Health

However, like all large and heavy breeds, it is not free from hereditary health issues.
 
Good health is not automatic.
It is the result of long-term selection, honest evaluation, and responsible breeding.

For us, health is never just a test result.
It is a combination of structure, function, temperament, and longevity.

Comprehensive health testing

All breeding dogs go through extensive health testing before being considered for breeding. We examine hips and elbows with official evaluations, and the spine is X-rayed to assess conditions such as LTV, vertebral anomalies, and spondylosis. Knees are checked for patella luxation, and heart function is evaluated through veterinary auscultation. Eyes are examined, and DNA testing is performed using laboratories such as Wisdom Panel, Embark, and Genoscoper.

We also test for known genetic conditions in the breed, including hyperuricosuria (HUU), multifocal retinopathy (CMR1), and other relevant markers. Particular attention is given to hereditary epilepsy. This level of testing allows us to understand both individual dogs and the broader health picture within our lines.

More than test results

A Boerboel is not just numbers on paper. Health results are important, but they are only one part of the whole. Each dog is evaluated as an individual, taking into account its temperament, behaviour in everyday life, structure in relation to the original type, working ability, stress tolerance, and recovery.

Pedigree and background also matter, especially when working with older and less common bloodlines. Some dogs may have excellent results but lack essential breed characteristics. Others may carry valuable traits that contribute to the long-term preservation of the breed. Our decisions are always based on the full picture, not a single result.

Known conditions

Certain conditions are known within the breed. Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart condition that can affect blood flow and, in severe cases, be life-threatening. Wobbler syndrome is a neurological condition affecting the cervical spine. We have not encountered these conditions in our own lines. This is not coincidence, but the result of careful selection, health testing, and long-term planning. We follow pedigrees closely and avoid combinations where known risks exist.

Longevity and functionality

The average lifespan of a Boerboel is around 10 to 13 years. With correct structure, good care, and an active life, many individuals remain strong and functional well into old age. Our goal is not only long life, but quality of life. A Boerboel should remain physically capable, mentally stable, and able to function as intended.

Health statistics and transparency

Health cannot be improved without data. For that reason, we collect and follow health results from our own dogs and offspring over time. All X-rays are evaluated through official FCI-based systems in Europe, ensuring consistency and reliability.

Not all dogs are examined, and we understand that not every owner is able to complete all testing. Still, every result matters. From a breeding perspective, it is not enough to evaluate a single dog from a litter. The wider picture is what allows meaningful progress.

Our results (overview)

Among our evaluated dogs:

• Hips show variation from A to D, with the majority falling within functional and manageable ranges.
• Elbow results have been good overall, with the majority scoring 0/0. Some individual dogs have shown minor changes, without impact on function.
• Spine results have been predominantly normal, with only minor findings such as mild spondylosis in one dog.
• All evaluated dogs have had normal knees (0/0), and eyes have been healthy, with only isolated minor findings that have not affected function.
• Heart auscultation has shown no abnormalities in tested dogs.
• DNA testing has been carried out extensively, covering a wide range of known genetic conditions.

Breed-wide perspective

International statistics, such as those published by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), show that the Boerboel is not without challenges. Hip and elbow issues are present globally, and in some datasets the breed ranks among those with weaker results in these areas. This underlines the importance of informed breeding decisions and long-term planning.

Our approach

For us, health is not a checkbox. It is a continuous process.
We combine:

• health testing
• pedigree knowledge
• practical experience
• honest evaluation
  

We do not aim to produce large numbers of dogs. We aim to produce dogs that are functional, balanced, and true to the breed.

Health is not built in one generation.
It is built over time, through decisions that are sometimes easy, and often not.
We do not breed for numbers.
We breed with purpose.