Health statistics

Why do we collect health statistics?

The Boerboel is often said to be a healthy breed with no hereditary diseases. But in reality, diseases cannot be identified – let alone recorded – if the dogs are not examined. Health is not a default value, but a goal that requires systematic research and open information.

At Tuebor Boerboels, we are interested in numbers, backgrounds and entities. Unfortunately, there are no public health statistics available within the breed, and there probably will not be any – as many breeders still want to keep quiet about the challenges of their own lines. We want to do things differently.

We started compiling these statistics purely out of interest and a desire to understand the health of our own imports and breedings more broadly. The statistics will be updated over time as the puppies grow to the age of description (usually around 2 years old), and the owners have time to undergo examinations. 

All X-ray examinations are performed in Europe and the images are officially pronounced in systems approved by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) – which guarantees internationally comparable and reliable results. While we encourage every owner to have their dog examined, we also understand that it is not possible for everyone. However, every result – good or bad – is valuable.

From a breeder's perspective, it is almost impossible to develop a breed if only one individual from a litter is examined. The results of domestic dogs are just as important as those of breeding dogs.

OFA Statistics on Boerboel

In the United States, dog health data is collected and published by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Unfortunately, Boerboels are among the breeds with the worst results for both hip and elbow joints, according to OFA statistics.
The breed is very prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, and is listed as one of the unhealthiest breeds for these structural diseases. This highlights the importance of responsible, health-based breeding worldwide.

📎 See the latest statistics here:
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

0/0 – 32.9%
0/1 – 2.9%
1/1 – 2.9%
1/2 – 1.4%
3/3 – 2.9%
Not tested – 57.0% 

0/0 – 30.0%
Not tested – 70.0%

Spine (LTV, VA, SP)
Normal 0 – 21.4%
LTV 1 – 1.4%
VA 1 – 1.4%
SP 1 – 1.4%
Not tested – 74.3%

Eyes
Healthy – 28.6%
Mild entropion – 4.3%
Not tested – 67.1% 

Heart auscultation
Heart OK – 28.6%
Not tested – 71.4% 

Color statistics (all 91 puppies) 
Color Qty Percentage (%)
Brindle 34 37,4 %
Reddish 15 16,5 %
Piebald 10 11,0 %
Fawn 7 7,7 %
Dilute fawn 6 6,6 %
Red 6 6,6 %
Dilute brindle 3 3,3 %
Brindle irish 2 2,2 %
Dilute irish 2 2,2 %
Brown irish 1 1,1 %
Dilute piebald 1 1,1 %