Health

Health at Tuebor Boerboels

Boerboels are a powerful, generally robust breed with a strong working background. However, like all large and heavily built dogs, they are not immune to hereditary health concerns. Good health doesn't happen by chance—it requires long-term commitment, careful selection, and responsible breeding decisions based on more than just test results. At Tuebor Boerboels, we approach health holistically, aiming to preserve not only physical soundness but also mental balance, temperament, and the breed's original purpose.

Comprehensive Health Testing
All our breeding dogs undergo extensive health evaluations before being considered for breeding. These include:

• Hips and elbows (official scoring)

• Spine (x-rays to monitor for abnormalities like spondylosis)

• Knees (patellar luxation)

• Heart auscultation by a veterinarian

• DNA testing through Wisdom Panel (covering hundreds of genetic conditions)

• Psychomotor epilepsy screening

• Temperament testing and behavioral evaluation in real-life situations

We believe this wide scope of testing is essential, not only to rule out known risks but also to better understand our breeding dogs as individuals. Our goal is to produce Boerboels who are sound in both body and mind.

More Than Just Numbers
However, a Boerboel is not defined by numbers or letters on a piece of paper. Health test results are important tools—but they are not the whole story. To determine if a dog is truly breeding quality, you must understand the dog as a complete being.

We evaluate each dog as a whole, taking into account:

• Its daily temperament and stability

• Appearance and structure in relation to the original breed standard

• Working ability and trainability

• Recovery from stress and environmental resilience

• The value of its ancestry, especially when dealing with rare or old working lines

Some dogs may have perfect test results but lack essential breed traits in drive, mental balance, or type. Others may bring exceptional genetic value from long-forgotten bloodlines that can contribute greatly to preserving the diversity and working ability of the breed.

Our selection process reflects this deeper understanding. It's not just about passing health tests—it's about honoring the full legacy of the Boerboel and ensuring the dogs we breed are well-rounded, breed-typical, and capable both as companions and working animals.

SAS, Wobblers & Known Concerns
Boerboels, like many large breeds, may be predisposed to specific health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion/ectropion, spinal issues, vaginal hyperplasia, and bloat (gastric torsion). We openly monitor and manage these risks through our testing program.

In addition, Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) and Wobbler Syndrome are two serious conditions occasionally seen in Boerboels. SAS is a congenital heart defect that can be fatal, and Wobblers is a neurological condition affecting the cervical spine.
We are proud to say that these conditions are not present in our lines, and we work hard to keep it that way through strict selection, vetting of ancestors, and ongoing health surveillance.

Long-Term Perspective
The average Boerboel lives around 10 years, but with thoughtful breeding, responsible ownership, and proper care, they can live longer and stay active well into their senior years. At Tuebor Boerboels, our mission is not just to produce dogs that look like Boerboels—but dogs that live and work like Boerboels were meant to.

Choosing a puppy from a breeder who invests in the full picture—health, temperament, genetic history, and functionality—gives you a real foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life with your dog. That is the standard we set for ourselves, and the legacy we work to preserve.