Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Comparison - Dog breed selector: South African Mastiff or Old English Mastiff or Japanese Fighting Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken" Compare Boerboel and Mastiff. Which is better: Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken?

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	Boerboel	Mastiff	Tosa Ken
Origins	South Africa	England	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Working Dogs	Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank	124	28	352
Reviews	1	3	0
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken breeds.	South African Mastiff South African Boerboel	Old English Mastiff English Mastiff	Japanese Fighting Dog Japanese Mastiff Japanese Tosa Tosa Fighting Dog Tosa Ken Tosa Tōken Tosa Inu
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Cross Breed

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is the largest?	Large Giant	Giant	Large Giant
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken? 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: 88-176 lbs (40-80 kg), Female: 84-120 lbs (38-54 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: 132 pounds (60 kg), Female: 102 pounds (46 kg)
Height Which is taller, Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken? Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken 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: 22-24 inches (55-62 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (54-60 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1500-$2000	$1200-$1500	$600-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken?	Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.	Average: The Tosa Ken is a commonly available dog breed.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken? Compare temperaments.	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial	Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Cheerful	Sensitive Intelligent Aggressive Fearless Brave Suspicious
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. See more.	Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken?	Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Tosa Ken dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken social needs comparison:	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Tosa Ken dogs are a social breed. See more.
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. See more.	Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Tosa Ken is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
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. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.	Tosa Ken dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. See more.	Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The Tosa Ken rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Tosa Kens, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tosa Ken breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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.	Tosa Ken dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken?	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.	Tosa Ken 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 Tosa Ken Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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 Tosa Ken has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which uses mouth most during play?	Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Tosa Ken dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which has the strongest bite?	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Tosa Ken bite force: The Strongest.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Tosa Ken: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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. See more.	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. 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 Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which has fewer health issues?	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.	Tosa Kens 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 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).	Frequent The Tosa Ken 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: Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Seizures Cystinuria	Bloat

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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.	Tosa Ken dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken? 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.	Tosa Ken dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken?	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.	Tosa Ken dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	High: The Tosa Ken breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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	4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. What colors are available?	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish	Fawn Brindle Apricot	Black Brown Fawn Yellow Brindle
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Tosa Ken requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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. See more.	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. See more.	The Tosa Ken is an average drooler. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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 Tosa Ken has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Shiny Smooth	Dense	Dense Hard
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	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 Tosa Ken? Boerboel or Mastiff or {name3 shedding:	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.	Mastiff dogs shed moderately. See more.	Tosa Ken dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which is best with kids?	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Tosa Ken dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Tosa Ken dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken? Which dog is more friendly?	Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Tosa Ken dogs are not 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 Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken?	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Tosa Ken dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Boerboel or Mastiff or Tosa Ken?	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Tosa Ken dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken?	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.	No Tosa Ken dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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 Tosa Ken 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.	Tosa Kens are commonly okay with elderly people.

Boerboel vs Mastiff vs Tosa Ken As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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 Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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 Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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 Tosa Ken. 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 Tosa Ken. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Tosa Ken breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which is best for draft work?	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.	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 Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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 Tosa Ken Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. Which has most puppies?	7-10 puppies	3-5 puppies	6-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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 Tosa Ken. 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 Tosa Ken Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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 Boerboel, Mastiff, and Tosa Ken. 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 Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service

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