Dog health

Boerboel health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Boerboel, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 16 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 4 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, entropion and heart disease. A typical vet bill for a giant dog runs $350 – $1,373.

Health problems linked to the Boerboel

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Entropion (rolled-in eyelids)Named by: AKC breed page [1]The eyelid rolls inward so lashes rub the eye. It is usually fixed with a small surgery. [8]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Heart diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]Breed clubs ask breeders to have hearts checked, often by a cardiologist, because some inherited heart problems run in the breed. [9]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [10]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: The Boerboel is typically a healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disease, and two disorders that affect the eyelids: ectropion and entropion. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Evaluation. [1][11] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

What to budget

For a giant dog like the Boerboel, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). [12]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Boerboel at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 9–11 years and you get roughly $7,900–$16,300 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [12][13] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [14] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [15] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [16]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Boerboel?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, entropion and heart disease. That doesn't mean every Boerboel will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Boerboel?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607).

Should I get pet insurance for a Boerboel?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Boerboel breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Boerboel live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 9–11 years.

Boerboel breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsElbow dysplasia surgery cost for dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (16) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Boerboel breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  6. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. VCA – Eyelid entropion in dogs
  9. OFA – Cardiac disease
  10. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  11. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  12. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  13. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  14. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  15. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  16. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)