How much time do Boerboels need per day?

Budget roughly 1.5–2 hours per day for exercise, training, and interaction. On top of that, grooming adds around 1–2 hours per week spread across sessions.

Are Boerboels hard work?

Boerboels require consistent effort but are manageable for an engaged owner. The key is keeping to a routine — irregular exercise and sporadic training make things harder.

Is a Boerboel a good dog for busy people?

It depends. Boerboels can work for busy people who are disciplined about making time for exercise and training — but they're not a dog that looks after itself.

How much grooming does a Boerboel need?

Boerboels shed a moderate amount and benefit from brushing 2–3 times per week. Budget around 1–2 hours per week. Increase to daily during seasonal coat changes.

Are Boerboels High Maintenance?

Q: Are Boerboels high maintenance?

Boerboels are moderately high maintenance. They need regular exercise, consistent training, and routine grooming — but nothing that should overwhelm a reasonably active, committed owner.

About the Boerboel

South Africa's powerful farm guardian. The Boerboel is one of the most capable protection breeds in the world and demands an experienced, authoritative owner.

Size

Giant

Weight

65–90 kg

Energy

Moderate

Trainability

Moderate

Lifespan

9–11 yrs

Time commitment breakdown

Owning a Boerboel isn't just about daily walks. Here's what the weekly time commitment actually looks like:

Grooming: 1–2 hours per week — brushing, bathing, checking ears and nails.
Exercise: 7–10 hours per week — walks, off-lead time, active play.
Training: A few 10–15 minute sessions per week — Boerboels learn reliably with consistency but have an independent streak.
Mental stimulation: A few times a week — some mental engagement beyond walks keeps them content.

Grooming requirements

Boerboels shed a moderate amount — brushing 2–3 times per week keeps it under control outside of peak shedding seasons. During the spring and autumn coat blows, step this up to daily.

A slicker brush and a de-shedding tool cover all your needs. Budget around 1–2 hours per week on average.

Exercise requirements

Boerboels need moderate daily exercise — around 60–90 minutes spread across two or more walks. They're active without being relentless, and they're usually happy to wind down once they've had a decent outing.

Off-lead time helps significantly. A garden or nearby open space makes the exercise routine much easier to maintain.

Mental stimulation needs

Physical exercise alone isn't enough for most dogs. Boerboels also need mental engagement. Boerboels benefit from regular mental challenges — training sessions, puzzle feeders, and sniff walks all help keep them settled and content.

What "low maintenance" actually means day to day

A Boerboel's maintenance needs sit at a level that rewards routine. Owners who build exercise, grooming, and training into their weekly schedule find it entirely manageable. The problems come when these get skipped — a Boerboel that misses a week of brushing or a few days of proper exercise will show it.

Is this breed right for your lifestyle?

Should a first-time owner get a Boerboel?

Boerboels are manageable for motivated first-timers. They have a moderate stubborn streak, so training takes more patience than an easy breed — but it's absolutely achievable with consistency and positive reinforcement.

Want the full picture on Boerboels?

Read the complete Boerboel breed guide →

Are Boerboels high maintenance?