Boerboel
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Boerboel. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | high | A leading breed concern; buy only from OFA-screened parents. |
| Bloat (GDV) | high | Deep-chested molosser; know torsion signs and consider gastropexy. |
| Heart disease (DCM, aortic stenosis) | moderate | Cardiac screening recommended for breeding stock and adults. |
| Eyelid disorders (entropion, ectropion) | moderate | Lid abnormalities may require surgical correction. |
| Cruciate ligament rupture | moderate | Heavy athletic frames stress knees; keep the dog lean. |
Pet insurance for a Boerboel
Insurers price a Boerboel from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 2 high-risk conditions, led by Hip and elbow dysplasia and Bloat (GDV). Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Boerboel is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 150–200 lbs and a grooming score of 1/5, the Boerboel sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Boerboel
The Boerboel is South Africa's farm guardian, developed to protect homesteads from baboons and leopards, and it remains one of the most powerful and athletic mastiff types. Well-bred Boerboels are calm, confident, and remarkably trainable with family, but their guarding instinct and sheer strength make early socialization, firm training, and secure containment non-negotiable. Exercise needs are moderate, grooming trivial, and food bills substantial. This is an expert-level guardian breed, unsuited to first-time owners or permissive households.
Origin: South Africa
Temperament
Related reading for Boerboel owners
Boerboel FAQ
How long do Boerboels live?
The typical Boerboel lifespan is 9–11 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Boerboel?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Boerboel carries 2 documented high-risk conditions, which is the main reason a Boerboel policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Boerboel a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 150–200 lbs with an energy level of 3/5, the Boerboel needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are Boerboels prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip and elbow dysplasia, Bloat (GDV), Heart disease (DCM, aortic stenosis). Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.