Barney the Boerboel Wins Hearts Online with His Gentle Giant Charm
Massive South African Mastiff towers over his human sisters in viral photos
It’s no surprise that photos of an enormous dog named Barney and his two younger human sisters have recently taken the internet by storm. In the images, the gentle giant towers over his family, creating a mix of laughter, amazement, and disbelief among viewers. Some can’t help but wonder if Barney is really a dog—or perhaps part horse or an oversized stuffed animal brought to life.
Barney is, in fact, a Boerboel, also known as a South African Mastiff. This powerful breed was originally developed by farmers to protect remote villages from predators such as lions and leopards. While their size is impressive—males can reach up to 27 inches in height