Boerboel Grooming

Boerboel dogs have short, thick coats that don't require a lot of maintenance. The coats shed a fair amount, so consistent brushing will be necessary to help collect dead hairs--but otherwise, overall Boerboel grooming isn't very time-consuming.

Brush your Boerboel once or twice per week with a bristle brush or grooming glove. To brush: first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle, then go through the coat section by section with the brush, moving in the direction of hair growth.

Boerboel baths are needed every 2-3 months--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is called for. When bathing a Boerboel, be sure to use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans has a different pH and will irritate the dog's skin.

And Boerboel coats are simply too short to sport any hairstyles other than their natural ones--so no haircuts are required.

Though it's easy for owners to learn to perform all aspects of Boerboel grooming themselves, it's a good idea to take the dog to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Boerboel at home.

In addition to its coat, a Boerboel will need regular maintenance in these areas:

• Teeth: Just like a human's, Boerboel teeth need regular brushing to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar, and to minimize that Boerboel bad breath! Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week using a regular toothbrush--but be sure to use canine toothpaste (available at pet stores or online), as the kind made for humans can make dogs sick if they swallow it.
• Ears: If Boerboel ears aren't cleaned periodically, they'll collect dirt, grass, and other debris, and even get infected--which could lead to hearing loss. Clean the dog's ears monthly with canine ear cleaning solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and always use cotton balls (never Q-Tips!) to wipe out any excess solution.
• Nails: If your Boerboel's nails click on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim. Use standard clippers to cut the nails as close to the toes as possible--but be careful not to cut them too short! Doing so can cut into the nail's quick (the blood vessel running through it), making the nail bleed and be painful.
• Paw Pads: These dogs' paw pads can get dry, cracked, and tender--in part because they bear the brunt of a Boerboel's massive weight. The issue is worse if the dog walks or runs on hot asphalt or snow and ice. Apply canine paw pad moisturizer (again, available at pet stores or online) to the pads weekly to keep them soft, moist, and healthy.