How tall is a Boerboel?

An adult Boerboel stands about 26 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Boerboel considered a large dog?

Yes — at 26" / 175 lb, the Boerboel falls into the large-breed size class (shoulder height 23–27"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #33 tallest.

How does a Boerboel compare to a person?

At 26" tall, a Boerboel stands about 41% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Boerboel Size Compared to a Person

A Boerboel stands 26″ at the shoulder and weighs about 175 lb — that puts it at 41% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #33 by shoulder height and falls into the large-breed size class (Large breeds, 23–27").

Boerboel next to a person at scale — 26-inch shoulder height, 175 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Boerboel at 26″ / 175 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Boerboel compares

	Boerboel	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	26″	64″	-38″
Weight	175 lb	135 lb	+40 lb

Save the chart

💾 Download PNG

About the Boerboel

The Boerboel, also known as the South African Mastiff, is a massive, powerful dog breed developed by South African farmers (Boers) to protect their homesteads from dangerous predators including lions, leopards, and hyenas. The name "Boerboel" translates to "farmer's dog" in Afrikaans, reflecting the breed's deep roots in South African rural life. This is one of the most powerful dog breeds in the world, bred for courage, loyalty, and the ability to defend family and property against formidable threats in the African bush.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Large size class with shoulder height closest to the Boerboel.

Afghan Hound — 26″ / 55 lb (same height)
American Alsatian — 26″ / 90 lb (same height)
Bandog — 26″ / 100 lb (same height)
Bernese Mountain — 26″ / 98 lb (same height)
Black and Tan Coonhound — 26″ / 88 lb (same height)
Bloodhound — 26″ / 100 lb (same height)
Bouvier des Flandres — 26″ / 90 lb (same height)
Bullmastiff — 26″ / 120 lb (same height)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Boerboel?: An adult Boerboel stands about 26 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Boerboel considered a large dog?: Yes — at 26" / 175 lb, the Boerboel falls into the large-breed size class (shoulder height 23–27"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #33 tallest.
How does a Boerboel compare to a person?: At 26" tall, a Boerboel stands about 41% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Boerboel

Boerboel dog names & full breed page · All large-size breeds · Visual atlas (Large section) · Size comparison home