Heart Problems in Boerboels

Heart and Cardiac Problems in Boerboels

Cardiac problems in dogs are usually genetic in nature.  Unfortunately, the Boerboel is known to be a breed that has been diagnosed with heart issues, including DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) and SAS (Subaortic Stenosis).  Canine Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is an abnormal, congenital heart murmur caused by subaortic stenosis (SAS). There is a relatively high incidence of this condition in the Boerboel.  There is evidence that the disease is genetic and passed on from generation to generation.

Before you plunk down your hard-earned cash to purchase a Boerboel puppy, make sure that the breeder has had cardiac tests done on the dogs they use in their breeding program.  Some breeders have submitted the results of their testing to OFFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America), and you can easily follow this link for the list of Boerboels in the US that have had cardiac tests done.  Please remember that the list may not be comprehensive.  It is not compulsory for an owner to submit the results of cardiac tests to OFFA.  The most important thing is to make sure your breeder has had cardiac tests on their breeding dogs, and ask for a copy of the results or the certificate.  A reputable breeder will do cardiac testing on their dogs, and will be happy to provide proof of the results. 

List of Boerboels with OFFA Cardiac Tests

I wanted to share this blog story about a Boerboel puppy that was diagnosed with SAS at 5 months of age.  His parents were not health tested, even though the breeder assured the buyer they were healthy.  He passed away from heart disease before he reached one year old.  This blog is an account from his owner during the process of diagnosis, treatment, through the final end.  She shares her heart-wrenching journey of trying to do what is best for her pup.  Have your tissues handy, as this is a tearjerker!

Island Zahlman, a Boerboel puppy, was diagnosed with SAS at 5 months of age.  RIP, Zahlman.

Boerboel Puppy Diagnosed with Heart Problems

Most importantly, make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder that does a full screen of health tests, including HD, ED and Cardiac.  Most breeders are charging premium prices for their Boerboel puppies, so be sure not to reward a breeder that doesn't have the welfare of the breed at heart (no pun intended). 

There is also the option to rescue a Boerboel in need.  There are several sites that list Boerboels available for adoption in North America.  Here are a few:

Boerboel Rescue -- networking site for Boerboels available for adoption

Boerboel Rescue North America -- Facebook page for networking Boerboels in need

Boerboel Rescue, Inc -- non-profit 501c3 dedicated to the rescue of Boerboels

Good luck! 

Azaan has her eye on the butterfly. 

Copyrighted Photos of Boerboels

I found one of my photos on Pinterest.  I don't mind that people share the photos, as long as they give credit to the owner or point back to one of my websites.  In this case, the photo was posted on someone's website without permission first.

Here is the photo that was used on a competing website without permission.  This is Jaf enjoying the water in the Big Sewickley Creek in SW Pennsylvania.  I added a watermark for ShopForPuppy.com, which is our online pet supplies store that gives back to the rescue community in terms of a donation from each sale. 

Boerboels in Snow

Fiona Needs Help

Fiona is a purebred female Boerboel with a rare genetic disease called osteochondrodysplasia (dwarfism).  OCD is a growth and developmental abnormality of the bone and cartilage, which results in lack of normal bone growth and bone deformities.  The photo shows Fiona with her normal sized littermates.   Fiona should not be bred as she carries this condition and may pass this on to her puppies.

Fiona is barely one year old, but her original owner breached the contract and sold her to an Amish puppy mill.  She was sold to her first owner as pet quality, with no papers and no breeding rights.  She is gorgeous and loving, but she is now at risk through no fault of her own.

Can you help us to help Fiona?  We have some loving, lifetime homes that want to adopt her where she will be spayed and live her life as a pet.  We need financial help to buy her back from the situation she is in, as her "newest" owner is seeing dollar signs from what he can make by using her to produce puppies for him. 

Please help!  All donated funds will be used to help pull Fiona from the situation she is in, vet checks and spay, and transportation to her new home.  Every dollar helps!  If you cannot donate, please share this post on social media so that we can help save Fiona.  

Donations can be sent via PayPal to info@shopforpuppy.com.  Make sure you mark it as a "gift" and specify that it is for Fiona.  We are also accepting donations through GoFundMe.  Thank you for your help. 

Boerboels in Snow

The dogs enjoy playing in the snow. They like it much more than I do!

Jaf (Quo Vadis Barracuda) in the snow

AKC-registered breeders raising dogs in 'miserable' conditions

I found this expose' on ABC's Today Show about the conditions of some dogs bred by AKC breeders.  Not all AKC breeders are bad, of course, but as the news story shows, it is important that you inspect the kennel where you are buying your next puppy before you send that deposit. 

New accusations that one of the country's largest organizations dedicated to dogs, the American Kennel Club, isn't doing enough to protect animals. TODAY National Investigative Correspondent Jeff Rossen reports.

http://www.today.com/news/akc-registered-breeders-raising-dogs-miserable-conditions-6C9640008http://www.today.com/news/akc-registered-breeders-raising-dogs-miserable-conditions-6C9640008

Many people are buying Boerboel puppies sight unseen from internet websites, and many of these online breeders of Boerboels are not taking good care of their dogs.  The best practice is to visit the breeder in person and meet the breeding parents of your next pup. 

The first Boerboel puppy that I purchased was registered with AKC, but I visited the breeder, met the sire and dam of my pup, and saw the pup in person before I made a decision.  She was raised in a home environment, and not a kennel.  Now she has multiple obedience titles and is a registered Therapy Dog.   She will be 7 years old on Saturday, November 15, 2014, and is very healthy.  I couldn't be more happy with my girl! 

Don't forget to go out and have fun with your dog!  The photo above is Azaan, my first Boerboel, focused on her handler (me) on the pause table during agility training on the second floor of an Indoor Soccer Arena.