Health Overview

Common Inherited Health Problems

Boerboels are relatively healthy compared to many large breeds but can suffer from a variety of health problems including Wobblers, weak immune system, allergies and, most commonly, joint problems, poor eye conformation and vaginal hyperplasia in bitches.

The UKBC strongly supports testing for hip displasia and other common inherited problems and recommends only breeding from dogs which have been tested and achieve an acceptable standard.  The current standards are set out here.

Genetic health

We will not attempt to re-write the text books here.  Suffice to say that most of the major health problems are the result of a complex inter-reaction of genes.  Moreover, all lines potentially carry genetic defects.  Therefore trying to breed away from them in a relatively small gene pool is neither easy nor straight-forward.  

This makes it all the more important that breeders apply rigorous standards of selection to all breeding dogs, diligently research pedigrees, follow the development of the dogs they produce and share information as to known problems.   Any breeder may produce a dog with bad hips, eyes etc, however hard they try to avoid doing so.  Good breeders do their best to avoid perpetuating the problem and help others avoid them too.

The Boerboel has a relatively small gene pool, particularly in Europe.  This presents its own dangers; as dog breeds become more inbred, they tend in general to be less healthy.  The UKBC is endeavouring to promote open discussion of health problems and support breeders in making good choices both with regard to health and genetic diversity.

If you are considering buying a puppy, always ask the breeder what health problems, if any, the parents suffer from and whether there have been any health problems in previous litters.  A breeder who answers this honestly is a good breeder, every breeder will have one or two problems over time.

Nutrition

There are a variety of views as to what constitutes the best diet for a Boerboel and your breeder will recommend a food they have found satisfactory.  

The majority view is that protein levels should be 22-26%.  Most importantly - do not over-feed your dog, keep it slim.   Letting your dog grow too quickly or become over-weight is likely to damage joints in dogs genetically pre-disposed to such problems and will do no good to any dog.