbs | 110 lbs |
10 months | 165 lbs | 112 lbs |
11 months | 170 lbs | 115 lbs |
12 months | 175 lbs | 120 lbs |
13 months | 180 lbs | 122 lbs |
14 months | 185 lbs | 125 lbs |
Boerboel Growth Chart – What To Expect
Birth – 2 Weeks
At this sensitive time, you can expect that your Boerboel puppy will mostly be dependent on his mother for warmth and nourishment.
He will be very tiny, but you will not stay that way as rapid growth will be taking place. The milk of his mother is especially important. This growth spurt is probably the most significant of their life. They will also learn a lot.
3 Weeks – 12 Weeks
Your Boerboel puppy will go through the sometimes difficult transition to solid foods. You need to ensure that you are making it as easy as possible for your growing puppy.
As they continue to grow, nourishment is important and so this process of feeding them solid food for the first time will actually affect their development.
Make sure the food is nutritious but more importantly and sure that it is of the right texture.
Their tiny and tender mouths will not be able to handle hard kibble just yet. The food needs to be softened and should have the consistency of a thick soup.
4 Months – 9 Months
Expect that your Boerboel puppy will be becoming quite large at this point although female pups are slightly smaller.
At this stage, your Boerboel will be accustomed to solid food so ensure that he has a diet of high protein healthy fats, and fiber. This will go a long way in making sure that he is properly nourished.
10 Months – 18 Months
Many Boerboels will attain their full height at the end of this period. However, his growth is not complete as he will gain muscle and develop in other ways.
His personality will also be more developed if he is properly socialized. Remember that this is a large breed dog, and he would have a lot more growing to do.
Adult
When your Boerboel reaches adulthood he will be around 24 months, and he would have lost that juvenile look.
He also needs to be properly fed as nutrition is important throughout your dog’s entire life. Ensure that he does not become overweight by overfeeding him and engage him in vigorous exercise.
How Big Will My Boerboel Get?
Boerboels are small as puppies, but they have different growth rates and many owners would endeavor to find out how big they will get because they want to make proper accommodations for them.
This is determined by a number of factors so if you don’t want to use a Boerboel growth chart, there are a number of methods available to you.
You can use a DNA test to find out if your Boerboels is a pure breed dog. By doing this you can ascertain your dog’s heritage and factor that into your prediction about how big he will get.
Additionally, you can look at your dog’s paws. It is common for dogs to have larger paws when they are developing.
So if your puppy has a larger paw than the rest of his body then you know that he has more growing to complete.
Also, many people look at a puppy’s parents to predict their final size. Simply have a discussion with your breeder to find out the size of his parents. Breeders usually have this information.
The size of your Boerboel dog is typically an average of both parents. However, keep in mind that females are slightly smaller.
Will Neutering/Spaying My Boerboel Affect His Growth?
If you have your Boerboel dog spayed or neutered too early it could affect their growth negatively.
But for large breed dogs like the Boerboel, it can actually affect their joints because this could actually delay growth plate closure which would make the dogs grow taller than they usually would have. This is setting them up for joints problems.
To be on the safe side you should wait till at least 12 months before you decide to spay or neuter your Boerboel dog.
This is because in males the testosterone hormone is associated with the growth process and if this process is interrupted then so would growth.
Spaying and neutering have their place because in some instances it may actually save a dog’s life and there are the added benefits of preventing unwanted pregnancies which can take a toll on both the dog and the owner.
On the other hand, neutering and spaying surgery comes at a risk to your dog. You also need to consider the recovery process and keep your dog safe.
Boerboel Height Chart
A wise Boerboel owner would monitor their dog’s progress by ensuring that he reaches critical milestones within his development.
One way to do this is by weighing and measuring your dog. To measure your Boerboel dog you should understand that his height is taken from the floor to the withers which are the highest points of his shoulders.
Simply make your Boerboel dog stand up straight and then measure from the ground to the withers with a measuring tape.
On average males are about 25 to 28 and females are slightly smaller with about 23 to 25.5 inches in height.
Boerboel vs Bullmastiff Size
When it comes to the size difference between a Boerboel dog and a bull mastiff dog there are a few slight differences.
