Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Old English Mastiff or South African Mastiff or Pit? Find the right dog for you

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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	Mastiff	Boerboel	American Pit Bull Terrier
Origins	England	South Africa	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Working Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	28	124	336
Reviews	3	1	10
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Old English Mastiff English Mastiff	South African Mastiff South African Boerboel	Pit Pit Bull Pitbull Pitty APBT
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	Giant	Large Giant	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Mastiff or Boerboel or Boerboel? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier weight comparison:	Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)	22-78 pounds (10-35 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)	177 pounds (80 kg)	50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier height comparison:	Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)	Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)	14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)	Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)	19 inches (47.5 cm)

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is more expensive?	$1200-$1500	$1500-$2000	$500-$700
Availability Which is easier to get, Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.	Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a commonly available dog breed.

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier trainability comparison.	Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:	Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Cheerful	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial	Stubborn Clownish Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Obedient Loyal Strong Willed Aggressive
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Mastiff 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.	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: Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier?	High: Mastiff 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.	High: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier social needs comparison:	Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Their prey drive is low. 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.	American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier playfulness comparison:	Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The American Pit Bull Terrier is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier?	Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. See more.	Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	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.	It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Mastiff 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: American Pit Bull Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	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.	American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ American Pit Bull Terrier bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Moderate ⏺ The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier mouthiness comparison:	Mastiff 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.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier?	Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Seizures Cystinuria	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia	Hip Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Skin Allergies
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Mastiff 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.	Frequent The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Mastiff, Boerboel and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier: 12 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier?	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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier energy level comparison:	Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other 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.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.	Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	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	Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier weight gain potential comparison:	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier coat comparison:	Dense	Dense Shiny Smooth	Fine
Colors What are the original Mastiff, Boerboel and American Pit Bull Terrier color?	Fawn Brindle Apricot	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish	Black Gray Tan Red Blue White Brown Yellow
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier grooming comparison:	Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The American Pit Bull Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Mastiff or Boerboel or {name3 shedding:	Mastiff dogs shed moderately. See more.	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier?	High 🔼 The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The American Pit Bull Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	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 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier?	Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier?	Yes Mastiff 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 American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.	American Pit Bull Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Mastiff or Boerboel or American Pit Bull Terrier? Which is better for autism?	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
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	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: Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier?	Not really Mastiff 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Mastiff and Boerboel and American Pit Bull Terrier have?	3-5 puppies	7-10 puppies	5-8 puppies
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Mastiff vs Boerboel vs American Pit Bull Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.	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	American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc.	American Canine Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club Backwoods Bulldog Club

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