Boerboel Health Testing Explained: Hips, Elbows, Heart & Eyes
Health testing separates responsible breeders from the rest. Here's what to ask for and how to interpret it.
Hips and elbows
As a large breed, Boerboels are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Reputable breeders screen breeding dogs via OFA or PennHIP and share the results. You can browse public OFA results on our health testing records page.
Heart
Cardiac evaluations (ideally by a board-certified cardiologist or OFA cardiac exam) screen for conditions like subaortic stenosis.
Eyes
Annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist catch entropion, ectropion, and other issues common in the breed.
How to read results
- OFA hips are graded (Excellent, Good, Fair, then dysplastic categories). Aim for parents with Fair or better.
- Results are tied to a specific dog and registration number — confirm the dog you're shown matches the parents of your litter.
Why it matters
Skipping testing doesn't make problems disappear; it just moves the cost to you. For the broader health picture, read our guide to common Boerboel health issues, and verify a breeder screens before you commit.