Health Issues

The African Boerboel is a very healthy breed due to the selective breeding of the original dogs in Africa. In addition the African Boerboel has largely had to survive as a breed without veterinary care or specialized treatments, providing a sort of natural selection process. There are two different conditions that may be problematic in the breed although they are not fatal. The first condition occurs only in females and is VH or vaginal hyperplasia. This condition is genetic and occurs in different grades or levels of severity. Any female with severe abnormal tissue (prolaps) development of the vaginal area  should not be used in breeding programs. The second genetic condition that is found in the breed is common in most dog breeds and is found in both males and females. Canine hip dysplasia or CHD  can be checked by vet examination and should be completed before the dog is used in a breeding program.