The male Boerboel is typically going to grow up to be between 24 and 27 inches tall and weigh approximately 140 to 180 lb. The female Boerboel is slightly smaller and stands at 22 to 25 and weighs 110 to 115 lb.
On the other hand, a male bullmastiff typically stands at 25 to 27 at adulthood with females who are 24 to 26 inches tall.
However, they weigh a bit less than Boerboels because the males have a usual length of 110 to 130 lb with females weighing between 100 and 120 lb.
How Big Will My Boerboel Puppy Get
Boerboel puppies start off small and grow into large dogs. Owners must take their development seriously. Their initial months are characteristic of rapid growth and changes.
At 4 months old, a Boerboel puppy may weigh around 50 to 65 lb which is more than some dogs weigh in adulthood.
To predict how big your Boerboel puppy will be, you should implement a few methods such as a DNA test, looking at his parents, looking at his paws, and looking at growth charts.
You may also use a combination of all of these methods for a more accurate prediction.
Factors That Affect Boerboel Growth
Genetics & Gender
Genetics and gender affect growth because they can actually affect your dog’s physical body and development as they grow.
Females are slightly smaller than their male counterparts, so this is one way that growth is affected. And the two sexes would have different hormones that affect growth.
Your dog’s biological parents are important in figuring out his genetics. Because many traits are hereditary and are adopted by the offspring. Discuss with your breeder about the parents of your dog.
Nutrition
When it comes to a Boerboel diet you need to consider that this is a large to giant breed, so they need an abundance of protein-rich foods.
This is especially important during their development because they will be gaining muscle mass, so protein is important.
They also need healthy fats and fiber for good digestion. Consider their nutritional requirements as they grow and develop.
Physical Activity & Health
Remember about Boerboel dogs are strong and athletic, so they need a lot of exercise especially after they have reached adulthood.
But do you shouldn’t start then. The puppies are naturally playful as they run around and develop strong bones and muscles.
Ensure that they get the proper amount of exercise every day and make sure that you start slow. Keep in mind that they may have joint problems so look out for any difficulty during play and exercise.
What If My Boerboel Is Not The Right Weight
As stated before your dog’s weight may be determined by a variety of factors, so you need to look at your dog’s habits to determine why he is not the right weight.
But before you even consider him to be the wrong weight you must monitor him properly.
You can monitor your dog through a BCS – body condition score, which is just the pet version of a BMI.
Boerboels are typically lean but if you can see their ribs then you know that they are underweight.
However, if you run your hands along the ribs and cannot feel them through the fat then, they are likely to be overweight.
By feeding your dog a proper diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein you would be on your way to proper nutrition.
Exercise is also important to facilitate your dog’s being at the right weight because his muscles will not be built if he is not allowed to use them.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Boerboel?
To own a Boerboel puppy you would most likely have to spend approximately $1,200-$2,500 and about $2,000 on average.
The first-year expenses come up to about $5,295 and is usually around $2,180/year and $182/month thereafter. During the lifetime of your dog, your Boerboel will cost $24,915.
This would cover the cost of training, supplies, food, license registration, grooming costs, medical expenses, treats, and microchips. Also, if you have to travel then you would have to pay to board your dog.
Boerboel Genetics And Common Health Problems
The Boerboel dog breed is typically healthy, but they do suffer from a few key diseases like heart disease, elbow, and hip dysplasia, and two disorders affecting their eyelids: entropion and ectropion.
You should make sure that you check his ears regularly and brush his teeth often.
According to the American Kennel Club they also suffer from vaginal hyperplasia, and bloat. These conditions can be mitigated by proper health and nutrition. If you are unsure about anything you should definitely visit your veterinarian.
Final Words
Money Boerboel dog owners love spending time with their precious pooch. These dogs cherish these times as well. He is highly intelligent and beautifully loyal. If you make them a part of your family they will thrive.
They live for their human love and appreciation. Being a large dog, they have the potential to cause major destruction of your property.
So you need to invest in the best training and instill good habits so that you and your Boerboel dog can be happy.