• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Comparison - Dog breed selector: African Lion Hound or South African Mastiff or Apollo of Dogs? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane" Compare Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boerboel. Which is better: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Great Dane?
 
 
 
Name Rhodesian Ridgeback Boerboel Great Dane
OriginsZimbabwe flagZimbabwe South Africa flagSouth Africa Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank4112414
Reviews7114
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane breeds.
African Lion Hound
African Lion Dog
South African Mastiff
South African Boerboel
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large
Giant
Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg), Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) 154-200 pounds (70-90 kg) Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) 177 pounds (80 kg) Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Great Dane? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane height comparison:
Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm) Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm)

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1200 $1500-$2000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Great Dane?
Very frequent: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed ranks highest?
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.
Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which is easiest to train?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed is most alert?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed is most protective?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Sensitive
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Mischievous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Dominant
Territorial
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane?
High: Rhodesian Ridgeback 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: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane social needs comparison:
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Great Dane 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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed is most playful?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed is most flexible?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Great Dane?
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Great Dane 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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which uses mouth most during play?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have an 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.
Great Dane dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rhodesian Ridgeback bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which has fewer health issues?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Rhodesian Ridgeback should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Dermoid Sinus
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Epilepsy
Joint Dysplasia
Vaginal Hyperplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which breed is most active?
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Great Dane dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Great Dane? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Great Dane dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Great Dane?
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Great Dane dogs don't need too much sleep.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 2 3/4 to 4 3/8 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals. 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

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. What colors are available?
Gray
Red
White
Golden
Wheaten
Copper
Red
Cream
Brown
Tawny
Brindle
Reddish
Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which drools least?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Great Dane 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Great Dane? Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or {name3 shedding:
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Boerboel dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Good With Comparison

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

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which is best suited for service work?

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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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.

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 Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Rhodesian Ridgeback 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

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 7-10 puppies 10-15 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Great Dane. 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
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Of The US
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
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Great Dane

Reviews