Boerboel Health and Costs
Breed Group
Working Dogs
Country of Origin
South Africa
Breed Size
Giant
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 2015
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 2006
Rarity
Common3 / 10
Purchase cost
Expensive7 / 10
Life expectancy
Short Lifespan4 / 10
Health
Moderate health concerns4 / 10
Health problem risk
High health burden7 / 10
Maintenance cost
High maintenance cost7 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
Boerboel Health Problems and Costs
The Boerboel is a South African guardian breed that can weigh 150 to 200 pounds, and that size is both its greatest asset and the source of most of its health risks. The usual list is hips and elbows, bloat, the heart muscle, and loose eyelids. Planning preventive care from puppyhood works far better than waiting for a large-breed problem to announce itself.
In this guide
Why Are Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Such a Big Deal in This Breed?
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are developmental malformations in which the joint does not fit together properly, so cartilage wears down and arthritis follows. Dysplasia comes from the Greek dys, "abnormal," and plasis, "formation." PetMD notes that genetics play a role but that exercise, weight, and nutrition can make both worse, and that x-rays can screen for them.
Controlled growth in puppyhood is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk. Overfeeding a puppy to speed up growth produces a heavier adult whose joints developed under more stress than they were built for, so a large-breed puppy formula and a lean body condition matter. For growing puppies, leashed walks and swimming are gentler than repetitive jumping or hard surfaces.
Why Does Bloat Matter So Much for a Boerboel?
Bloat, medically gastric dilatation-volvulus, happens when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off its own blood supply. Deep-chested dogs are at higher risk, and the Merck Veterinary Manual describes it as a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate stabilization and surgery.
- 01
Swollen belly
The abdomen looks tight, rounded, or distended.
- 02
Unproductive retching
Straining to vomit with little or nothing coming up.
- 03
Drooling and restlessness
Pacing, heavy drooling, or being unable to settle.
- 04
Abdominal pain or collapse
Whining when the belly is touched, weakness, or collapse.
PetMD suggests two or three smaller meals, avoiding elevated bowls, and avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtimes, though no precaution removes the risk. Many owners discuss a preventive gastropexy with their veterinarian. The word comes from the Greek gaster, "stomach," and pexis, "fixing in place." The surgery tacks the stomach to the body wall, often at the same time as a spay or neuter, and should prevent the dangerous twist even though it does not stop gas from building up.
What Heart and Eyelid Conditions Should Owners Watch For?
Tiredness, weakness, a new cough, or reduced exercise tolerance in a Boerboel deserves a prompt exam, because heart muscle disease can be quiet at first.
Dilated cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle in which the chambers enlarge and pump less effectively, has a genetic predisposition in the breed, according to PetMD. Cardiomyopathy comes from the Greek kardia, "heart," and myos, "muscle." Early signs are lethargy, weakness, and exercise intolerance, and later signs include coughing and faster breathing. Medication can help, especially when it is started early. The AKC lists a cardiac evaluation among the recommended tests for the breed.
Ectropion, where the eyelid rolls outward, and entropion, where it rolls inward, are both listed for the breed. They come from the Greek ek, "out," and en, "in," plus trepein, "to turn." Either can irritate the eye surface, and veterinarians often correct them with surgery.
What Does Managing a Boerboel's Health Cost?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hip and elbow x-rays | $300 to $700 | Best after growth is complete |
| Preventive gastropexy | $200 to $700 extra | When done with a spay or neuter |
| Emergency bloat surgery | $3,500 to $8,000 | Life-threatening, surgical |
| Cardiac exam and echocardiogram | $300 to $600 | Baseline in middle age |
| Eyelid surgery | $600 to $1,800 | Per eye, more for both |
| Annual wellness exam | $200 to $400 | More often once arthritis develops |
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
The AKC health testing list for Working breeds shows hip, elbow, and cardiac evaluations for the Boerboel, so ask to see the results for both parents. It also helps to ask how big the parents are and how the breeder manages puppy growth, and whether any relatives have had bloat or heart disease.
