Boerboel
Giant dog (over 45 kg), typically living 9–11 years.
Typical adult weight
Males: 64–91 kg
Females: 50–73 kg
Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.
At a glance
Typical lifespan
Median lifespan for a Boerboel is around 10.1 years, based on an estimate built from this breed's size, type and published lifespan range. Try our dog lifespan calculator for a figure adjusted to your own dog.
Life with a Boerboel
The Boerboel is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay content. As a giant dog (over 45 kg as an adult), it is quick to learn and usually responds very well to training, which matters most in the first year while good habits are being formed. It also will bark to alert you but is not usually excessive.
Coat care is a big part of day-to-day life with this breed: its coat needs almost no work beyond an occasional wipe-down, and it sheds a moderate amount, with heavier shedding at coat-change times. Around the home, the Boerboel generally gets on fine with children who understand how to behave around dogs and can be selective about which other animals it gets on with, though every individual dog is different and early, positive socialisation makes a real difference.
Weather is worth planning for too – this breed manages moderate warmth reasonably well but still needs care on hot days. Whatever your plans for exercise, feeding or budgeting, the tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Boerboel so you can get a quick, personalised estimate.
Puppy growth chart
Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 69.5 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females) and a standard giant-breed growth curve. Real puppies vary by ±15% or more.
| Age | % of adult weight | Expected weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 25% | 17.4 kg |
| 16 weeks | 33% | 22.9 kg |
| 26 weeks | 50% | 34.8 kg |
| 39 weeks | 70% | 48.7 kg |
| 52 weeks | 80% | 55.6 kg |
| 78 weeks | 95% | 66 kg |
| 104 weeks | 100% | 69.5 kg |
Feeding guide by weight
Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Boerboel of average activity, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3600 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.
| Body weight | Daily calories | Roughly dry food |
|---|---|---|
| 50 kg | 2106 kcal | 585 g |
| 69.5 kg | 2696 kcal | 749 g |
| 91 kg | 3300 kcal | 917 g |
For a figure tailored to your dog's age, activity and neuter status, use the dog food calculator.
Daily exercise needs
As a working, sporting and herding breed-type dog, the Boerboel typically needs about 90–120 minutes of exercise a day, split across one or two walks plus some off-lead time or play where possible.
Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness need much less – see how much exercise does my dog need for a plan by age and health.
Estimated UK costs
Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment, grooming and extras) for a Boerboel typically run to around £277–£375 a month, or roughly £41,550–£56,250 over an average 12.5-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.
Insurers price on breed. Flat-faced breeds (breathing and eye surgery) and large or giant breeds (joint surgery) usually cost more to insure and to treat.
These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle. See our cost-of-ownership guide for a full breakdown you can adjust yourself.
Health conditions to be aware of
Like all breeds, the Boerboel has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.
Calculators for your Boerboel
Guides to read next
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026