German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or South African Mastiff or Rott? Find the right dog for you

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

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	German Shepherd	Boerboel	Rottweiler
Origins	Germany	South Africa	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Working Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	2	124	8
Reviews	21	1	13
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large Giant	Large Giant
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)	Male: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg), Female: 85-115 pounds (38-52 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)	Male: 112.5 pounds (51 kg), Female: 100 pounds (45 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Shepherd or Boerboel or Rottweiler? German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler height comparison:	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)	Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 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)	Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Price and Availability Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler? Compare temperaments.	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial	Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Loyal Fearless Good-natured
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	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: German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler?	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	Average: Rottweiler dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler social needs comparison:	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Rottweiler dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Rottweiler dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. 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.	Rottweiler 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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Average: Rottweiler 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 or Rottweiler?	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.	Rottweiler dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which breed lives longest?	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years	8-12 years The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. 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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which has fewer health issues?	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Rottweiler is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Average The Rottweiler should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler 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	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Bloat Elbow Dysplasia Panosteitis Aortic Stenosis Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which breed is most active?	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.	Rottweiler dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Boerboel or Rottweiler? 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.	Rottweiler dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Boerboel or Rottweiler?	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.	Rottweiler dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which is most prone to obesity?	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.	High: The Rottweiler breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which needs most food?	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	Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Silver	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish	Black Tan Rust Mahogany
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which drools least?	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.	The Rottweiler 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 German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fuzzy	Dense Shiny Smooth	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	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 or Rottweiler? German Shepherd or Boerboel or {name3 shedding:	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.	Rottweiler dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which is best with kids?	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Rottweiler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Rottweiler dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Boerboel or Rottweiler? Which dog is more friendly?	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Rottweiler 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 German Shepherd or Boerboel or Rottweiler?	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Rottweiler dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Boerboel or Rottweiler?	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Rottweiler dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler?	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.	Yes Rottweiler 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.	No Rottweiler 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.	Rottweilers are not the best breed for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. 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 German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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 German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	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 German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Rottweiler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which is best for draft work?	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.	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 German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. 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.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which has most puppies?	6-10 puppies	7-10 puppies	8-12 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. 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.

German Shepherd vs Boerboel vs Rottweiler Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	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 German Shepherd, Boerboel, and Rottweiler. Which has most recognition?	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.	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 Colonial Rottweiler Club Deutscher Rottweiler Klub International Rottweiler Club

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