Boerboel
The Boerboel is described by the AKC as intelligent, confident, calm, a member of the Working Group, originally from South Africa.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 150-200 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 9–11+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Intelligent / Confident / Calm [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | South Africa [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 112 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The strong, athletic Boerboel needs daily exercise, such as long walks on a leash or play sessions in a securely fenced area with his owner. Boerboels need mental stimulation and interaction with their owners along with physical activity. They will not take kindly to challenges from other dogs, and visiting dog parks is not recommended. [1]
Grooming
The Boerboel has a short, dense coat that sheds a moderate amount. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove will help to remove any loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. A good brushing also promotes new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat to help keep it healthy. [1]
Health issues to budget for
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. As with all breeds, a Boerboel's ears should be checked regularly, and the teeth brushed often. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Boerboel in 2015. [1]
- It ranked No. 112 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 126 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Bole.” [1]
- The AKC lists South Africa as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Boerboels live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 9-11 years.
How big does a Boerboel get?
AKC breed information lists height 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female) and weight 150-200 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Boerboel?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Boerboel, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.