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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Boerboel? Like all dogs, the Boerboel receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Boerboel is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Boerboel?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
