Certain dog breeds are known to not be comfortable living together. When you have dogs of this breed, your house is either going to be a war zone or an inhabitable place for one of the dogs who might be the weaker one.
This is the same thing that can be said about the relationship between a German shepherd and a Boerboel. So, in this article, we are going to be looking at the question of whether a Boerboel and a German shepherd live together.
Boerboels are a large mastiff-type dog breed that originated in South Africa. They were developed from various mastiff-type dogs brought by Dutch, German, and British settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were bred to be large, powerful guard dogs capable of protecting farms and families.
While it seems that the boy boys share similarities with German shepherds, the former’s instincts for territorial dominance are often greater. Hence, without the right measures in place, a German shepherd will not be able to stay in the same vicinity as the Boerboel.
Can a Boerboel and a German Shepherd live together?
It is hard to give a straightforward answer to this question. Both dogs have strong territorial instincts which means that when they are in a place they want to exert their dominance. When you have two dogs that want to be on top, it can be hard for them to live together and that is what a German Shepherd and a Boerboel are. However, if you are prepared to put in the right training and socialization techniques, you are going to be able to get your German shepherd to live with a Boerboel.
Why a Boerboel and German Shepherd may not live together?
The following are some of the reasons a Boerboel may not live with your German Shepherd properly:
Size and Strength
The significant size and strength difference between a Boerboel and a German Shepherd poses a major challenge for them living together harmoniously.
Boerboels are an immense, muscular breed, while German Shepherds are comparatively medium-sized.
This stark contrast in physical stature could easily lead to dominance struggles and violent confrontations, as the Boerboel’s sheer size and power would likely give it an unfair advantage.
Territorial Instincts
This is one of the issues I have always mentioned at the beginning of this article. Boerboels and German Shepherds are notorious for being highly guarded about their home environment and seeing other dogs as potential threats that need to be defended against.
This could create a very tense, unstable living situation as the two dogs compete for control and view each other as invaders in their shared space.
High Risk of Predatory Behavior
Additionally, there is a risk of predatory behaviors emerging. German Shepherds possess a relatively high prey drive, and the smaller Boerboel may be seen as potential prey.
Conversely, the Boerboel’s innate guarding nature could cause it to view the Shepherd as a threat that needs to be eliminated.
This predatory dynamic has a high likelihood of sparking violent confrontations between the two dogs.
Training and Socialization Needs
The differing training and socialization needs of Boerboels and German Shepherds present challenges.
These breeds often require specialized approaches due to their distinct temperaments and behavioral tendencies.
Trying to manage and socialize the two together may be extremely difficult, even for the most experienced and skilled dog owners. This further heightens the risks of keeping them in the same household.
How To Get A Boerboel And German Shepherd To Live Together?
Well, while it may be hard to get a Boerboel and German Shepherd to live together peacefully, we have been able to do so and can provide you with some advice about how you can go about it.
The following ways can help you to get a German shepherd to live with a Boerboel:
Start when they are puppies
I mentioned before that proper socialization and training are key to ensuring that your Boerboel and German shepherd live together. However, when they are old and mature it can be extremely difficult to get them to live together.
So, the best way to get these dog breeds to live together is to get them as puppies and begin to train them to accommodate each other and not feel threatened.
Show the Boerboel Affection too
German shepherds are very affectionate dogs. You wouldn’t have a problem connecting with them. So your Boerboel will need some more affection for them to feel comfortable and loved.
Show the Boerboel extra affection so it doesn’t feel threatened by the Shepherd’s presence. When the Boerboel starts to growl at the Shepherd, distract it by snapping your fingers, saying “shush” firmly, and playing with it to redirect its attention.
Reward Them for Being Calm
You will also have to train both dogs to be calm. To do this, have both of them sit and stay while the other passes. Then, reward calm behavior. Do not get excited when your dog begins to get this routine because they can pick from your energy and become excited and uncontrollable in this regard.
Supervise the Dogs
Supervise all interactions, especially with children. Teach kids how to properly interact with the powerful dogs. Never leave them unsupervised.
Conclusion
Boerboels do best as the only dog but can learn to live with another if raised together from puppyhood. Proper socialization is important. With patience, consistency, and leadership from you, a Boerboel and German Shepherd can learn to coexist happily in the same home.
Ole Dog House began in 2000 and was officially incorporated in 2004, strengthened by a technical partnership with Samantha Straub of Von Der Burg Loisenthal Kennels in South Africa. Over the past two and a half decades, our kennel has established itself as a leader in Nigeria’s canine industry, producing top-quality German Shepherd Dogs that strictly adhere to WUSV standards.
We are proud members of WUSV, the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa, and the International Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the East German Shepherd Dog. Our commitment to excellence has taken us to GSD specialty shows and elite kennels across South Africa, Europe, and the Americas, expanding our knowledge and refining our breeding practices.
At Ole Dog House, our mission is to nurture a community of ethical breeders and passionate dog enthusiasts who are committed to preserving the integrity of the German Shepherd breed. Whether you are an experienced breeder, a first-time owner, or simply an admirer of this exceptional breed, we are here to provide valuable insights and expert guidance.
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