Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix

The Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Australian Kelpie and the Boerboel. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Australian Kelpie - sometimes known as the Farmer Dog - is known for being friendly, energetic, and intelligent. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Australian Kelpie or the Boerboel? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix puppies for sale.

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Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Australian Kelpie History

As one might imagine, the origins of the Australian Kelpie begin in Australia. Australia had large sheep farms and black Collies were imported from Britain as herding dogs in the 19th century. Of course, they were crossbred with other breeds and more than likely wild Australian dingoes. The result of this breeding was a hardy, tough dog that was able to work practically nonstop in a tough climate. They were independent and intelligent dogs that ranchers really liked. valued them for their intelligence and ability to work independently.

This interbreeding created the modern Australian Kelpie we know today. As it became a more popular dog and was known for it’s working capability it was later exported to other countries. Some parts of the United States have similar climates to Australia and it adapted well as a working dog. They have expanded their role from ranch working dog to detection work, service dog work, therapy, and sports performance. They still make great ranch hands and companions.

Boerboel History

The Boerboel is a farm dog, native to South Africa, who does well guarding livestock and even cats. The word “boer” is Dutch/Afrikaans for “farmer.” She is also called the South African Mastiff or the South African Boerboel dog. She is a fierce protectors and is almost always aware of the presence of wild, predatory animals and prepared to defend her family. There have been a number of attacks associated with them, but attacks shouldn’t worry the average person. A well socialized dog is usually pretty good with all people. A Boerboel is a loving creature who, when properly socialized, comes to enjoy the family, its children, and even meeting new people. When properly socialized and trained she can have a nice temperament. Introducing her to strangers is a good way to socialize you Boerboel. Experts recommend that the entire family participate in the Boerboel’s training, so she comes to recognize that the children rate higher than the dog in the family hierarchy. It is not a real common breed, but there are breeders out there that will have south african purebred boerboel puppies for sale. However, we recommend that you look and find a boerboel rescue in your area. The rescue might even have black or brindle boerboel puppies, you never know. To my knowledge, there isn’t a miniature boerboel, there are just puppies. Boerboels are considered rare in the U.S. and parts of the world other than South Africa. Legend has it that after the conquest of Egypt, Assyrian dogs spread to the rest of Africa and to other parts of the world. Two new breeds resulted: the hound and the mastiff. The Boerboel -- hardy, athletic and muscular, with a protective instinct -- fell into the mastiff offshoot of the ancient African breed.

The Boerboel was developed to work. In 1938, the De Beers family brought several of the Bull Mastiff type dogs to South Africa to guard their diamond mines, a task they were more than suited for.

In the early 1980s in South Africa, a pair of researchers covered 5,500 kilometers in search of an example the “original” Boer dog. Of these, just 72 dogs were considered close to the ancient dog and were registered for breeding. The breed remains rare, but in 2015 she was accepted to compete in the AKC’s Working group. There are many different types and colors, the white, brindle, black, blue among others.

Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix Size and Weight

Australian Kelpie
Height: 15 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 25 - 46 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

Boerboel
Height: 23 - 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 90 - 180 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix Personality

The Australian Kelpie and the Boerboel are known for being courageous and protective. The Australian Kelpie is known for being eager, alert, and loyal. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Australian Kelpie mixed with the Boerboel might be prone to joint dysplasia, luxating patellas, cryptorchidism, and cerebellar abiotrophy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Australian Kelpie Boerboel Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Australian Kelpie Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in