Back to Boerboel
First-Time Owner Guide
Expert Guide
First-Time Owner Guide
for Boerboels
Getting Started with Boerboel Grooming
Welcome to Boerboel ownership — grooming is one of the most important skills you'll develop, and starting correctly prevents years of coat problems. The Boerboel has a short, dense, smooth, close-lying double coat coat rated "Easy" for grooming difficulty, with a recommended schedule of every 6-8 weeks. The good news: Boerboels are rated Easy, meaning most basic grooming is manageable at home with practice and the right tools. Start complete grooming handling — including nail grinding, ear cleaning, and full body examination — with a Boerboel puppy before 12 weeks. At 150-200 pounds, a dog that resists nail grinding creates a genuine safety challenge. The first month sets the tone for every grooming session that follows.
Your Essential First Grooming Kit for a Boerboel
Don't buy everything at once — start with what this coat type actually needs. For the Boerboel's double coat: an undercoat rake, a slicker brush, a greyhound comb, and a de-shedding shampoo. That's your core kit (~$60–80). Add a non-slip mat, styptic powder, and high-value treats to every kit. A rubber grooming mitt used twice weekly removes loose coat efficiently and maintains the natural sheen of the short coat with minimal effort between professional baths.
Gear for Boerboel first-time owner guide
Coat-matched picks — buy once, use every groom.
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Building a Grooming Routine for Your Boerboel
Consistency beats intensity. Schedule grooming on the same day each week — most Boerboel owners align with every 6-8 weeks professional appointments and fill gaps with home maintenance. A practical weekly routine: Day 1 — full brush-out (15–30 minutes depending on coat). Mid-week — quick mat check of ears, armpits, and collar zone (5 minutes). As needed — nail check, ear wipe, paw inspection. During shedding season or if your Boerboel swims, add an extra brush session — short, dense, smooth, close-lying double coat coats mat fast when wet. Keep a grooming log on your phone — track dates, what you did, and anything unusual (skin changes, sensitivity, mat locations). This log is invaluable when your groomer or vet asks about history.
Common First-Timer Mistakes with Boerboels
Every new owner makes these — knowing them in advance saves your Boerboel's coat. Mistake 1: brushing only the top coat. Always line-brush from skin outward in sections. Mistake 2: bathing without brushing first — water sets tangles into mats. Mistake 3: shaving the double coat in summer. Never. Mistake 4: waiting until nails click on the floor — by then the quick has extended and trimming is harder. Mistake 5: using human products on dog skin. Mistake 6: grooming only when the dog looks dirty — by then problems are established. Nail maintenance is critical on a dog this heavy; overgrown nails alter gait and place extreme pressure on the joints of an already large-boned breed. Grind nails every 3 weeks without exception. Mistake 7: giving up after one bad session — puppies improve with patience and treats.
When to Book Your First Professional Groom
Book the first professional appointment within the first 2–4 weeks of ownership — not because the puppy needs a full groom, but to establish the salon relationship early. Puppies who visit the groomer at 8–12 weeks for a bath, nail trim, and gentle handling session grow into adults who tolerate grooming calmly. Many Boerboel owners handle basics at home and book professionals every every 6-8 weeks for a thorough tidy. Ask the groomer to walk you through what they're doing — good groomers welcome engaged owners and will teach you home maintenance specific to your Boerboel's short, dense, smooth, close-lying double coat.
Pro Tip from Groomas
Start complete grooming handling — including nail grinding, ear cleaning, and full body examination — with a Boerboel puppy before 12 weeks. At 150-200 pounds, a dog that resists nail grinding creates a genuine safety challenge.
S
Sarah Jordan
Verified ExpertCertified Master Groomer
With over 15 years of competitive grooming experience, Sarah ensures every guide on Groomas meets the highest professional standards.
Certified Master Groomer (CMG)AKC Safety Certified
Recommended Gear for Boerboels
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Brush
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
An excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.