International Miniature

Beorboel Registry

 

General Appearance

The Miniature Boerboel is often described as "a Boerboel in miniature." This medium-sized dog features smooth, short hair and a body that is slightly longer than tall. The breed should exhibit a well-balanced appearance with all body parts in proportion. Front legs should be straight and carried under the body, while rear legs are well bent at the stifles. Movement should be fluid, and excessive musculature should not impede the natural gait. Females should appear feminine compared to males. Overall, the Miniature Boerboel should showcase stability, strength, and vigor, with no feature so prominent or lacking that it makes the animal appear deformed or out of proportion.

Temperament and Character

The Miniature Boerboel is an excellent alarm dog, typically alerting owners by barking rather than engaging with a threat. Their disposition is equable, kind, loyal, even-tempered, and alert. They are excellent family pets, good with children and other animals within their family, though they can be reserved and aloof towards strangers. Known as "Velcro" dogs, they are extremely intelligent and form strong bonds with their humans, making them easy to train, though obedience training is recommended.

Body Proportions

The Miniature Boerboel is slightly longer than tall but maintains a balanced appearance with all body parts equally proportionate.

Head

The head is broad, deep, and in proportion to the body, typically displaying moderate wrinkles when attentive. The face blends with the skull, which should be broad, deep, and well-filled between the eyes. The nasal bone is straight and parallel to the cranial roof, with a muzzle that is neither snipey nor squashed. Top lips are loose-fitting but should not hang past the bottom jaw, while lower lips can be loose but should not flare outward.

Skull

The skull is square and wide with visible musculature and a level plane appearance on top. The brows are moderately raised, and the jaws are deep, strong, and slightly taper to the front.

Eyes

Eyes are medium-sized, free of entropion or ectropion, and can be any shade of yellow, brown, or black. Eyes should not protrude excessively, and excessive white when looking forward is a fault.

Nose

The nose is broad with wide, black nostrils. Pinched nostrils are a fault.

Ears

Ears are V-shaped, medium-sized, and carried close to the head. When attentive, the top of the earflaps should form a straight line with the top of the skull, though slight deviations are acceptable.

Teeth

Teeth should be correctly spaced with a preferred scissor bite. Undershot or overshot bites are allowed but should not expose teeth when the mouth is closed. Wry mouths and excessive bite deviations are disqualifications.

Neck

The neck should have a preferred arch, be strong and medium in length, broadening towards the shoulders, and loose under the chin with a firm dewlap between the forelegs.

Forequarter

Shoulders should be well-attached with moderate angulation. The chest is broad, strong, and deep, forming a mild U shape between the forelegs. Elbows are parallel and close to the body. Forelegs are strong and muscular, with straight, strong front pasterns and moderate-sized, ball-shaped forepaws with compact toes.

Centerpiece

The body should have good depth and width, with a straight and level topline, well-sprung ribcage, and slight tuck-up underline. The back is straight and broad, with a strong loin slightly narrower than the ribcage and rump.

Hindquarter

Hindquarters should be sturdy, strong, and muscular, with a broad, strong croup. The tail is set high and straight, typically docked at the 3rd or 4th caudal vertebrae, though natural tails reaching the hocks and carried with a slight upward curve are acceptable. Corkscrew tails are a disqualification. Stifles should have moderate angulation, with firm, well-let-down hocks.

Coat and Skin

The skin is loose, thick, and smooth, displaying mild to moderate wrinkles across the brow when attentive. The coat is short and smooth, with well-pigmented lips, palate, skin around the eyes, and nose leather.

Coat Colors

Any color or color pattern is accepted except for merle and albinism. Nose leather must be black, and any lack of pigmentation around the eyes is a disqualification.

Movement

Movement should be smooth and buoyant, with comfortable reach in front and rear. Legs and body should move in line, maintaining a firm back without excessive sway or roll.

Height

Height for males ranges from 15 to 19 inches (38.1 -48.26 cm) and for females from 14 to 18 inches (35.56 – 45.72cm). Height and weight must be balanced and proportionate, with deviations not penalized unless they affect health, structure, or movement.

Disqualifications

  • Viciousness or extreme shyness
  • Wry mouth
  • Undershot or overshot bite showing teeth when the mouth is closed
  • Merle coat pattern
  • Albinism
  • Long or curly coat
  • Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism
  • Entropion or ectropion
  • Pricked or cropped ears
  • Corkscrew tail
  • Non-black nose leather
  • Lack of pigmentation around the eyes
  • Height above 19 1/2 inches (49.53cm)