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German Shepherd vs Boerboel Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or South African Mastiff?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Boerboel" Compare German Shepherd and Boerboel. Which is better: German Shepherd or Boerboel?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Boerboel
OriginsGermany flagGermany South Africa flagSouth Africa
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank2124
Reviews191
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
South African Mastiff
South African Boerboel
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Boerboel breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, German Shepherd or Boerboel? Is the German Shepherd bigger than the Boerboel breed? Is a German Shepherd smaller than a Boerboel?
Large Large
Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Boerboel? German Shepherd vs Boerboel weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 177 pounds (80 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Boerboel? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Boerboel?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Boerboel? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and Boerboel?
$800-$2000 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Boerboel?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or Boerboel smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Boerboel intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Boerboel trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Boerboel?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Boerboel? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Boerboel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Boerboel? German Shepherd vs Boerboel behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Dominant
Territorial
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Boerboel 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: German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Boerboel social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Boerboel? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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 vs Boerboel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Boerboel playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Boerboel?
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.
It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Boerboel?
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.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Boerboel?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than a Boerboel?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Boerboel mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd vs Boerboel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Boerboel health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Boerboel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Boerboel health problems comparison:
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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Epilepsy
Joint Dysplasia
Vaginal Hyperplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
Rare
The German Shepherd 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.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Boerboel lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and Boerboel breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and Boerboel?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Boerboel? German Shepherd vs Boerboel energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Boerboel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Boerboel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Boerboel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Boerboel?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Boerboel? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the Boerboel breed?
3 to 4 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
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Boerboel weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity.
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German Shepherd vs Boerboel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Boerboel coat comparison:
Fuzzy Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and Boerboel color? German Shepherd vs Boerboel color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Red
Cream
Brown
Tawny
Brindle
Reddish
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Boerboel? German Shepherd vs Boerboel grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Boerboel? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Boerboel dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Boerboel dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Boerboel?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Boerboel hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd or Boerboel?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Boerboel?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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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.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Good With Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Boerboel? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Boerboel?

Not really

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

Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

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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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

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

Yes

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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Boerboel have? German Shepherd vs Boerboel litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 7-10 puppies

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Boerboel

Reviews

  • Jackson

    Feb 1, 2021, 11:43:09 AM:

    Fair comparison.It has helped me decide which to go for as a family dog.

  • K GREAT

    May 18, 2021, 8:16:48 PM:

    Great review