General Health Requirements and Information

Things You Will Need
When thinking about getting a pet for your family, their are a lot of things to consider. The addition of a dog will require a lot of time, love, attention and training. You will need a healthy food that is appropriate for you dog breed, size and age; a consistent schedule for training and affection; appropriate toys for your breed; and adequate financing to provide necessary preventative care. We currently feed Blue Buffalo brand dog food and treats. You will also need to consider the exercise requirements for your breed of choice. Do you have adequate yard space for your dog? Is you dog able to adapt to apartment life? Do you need a hypo-allergenic dog breed? All of these things and much more should be considered before making your decision to assure a long happy life together with your dog. [back to top]
Vaccination and De-Worming Schedule
Puppies and dogs require vaccinations and parasite control to ensure their healthy, happy and living life to the fullest. Puppies require vaccinations beginning at six weeks of age, again at eight weeks, ten weeks and twelve weeks. Following these, dogs require annual boosters and rabies vaccinations. De-worming medications should begin between 2-4 weeks old and continue every two weeks until they are eight weeks old and can begin monthly preventative. See the vaccination schedule below or consult your veterinarian.

6 weeks - Distemper-Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Coronavirus
8 weeks - Distemper-Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Coronavirus
12 weeks - Distemper-Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Coronavirus
16 weeks - Distemper-Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Coronavirus, Laptospirosis and Rabies

ADENOFIRUS TYPES 1 AND 2 cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively. Hepatitis caused by adenovirus type 1 may cause severe liver damage or death. Adenovirus type 2 is a cause of respiratory disease in dogs.
DISTEMPER is a widespread, often fatal, disease and can result in severe multi-systemic disease involving the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin and central nervous system. All dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, starting at six to nine weeks of age.
PARVOVIRUS is a disease of widespread distribution which may cause severe dehydrating, diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of varying ages. Parvovirus infection is especially dangerous for puppies.
PARAINFLUENZA is a cause of infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB) or kennel cough. Parainfluenza is often a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs.
RABIES is always fatal and attacks the nervous system, and is transmitted chiefly through the bite of an infected animal.
LEPTOSPIROSIS is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage. The disease may be spread to other pets and to humans.
CORONAVIRUS is a contagious intestinal disease causing vomiting and diarrhea in young puppies.

There are a few more vaccinations that would be wise to get, especially if your pet will boarded or outside often. Bordetella is a cause of respiratory disease in dogs, especially those that are boarded or came from a shelter. it is the primary causative agent of ITB or kennel cough. This bacterial infection can occur alone or in combination with distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza and other respiratory problems. Lyme disease is a tick transmitted disease that can cause fever and joint pain. Periodontitis is an inflammation and/or infection of the gums and bones around your dog's teeth which can lead o tooth loss if left untreated. These are just a few additional health concerns to be aware of. Please contact your local vet for more information. [back to top
Exercise Requirements
Large breed dogs have different exercise requirements. Large breeds must be exercised carefully during their first year to year and a half of life to help prevent joint damage. Over exercising at an early age promotes hip dysplasia and other joint disorders that are irreparable and painful for the dog. Boerboel puppies should never be exercised on pavement or hard turf areas at an early age. Exercise should be conducted on soft turfs like dirt, grass, water, etc. Feeding a large breed puppy food and monitoring exercise will help ensure your puppy lives a long, healthy and happy life.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Beginning at six weeks of age, all puppies and dogs should be treated with flea, tick and parasite prevention. These medications are easily obtained by your local veterinarian. Puppies and dogs that are not treated properly are at a much higher risk of parasite infestation that could like result in severe illness or death of your pet. There are many different brands of prevention. Consult your local vet for more information and recommendation on the specific brand that will treat the parasites in your geographical area. [back to top]
Worm Prevention
Beginning as early as two weeks of age, puppies and dogs should be treated with a worm prevention medication. Starting at two weeks of age, puppies are treated for worms every two weeks consecutively until they reach eight-twelve weeks of age. At ten-twelve weeks of age, puppies can begin monthly preventative. This medication can be easily obtained from your local veterinarian. Puppies and dogs that are not treated properly are at a much higher risk of parasite infestation that could likely result in severe illness or death of your pet. There are many different brands of prevention. Consult your local vet for more information and recommendation on the specific brand that will treat the parasites in your geographical area. [back to top]
Grooming
Boerboels have low grooming requirements. Minimal shedding should be expected in appropriate seasons. Claws must be kept trimmed to prevent damage to their paws. Bathing is only required when obviously needed. [back to top]
Potty Training
Every puppy is different on how long it can take to potty train or how difficult it can be. We recommend using a crate to assist in this process. You should use a crate that is only large enough for your pet to lie down, stand up and turn around in. You will need to update the crate size to meet the needs of your growing puppy. If a large crate is used, this allows your pet room to potty inside the crate. Most dogs will not potty where they have to sleep. Do not punish your dog by rubbing their nose in their mess, contrary to popular belief, this does not make your pet realize they did something wrong. Punishment should not be used unless you catch your dog in the act, this is the only way they will realize that what they just did is wrong. Always reward your pet for going outside when given the opportunity, this positive action will remind your pet they have done well. When the day is done, consistency is the key. You have to have a consistent potty schedule for your pet until the training process is complete. [back to top]
Natural Instinct
South African Boerboels have a natural guard instinct and should be socialized according to your needs. Boerboels are very well known for fearless protection of their families, whether it be people or other animals. To prevent excessive aggression, all puppies should be socialized from early puppy age and continued throughout their lives. If protection is your sole purpose for adding a Boerboel to your life, keep in mind this breed is very strong willed, headstrong and requires a dominant owner for complete control. [back to top]
Shipping Terms
US SHIPPING: If shipping is required, in the lower 48 States, additional fees will apply beginning at $325, or relative to current airfare rates, per puppy to be paid by the buyer up to 9 weeks of age. Some states including Hawaii, Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana may be slightly higher and must be discussed prior to monies exchanged or the buyer assumes responsibility for any differences in previously outlined pricing. Shipping prices for puppies over 9 weeks of age must be discussed prior to monies being exchanged or buyer assumes full responsibility for any and all shipping charges incurred. The shipping charges will cover the airline ticket, health certificate and acclimation statement from a licensed veterinarian, and airline approved shipping crate, unless otherwise agreed upon. The buyer is responsible for supplying iSLA 671 Boerbeoles with three US airports in preferred order, prior to deposit, to be sure that your puppy can fly into an airport close to you.  Puppies must be 8 weeks of age before they can be flown and the temperature must not drop below 20 degrees or rise above 85 degrees anywhere between its departure city and destination city. Please be advised that winter temperatures may cause flight delays to certain areas, this is out of our control and should be considered before purchase. We are more than glad to negotiate different shipping arrangements if needed, please contact us with any questions prior to purchase. Any alternative shipping arrangements, including us meeting you somewhere for pick up, MUST be discussed prior to deposits made or we will assume the buyer will be responsible for 100% of traveling to pick up your puppy. In the event we agree to travel to meet you, there may be additional charges for our travel time unless otherwise agreed prior to the deposit being made.  All fees incurred in preparation for US shipping must be paid 7 days prior to shipping be scheduled and are non-refundable. Shipping prices are controlled by the airlines and are subject to change without notice.
Resource Statement
Information outlined on this page and other pages included on this website have been obtained from various sources and personal experience. Not all methods are intended for every dog owner and a licensed vet should be consulted if you have any further questions. [back to top]
Additional Sources of Information