Boerboel Health, Lifespan & Disadvantages
An honest look at the breed's common health problems and what responsible breeding does about them.
The Short Answer
Boerboels are generally robust dogs with a lifespan of 9–12 years, but like all giant breeds they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, bloat, allergies, and certain cancers. Good breeding, health testing, a lean body weight, and proper nutrition make a real difference.
Common Boerboel Health Problems
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
The most well-known concern in large breeds. Reputable breeders evaluate hips and elbows (OFA or PennHIP) before breeding to reduce the risk of passing on joint problems.
Heart Problems
Cardiac conditions can occur in the breed, which is why a cardiac exam is part of responsible health screening for breeding dogs.
Bloat (GDV)
A serious, potentially fatal emergency common to deep-chested breeds. See our prevention tips below — it can kill within hours if untreated.
Skin & Ear Allergies
Some Boerboels develop skin and ear allergies. Diet adjustments and good ear care help; severe cases may need a vet's guidance.
Interdigital Cysts
Cysts between the toes can occur and are usually manageable, though recurring cases should be seen by a veterinarian.
Cancer
Bone cancer appears to be the most common cancer noted in the breed. As with all dogs, early detection and regular vet care matter.
How Long Do Boerboels Live?
A Boerboel's lifespan is commonly cited as 9 to 12 years. As with any giant breed, the way you raise and maintain the dog has a major impact on how long and how well it lives.
The biggest levers you control:
- • Keep your Boerboel lean — extra weight stresses the joints and heart.
- • Feed balanced, high-quality nutrition and avoid over-feeding puppies.
- • Avoid over-exercising puppies — growing too fast can cause irreversible joint damage.
- • Stay current on regular veterinary check-ups.
- • Provide mental stimulation and appropriate exercise for adults.
Preventing Bloat
Bloat is very serious and can result in death in a matter of hours if not treated by a vet. We have not had any issues with bloat, but here are the pointers we follow to keep the risk low.
- Do not raise the food/water bowls. You will hear the opposite from some sources, but the actual studies comparing raised vs. ground bowls suggest raised bowls caused a higher risk of bloat.
- Don't let your Boerboel eat right before or after strenuous activity or play.
- Slow down fast eaters — a slow-feeder bowl helps.
- Feed more than once a day rather than one large meal.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Boerboel?
We believe in being honest with buyers. A Boerboel is not the right dog for everyone, and the breed has real downsides to weigh before you commit:
- • They are powerful and need an experienced owner. Boerboels are not to be taken lightly and cannot be placed into careless hands.
- • Socialization is non-negotiable. Their protective instinct will generalize beyond the family if they don't get heavy exposure to people, places, and animals early.
- • Same-sex dog aggression. Most Boerboels won't get along with other large intact dogs of the same sex without serious, specialized effort.
- • Size and space. These are very large dogs that need room and a securely fenced yard; apartment living is generally not advisable.
- • Giant-breed health realities. A 9–12 year lifespan and susceptibility to joint issues, bloat, and allergies come with the territory.
- • Drool and shedding. Some drool a fair amount, and they shed more than people expect.
None of this should scare off the right owner — for an experienced, committed family, the Boerboel is an extraordinary guardian and companion. It just isn't a casual, first-time dog.
What a Health Guarantee Should Cover
A meaningful breeder health guarantee backs up the breeding decisions with real coverage. Our guarantee covers severe hip dysplasia, severe elbow dysplasia, any crippling genetic defect, and severe cardiac conditions for 24 months, evaluated and certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). When you're evaluating any breeder, ask what their guarantee actually covers and for how long — and confirm they health test their breeding dogs.
Learn more in our Boerboels Explained breed guide and full Boerboel FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common Boerboel health problems?
The most common Boerboel health concerns are hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, bloat, skin and ear allergies, and interdigital cysts. Bone cancer appears to be the most common cancer seen in the breed. Responsible breeders health test to reduce hereditary risk.
What is the lifespan of a Boerboel?
A Boerboel's lifespan is commonly cited as 9 to 12 years. Keeping the dog lean, feeding quality nutrition, avoiding over-exercise as a puppy, and regular vet care all help support a longer, healthier life.
What are the disadvantages of a Boerboel?
Boerboels are powerful dogs that require experienced, confident owners and heavy early socialization. They are large, can be dog-aggressive toward same-sex dogs, need space, and like all giant breeds have a relatively short lifespan and can be prone to joint issues, bloat, and allergies. They are not the right dog for a first-time, hands-off owner.
Do Boerboels get bloat, and how do you prevent it?
Yes, bloat is a serious risk for the Boerboel and can be fatal within hours. To lower the risk: do not raise food or water bowls, do not let the dog eat right before or after strenuous activity, slow down fast eaters, and feed more than once a day.
Health-Tested Boerboels From a Breeder Who Cares
See our available puppies or start an application to learn about our health testing and guarantee.