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Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Comparison - Dog breed selector: South African Mastiff or Gentle Giant or Old English Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff" Compare Boerboel and Leonberger. Which is better: Boerboel or Leonberger or Mastiff?
 
 
 
Name Boerboel Leonberger Mastiff
OriginsSouth Africa flagSouth Africa Germany flagGermany England flagEngland
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank12410028
Reviews143
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff breeds.
South African Mastiff
South African Boerboel
Gentle Giant
Gentle Lion
Leonbergi
Leo
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is the largest?
Large
Giant
Giant Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff? Compare adult weight ranges.
154-200 pounds (70-90 kg) Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
177 pounds (80 kg) Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Boerboel or Leonberger or Mastiff? Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff height comparison:
Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm) Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1500-$2000 $1500-$2000 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Boerboel or Leonberger or Mastiff?
Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is easiest to train?
Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train.
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Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most alert?
Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most protective?
Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Dominant
Territorial
Loving
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Companionable
Adaptable
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff?
Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Leonberger dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff social needs comparison:
Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Leonberger dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks.
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Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal.
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Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Leonberger is a playful breed.
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Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Leonberger breed.
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 Mastiff indoors.

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Leonberger dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Boerboel or Leonberger or Mastiff?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Leonberger dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which uses mouth most during play?
Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has the strongest bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers cold weather
The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has fewer health issues?
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Leonbergers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Leonberger should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Epilepsy
Joint Dysplasia
Vaginal Hyperplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Bloat
Entropion
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Eosinophilic Panosteitis
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Leonberger's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which needs most food?
8 to 10 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 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. What colors are available?
Red
Cream
Brown
Tawny
Brindle
Reddish
Red
Brown
Yellow
Sandy
Reddish
Mahogany
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which drools least?
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.
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The Leonberger is an average drooler.
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The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Waterproof Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Boerboel or Leonberger or Mastiff? Boerboel or Leonberger or {name3 shedding:
Boerboel dogs shed moderately.
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Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders.
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Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best with kids?
Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Leonberger dogs are generally with other pets.
Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Boerboel or Leonberger or Mastiff? Which dog is more friendly?
Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Boerboel or Leonberger or Mastiff?
Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Boerboel or Leonberger or Mastiff?
Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff?
Yes
Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Leonberger dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Leonberger is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.
Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

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 Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a 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 Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Leonberger breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has most puppies?
7-10 puppies 6-8 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Boerboel vs Leonberger vs Mastiff Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Boerboel, Leonberger, and Mastiff. Which has most recognition?
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel 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

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