Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years, which is respectable for a dog of this size. A stable body condition, regular exercise without excess, and preventive veterinary monitoring promote a long and active life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its powerful build, its coarse coat and its origin as a farm dog give it good overall robustness. This sturdiness must not conceal the significant load borne by its joints nor the risks associated with deep-chested dogs.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Special attention should be paid to gait, mobility, weight, digestion and eyes. Any persistent lameness, pain when getting up, sudden abdominal distension or ocular discomfort warrants a prompt veterinary consultation.
Hip dysplasia: This joint malformation can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs and controlled growth reduce the risk.
Elbow dysplasia: It can permanently impair the mobility of a heavy dog and warrants an assessment in case of lameness of the forelimbs.
Overweight and joint disorders: Excess weight greatly increases stress on the joints and must be prevented through measured portions and regular activity.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: Large, deep-chested dogs may be affected; a swollen abdomen, unproductive retching or agitation constitute an emergency.
Eyelid disorders: An abnormal rolling of the eyelid can irritate the cornea; tearing, redness or eye pain require a veterinary examination.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its short coat and its selection in South Africa allow it to tolerate moderate heat well, provided it has water, shade and avoids exertion during the hottest hours. It can handle reasonable cold but is not made to stay outside for long in freezing or damp weather without suitable shelter.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Maintaining an athletic silhouette is essential to protect the hips, elbows and spine. Portions must be weighed, treats counted and the ration adjusted to age, activity and body condition. Rapid weight gain should lead to reviewing the diet with the veterinarian.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and elbows checked, especially before breeding.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Examine and clean the ears regularly with a suitable product.
- Brush once or twice a week and daily during shedding periods.
- Seek emergency care if the abdomen is swollen or there are unproductive retching efforts.
- Schedule at least an annual veterinary check-up.
Vaccination
Boerboel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Boerboel need? Like all dogs, Boerboels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Boerboel vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Boerboel booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Boerboel need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Boerboel
Before breeding, it is advisable to have the hips and elbows evaluated, to arrange an ophthalmological examination and to monitor cardiac health. On a daily basis, the annual veterinary check-up must include weight, joints, skin, ears and the oral cavity, with increased frequency in the senior dog.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
