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Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Comparison - Dog breed selector: South African Mastiff or Old English Mastiff or Apollo of Dogs? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane" Compare Boerboel and Mastiff. Which is better: Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane?
 
 
 
Name Boerboel Mastiff Great Dane
OriginsSouth Africa flagSouth Africa England flagEngland Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank1242814
Reviews138
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane breeds.
South African Mastiff
South African Boerboel
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed is the largest?
Large
Giant
Giant Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane? Compare adult weight ranges.
154-200 pounds (70-90 kg) Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
177 pounds (80 kg) Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg) Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane? Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane height comparison:
Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 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 (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm)

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1500-$2000 $1200-$1500 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane?
Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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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Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which is easiest to train?
Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed is most alert?
Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed is most protective?
Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Dominant
Territorial
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
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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Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane?
Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane social needs comparison:
Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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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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Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Their prey drive is low.
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Great Dane 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.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Boerboel 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.
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Great Dane 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.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which uses mouth most during play?
Boerboel dogs have an 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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Great Dane 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, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which has the strongest bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which has fewer health issues?
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
Great Danes 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.
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Great Dane 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 Mastiff vs Great Dane? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Epilepsy
Joint Dysplasia
Vaginal Hyperplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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.
Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane?
Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 Mastiff vs Great Dane Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. What colors are available?
Red
Cream
Brown
Tawny
Brindle
Reddish
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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 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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The Great Dane 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 Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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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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 Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane? Boerboel or Mastiff or {name3 shedding:
Boerboel dogs shed moderately.
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Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
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Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which is best with kids?
Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are 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.
Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Great Dane dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane? Which dog is more friendly?
Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane?
Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Boerboel or Mastiff or Great Dane?
Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane?
Yes
Boerboel 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.
Yes
Great Dane 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
Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Great Dane 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.
Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Great Danes are usually recommended for elderly people.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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

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

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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.

Yes

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

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. Which has most puppies?
7-10 puppies 3-5 puppies 10-15 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Great Dane Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Great Dane. 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.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United 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
Canadian Canine Registry

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