What is the Cost of Buying and Owning a South African Boerboel?
Prices of South African Boerboel; The South African Boerboel is known to be one of the most expensive dog breeds worldwide due to its exceptional guardian abilities that have been developed over centuries.
The price of a high-quality purebred Boerboel puppy starts at around R15,000 in South Africa but can go beyond R50,000 for champion lineages specifically bred for their large muscular frames and stable mastiff temperaments. However, the initial purchase is just the beginning of a long-term investment since owning a Boerboel usually spans over a decade.
Families considering a Boerboel should take into account various costs such as registration paperwork, veterinary care, training, housing, nutrition, and general upkeep. Understanding these expected expenses beforehand helps in budgeting appropriately for this esteemed canine companion, which can live for 10+ years. Discover what makes this iconic breed quite pricey below!
Lofty Purchase Price for a Boerboel Puppy
A Boerboel’s hefty purchase tag starts with their preeminent breeding. These dogs trace back to mid 1600s South African guardians created from a precise mix of English Bullmastiffs and Bullenbijters defending remote farms from large wildlife like baboons, lions, and leopards when no other protection existed.
Their formidable size, intelligence and work ethic evolved through strict selective breeding into the ultimate guardian now known as the South African Boerboel – “farmer’s dog” in Afrikaans. Demand for their family and property protection skills continues driving high breeding costs.
Reputable registered Boerboel breeders invest substantially in health testing, nutrition and socialization to uphold the breed standard. Larger offspring and champion pedigrees fetch higher premiums. Rare brown or brindle coats also escalate pricing over traditional tawny tones.
Beyond supply expenses, Boerboel owners pay for innate mastiff qualities like size, strength, territorial instincts and exercise needs. Their loyalty and trainability balances those athletic requirements nicely as an obedient guard dog though.
Expect to budget R15,000 to R30,000+ for a quality Boerboel puppy in South Africa, compared to R3,000 for a local mixed breed mutt. Imports from elite European bloodlines break R50,000+ easily.
Ongoing Boerboel Ownership Cost Considerations
After covering the original Boerboel purchase, be prepared for ongoing ownership investments as one of the most expensive breeds worldwide regarding their care, training and environmental needs.
Registration & Microchipping – R2,500+
As a purebred, Boerboels must register with the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) to compete in shows and prove breeding pedigree. Microchips also permanently identify dogs.
Health Clearances – R15,000+
Veterinary consultations, procedures and medication manage health issues like hip dysplasia, eyelid inversion, digestive sensitivity and anesthetic risks requiring special care. Spay/neuter, vaccinations and wellness visits add routine costs as well.
Training – R5,000+
Reinforcing obedience, socialization and INTENSE leash manners from an early age minimizes behavior issues. But professional trainers offer the best chance molding a docile mastiff. Expect to invest in specialty courses continually.
Diet – R500+ Monthly
To maintain muscle mass and energy topping 150 lbs, Boerboels need premium meat proteins like sheep, ostrich or game along with custom vitamin packs. Treats and chews deter boredom too. Feeding a Boerboel stays expensive.
Housing – R15,000+ Annually
Strong fencing, secure gates, climate control and reinforced shelters keep Boerboels safely confined. Hardscape damages from chewing or digging must repair quickly as well. Latitude Brands offers local premier outdoor Boerboel kennels.
Insurance – R800+ Monthly
Pet insurance offsets unpredictable vet expenses from illness or injury. More coverage amounts provide better breed-specific health assurances. Expect restrictions on hip dysplasia though as a common concern.
Enrichment – R500+ Monthly
Mentally and physically exercising your Boerboel avoids harmful boredom. Puzzle toys, agility equipment, flirt poles, obedience courses, and acreage access maintains their work ethic happily.
You must commit fully to engaging a bright, energetic guard dog within family life through constant training, play, supervision and securitization to manage their size and power responsibly.
How Much Does a Boerboel Cost Annually?
The combination of the initial purchase investment, medical clearances, nutrition, housing equipment and proper mastiff care quickly exceeds over R100,000+ through just the first year of Boerboel ownership.
Over an average 10 year lifespan, expect to invest around R150,000 conservatively. Champion lineages requiring extensive health testing, raw food diets and advanced training contact elite handlers charging over R250,000 annually for a single Boerboel.
So in essence, buying a Boerboel resembles financing a luxury vehicle more than simply adopting a pet. Their pedigree, capabilities and 20 year heritage rightfully dictate higher associated life costs though.
Is Owning a Boerboel Worth the Investment?
For families seeking a highly protective dog that enhances safety at home and in public, the Boerboel delivers with its instinctual guarding abilities and attentive companionship. Their training adaptability, affectionate loyalty, and impressive athleticism offset the breed’s substantial financial and time commitments.
Whether you’re investing in a Boerboel to secure your farm, business, or simply looking for a calm yet powerful companion, this iconic South African breed stands alone as the ultimate guardian. It has gained recognition globally.
For households willing and able to finance their top-quality pedigree, prioritize early socialization, comprehensive training, healthcare, and premium nutrition, the returns will be evident through generations of personable and intuitive protectors.
Although the cost of owning a Boerboel surpasses that of an average dog, the breed rewards such investments by providing an unparalleled and versatile canine experience, securing South African communities for many centuries to come.