American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Pit or Alpine Mastiff or South African Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel" Compare American Pit Bull Terrier and St. Bernard. Which is better: American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	American Pit Bull Terrier	St. Bernard	Boerboel
Origins	United States	Switzerland Italy	South Africa
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Working Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	336	48	124
Reviews	14	9	1
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel breeds.	Pit Pit Bull Pitbull Pitty APBT	Alpine Mastiff Bernhardiner St. Barnhardshund St. Bernard Saint	South African Mastiff South African Boerboel
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Giant	Large Giant
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel? Compare adult weight ranges.	22-78 pounds (10-35 kg)	110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	50 pounds (22.5 kg)	155 pounds (70.5 kg)	177 pounds (80 kg)
Height Which is taller, American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel? American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel height comparison:	14-24 inches (35-60 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)	Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	19 inches (47.5 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)	Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Find price differences between these breeds.	$500-$700	$1500-$1800	$1500-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel?	Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The St.	Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which is easiest to train?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed is most alert?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	St. See more.	Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed is most protective?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.	St. See more.	Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel? Compare temperaments.	Stubborn Clownish Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Obedient Loyal Strong Willed Aggressive	Independent Happy Friendly Gentle Going Social Quiet	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: St. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel?	High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: St. See more.	Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel social needs comparison:	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	St. See more.	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	St. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally. See more.	Low: The St. See more.	Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed is most playful?	The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed. See more.	St. See more.	Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep St.	It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed is most flexible?	Average: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	St.	Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	St.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which has lowest bite risk?	High 🔼 The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The St.	Low 🔽 The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which uses mouth most during play?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	St. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 St.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years	8-10 years The average lifespan of St.	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which has fewer health issues?	American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Very healthy dog breed.	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Frequent The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Rare The St.	Frequent The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Skin Allergies	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Bloat Epilepsy Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which breed is most active?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	St.	Boerboel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.	St.	Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	St.	Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St. See more.	Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. What colors are available?	Black Gray Tan Red Blue White Brown Yellow	Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The St. See more.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which drools least?	The American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The St. See more.	The Boerboel drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The St.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Dense Rough Smooth	Dense Shiny Smooth
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel? American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or {name3 shedding:	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.	St. See more.	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which is best with kids?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	St.	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	St.	Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel? Which dog is more friendly?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	St.	Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	St.	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly American Pit Bull Terrier or St. Bernard or Boerboel?	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.	St.	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel?	Yes American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No St.	Yes Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No St.	No Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.	St.	Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which has best nose work ability?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really American Pit Bull Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really St. See more.	Not really Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which has most puppies?	5-8 puppies	6-8 puppies	7-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of American Pit Bull Terrier, St. Bernard, and Boerboel. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club Backwoods Bulldog Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - American Pit Bull Terrier vs St. Bernard vs Boerboel

Reviews