Safe to buy a Rottweiler Boerboel cross?

by Phillip Lourens
(Somerset West, South Africa)

I'm thinking of getting a rottweiler boerboel cross, but I'm not sure if this would be a safe buy.

Do you know what such a dog's temperament would be like? I've read that a Boerboel's temperament is not as stable as a Rottweiler's, is this true? I'm afraid that a mix could possibly create a monster!

Or does it all go back to the old rule that the dog will be what you make it? If it's introduced to other dogs/animals early in its life and well trained, not abused and given enough attention and stimulation etc...

I have an 8 month old female long-legged Jack Russell. She is obviously very energetic and playful. Do you think a Boerboel Rottweiler cross could live in harmony with her? Or would the busy-body JR irritate it to the point where they will fight?

Your advice would be much appreciated!







Hi Phillip
Unfortunately it's impossible for me to give you any kind of definitive answer to this question as there are so many variables involved!

However, this would be my general (and personal) opinion.....

With any cross-breed there is a much greater range of temperament characteristics as you can't say for sure which gene/trait each individual pup will inherit. Boerboels are a large, strong and guardian breed and share some characteristics and traits with Rottweilers so there's not necessarily going to be the sort of temperament clash that you sometimes get with a mixture of very different breeds.

I don't have personal experience with the Boerboel breed but in my opinion, if you meet both parents of the pup you're interested in and they are both calm, confident and don't show any aggressive/fearful tendencies, then the pups are fairly likely to have sound temperaments also. After that, the way you raise, treat and train your pup will have the biggest influence on his eventual temperament and behavior.

Do bear in mind though that both Rotties and Boerboels are big, intelligent, strong-willed and have a tendency to be dominant if allowed to be. They're also smart enough to try to 'take over' if they don't feel their owner is in charge. That's why I wouldn't necessarily recommend this type of breed for a first-time dog owner or someone who isn't secure and confident dealing with large dogs.

As for the Jack Russell, Rottweilers are usually fine with other dogs/cats if they're raised with them, and as far as I know so are Boerboels. It's important to make sure that the pup isn't allowed to be too rough with the smaller dog as he grows stronger, but with a terrier breed like this they can usually take care of themselves pretty well.

Overall I don't think that this should be a no-on situation because of the mixture of breeds, but it is very important that you evaluate the parents and pups carefully and that you know what you're getting into and are confident you can handle it.

I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide and if you bring home your pup, do check out my Taking Care Of A Puppy and other related pages as the tips and advice there will apply as much to your pup as to a purebred Rottweiler. Enjoy your puppy.