Do Boerboels have health problems?
Boerboels have a higher-than-average health burden. Their giant size and breed characteristics mean owners should go in with eyes open — and with solid pet insurance.
South Africa's powerful farm guardian. The Boerboel is one of the most capable protection breeds in the world and demands an experienced, authoritative owner.
Known health concerns in Boerboels
These are the conditions most commonly seen in the breed — not guarantees, but things to be aware of:
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): A life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Giant breeds are significantly more at risk. Signs include a distended abdomen, retching without vomiting, and rapid deterioration. This is a veterinary emergency. Minutes matter.
How to reduce health risks in Boerboels
Most health problems are either hereditary (managed by choosing a responsible breeder) or lifestyle-related (managed by the owner). Here's what actually moves the needle:
- Choose health-tested parents: Ask breeders for relevant health test results — eye tests where relevant. A responsible breeder won't be offended.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is the most preventable health issue in dogs and it compounds everything — joints, heart, and lifespan. Weigh your Boerboel monthly and adjust food accordingly.
- Annual vet check-ups: Not just for vaccines. A thorough annual exam checks heart, weight, teeth, eyes, and joints. Most problems caught early are far cheaper and more treatable.
- Appropriate exercise: Don't over-exercise puppies before 12–18 months — developing joints are vulnerable. Consistent exercise throughout life maintains condition better than irregular bursts.
- Pet insurance from puppyhood: Even a generally healthy Boerboel can develop a condition requiring expensive treatment. Insuring before any issues arise avoids pre-existing condition exclusions. Lifetime cover is worth the premium over accident-only policies.
The lifetime vet cost of a dog depends far more on diet, weight management, and preventative care than on the breed. A well-kept Boerboel will nearly always outlive and outperform a neglected one from the same litter.
Pet insurance for Boerboels
UK insurance for a Boerboel typically costs £80–£170 per month. Given their health profile, lifetime comprehensive cover is worth the premium. A single BOAS surgery or orthopaedic procedure can cost £3,000–£8,000 — significantly more than years of insurance premiums.
Premiums increase with age. Insuring at puppyhood locks in lower rates and prevents exclusions for conditions that develop later.
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