Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cane Di Macellaio or South African Mastiff or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd" Compare Cane Corso and Boerboel. Which is better: Cane Corso or Boerboel or German Shepherd?

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	Cane Corso	Boerboel	German Shepherd
Origins	Italy	South Africa	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	37	124	2
Reviews	6	1	21
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd breeds.	Cane Di Macellaio Cane Corz	South African Mastiff South African Boerboel	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large Giant	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 99-110 pounds (45-50 kg), Female: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg)	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 104.5 pounds (47.5 kg), Female: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg)	177 pounds (80 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Cane Corso or Boerboel or German Shepherd? Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 24-27 inches (64-68 cm), Female: 23-25 inches (60-64 cm)	Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 25.5 inches (66 cm), Female: 24 inches (62 cm)	Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

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

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?	Smart: The Cane Corso dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?	Cane Corso dogs are easy to train. See more.	Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?	Cane Corso dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?	Cane Corso dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.	Courageous Loyal Social Cheerful Quiet	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Cane Corso dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd?	Average: Cane Corso dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Cane Corso dogs are a social breed. See more.	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Cane Corso dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Cane Corso dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. 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.	German Shepherd 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

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Cane Corso barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Cane Corsos, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not recommended to keep the Cane Corso breed in the home.	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 German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?	Cane Corso dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Cane Corso or Boerboel or German Shepherd?	Cane Corso 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.	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.

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Cane Corso: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. 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.	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 Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?	Cane Corsos are commonly healthy dogs.	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Cane Corso should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Frequent The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Bloat Entropion Cherry Eye Ectropion Arthritis Demodectic Mange	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cane Corso's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: If you are feeding a high-quality dry food, your Corso will probably eat 4 to 5 cups a day.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?	Black Gray Red Fawn Brindle Chestnut	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Cane Corso requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?	The Cane Corso 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 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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Cane Corso has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Dense Shiny Smooth	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. 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.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Cane Corso or Boerboel or German Shepherd? Cane Corso or Boerboel or {name3 shedding:	Cane Corso dogs shed moderately. See more.	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?	Cane Corso dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Cane Corso dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Cane Corso or Boerboel or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Cane Corso dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are 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 Cane Corso or Boerboel or German Shepherd?	Cane Corso dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Cane Corso or Boerboel or German Shepherd?	Cane Corso dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd?	No Cane Corso dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Cane Corso is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Cane Corsos are commonly okay with elderly people.	Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Cane Corso breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. 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.	Not really 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 Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. 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.

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	4-6 puppies	7-10 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. 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.

Cane Corso vs Boerboel vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Cane Corso, Boerboel, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?	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. National Kennel Club	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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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