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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
Reviews211
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Boerboel. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
South African Mastiff
South African Boerboel
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Boerboel. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Giant
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Boerboel. Which breed is heavier?
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 Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Boerboel. Which breed costs more?
$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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
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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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Boerboel. How do their temperaments differ?
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.
See more.
Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare living space needs.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare adaptability levels.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare mouthing behaviors.
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.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare climate tolerances.
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 common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Boerboel. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
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.
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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare activity levels.
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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare daily food needs.
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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Boerboel? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Red
Cream
Brown
Tawny
Brindle
Reddish
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Boerboel? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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 German Shepherd or Boerboel? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Boerboel dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Boerboel dogs shed moderately.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare service capabilities.

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 Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd 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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Boerboel? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

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 history between German Shepherd and Boerboel. Which has stronger military background?

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Boerboel. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 7-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Boerboel breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Boerboel. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Boerboel. Which groups do they belong to?
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 Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Boerboel. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Boerboel. Which is more widely recognized?
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