Daily Life With a Boerboel
This is an intelligent, confident guardian, and VCA says it can be stubborn and dominant, so training and socialization should start in puppyhood. The personality profile explains how that guardian nature shows up at home, and clear, consistent training is a safety matter for a dog this strong. It also needs daily exercise, such as long leashed walks or play in a fenced yard.
The short, dense coat needs weekly brushing, as the grooming guide explains. PetMD advises wiping the facial folds, which trap drool and food, and cleaning the ears routinely. Regular nail trims also matter for a dog carrying this much weight.
Keeping Your Boerboel Healthy for the Long Run
Keep your dog lean for life, since extra weight worsens joint and heart strain, and check body condition by hand because dense muscle can hide weight gain. Schedule joint and cardiac checks, discuss gastropexy timing before any planned spay or neuter, and learn bloat's warning signs before you ever need them. Pet insurance is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Boerboels usually live 9 to 11 years, and most of their risks come down to size. Control growth, keep them lean, plan joint and heart screening, and treat a swollen belly as an emergency. Your veterinarian can tailor a plan to your dog.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do Boerboel cost?
Purchasing a Boerboel from a reputable breeder typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000, with premium bloodlines reaching $8,000 or more. Beyond the initial price, owners should budget for significant first-year expenses, including vaccinations and essential large-breed supplies like sturdy crates, beds, and heavy-duty toys.
Purchase cost: 7 / 10
How long do Boerboel live?
Boerboels typically have a lifespan of 9 to 11 years, which is standard for giant breeds. To help your Boerboel reach their full potential, provide a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight to protect their joints, and schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor heart and eye health.
Life expectancy: 4 / 10
Are Boerboel healthy dogs?
Boerboels are relatively sturdy for a giant breed, but their size brings real risks and a lifespan of about 9 to 11 years. Hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, bloat, and eyelid problems are the main concerns. A breeder who screens hips, elbows, and hearts, and a lean weight for life, help lower the risks.
Health: 4 / 10
What health problems do Boerboel have?
Boerboels can develop hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, ectropion and entropion, and life-threatening bloat. Hip, elbow, and cardiac evaluations are recommended for breeding dogs, and a swollen belly is an emergency.
Health problem risk: 7 / 10
Are Boerboel expensive to maintain?
Boerboels have high upkeep costs, mostly because of size. A dog that weighs 150 to 200 pounds eats a lot of quality food, needs durable gear, and costs more for medications and procedures dosed by weight. Joint screening, cardiac checks, and a possible emergency bloat surgery are the larger health bills to plan for.
Maintenance cost: 7 / 10
How much does it cost to own a Boerboel per month?
Expect to spend between $200 and $500 per month to own a Boerboel. This covers substantial food costs for a giant breed, pet insurance, preventative medications, and durable toys for powerful chewers. Ongoing expenses reflect the significant financial commitment required to maintain such a large and powerful dog.
Monthly ownership cost: 6 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a Boerboel?
Pet insurance for a Boerboel generally costs between $40 and $70 per month, depending on your dog's age, location, and coverage limits. A policy is worth pricing while your dog is young, since bloat surgery, joint care, and heart care can add up.
Pet insurance cost: 4 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a Boerboel?
It depends on the insurer. Large guardian and mastiff-type breeds are commonly restricted, and some insurers may exclude a Boerboel or charge more. Always check a policy's restricted list and disclose your dog before you buy.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 4 / 10
Are Boerboel on insurance restricted breed lists?
Possibly. Boerboels are not on the lists we could verify, but insurers often restrict large guardian and mastiff-type breeds, and each company sets its own list. Ask any insurer directly whether the breed is excluded.
Insurance restriction risk: 6 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a Boerboel?
It depends on the insurer and the landlord. Some renters policies restrict large guardian breeds, so disclose your dog, ask about breed or weight limits, and confirm the lease terms before you commit.
Renters insurance difficulty: 4 / 10
