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Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Comparison - Dog breed selector: South African Mastiff or Brazilian Molosser or Old English Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff" Compare Boerboel and Fila Brasileiro. Which is better: Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff?
 
 
 
Name Boerboel Fila Brasileiro Mastiff
OriginsSouth Africa flagSouth Africa Brazil flagBrazil England flagEngland
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank12453528
Reviews113
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff breeds.
South African Mastiff
South African Boerboel
Brazilian Molosser
Cao de Fila
Brazilian Mastiff
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed is the largest?
Large
Giant
Giant Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff? Compare adult weight ranges.
154-200 pounds (70-90 kg) 90-110 pounds (41-50 kg) Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
177 pounds (80 kg) 100 pounds (45.5 kg) Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff? Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff height comparison:
Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm) Male: 26–30 inches (65–75 cm), Female: 24–28 inches (60–70 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 26–30 inches (65–75 cm), Female: 24–28 inches (60–70 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1500-$2000 $1000-$1300 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff?
Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which is easiest to train?
Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Fila Brasileiro dogs are quite easy to train.
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Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed is most alert?
Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Fila Brasileiro dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed is most protective?
Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Fila Brasileiro dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Dominant
Territorial
Courageous
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Determined
Brave
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Fila Brasileiro dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff?
Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average to High: Fila Brasileiro dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff social needs comparison:
Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Fila Brasileiro dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Fila Brasileiro dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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.
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Fila Brasileiro dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Fila Brasileiro rarely barks.
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Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Fila Brasileiros, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Fila Brasileiro breed.
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.

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Fila Brasileiro dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Fila Brasileiro has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Fila Brasileiro bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
9-11 years
The average lifespan of Fila Brasileiro: 10 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. 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.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which has fewer health issues?
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Fila Brasileiros tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Fila Brasileiro should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Mastiff 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: Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Epilepsy
Joint Dysplasia
Vaginal Hyperplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which breed is most active?
Boerboel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Fila Brasileiro dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Fila Brasileiro dogs have an average exercise need.
Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff?
Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Fila Brasileiro dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Fila Brasileiro breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which needs most food?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 6 to 8 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

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. What colors are available?
Red
Cream
Brown
Tawny
Brindle
Reddish
Black
Red
Yellow
Brindle
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Fila Brasileiro doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which drools least?
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.
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The Fila Brasileiro 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 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Fila Brasileiro has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Dense
Smooth
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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 Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff? Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or {name3 shedding:
Boerboel dogs shed moderately.
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Fila Brasileiro dogs shed moderately.
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Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which is best with kids?
Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Fila Brasileiro dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Fila Brasileiro dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff? Which dog is more friendly?
Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Fila Brasileiro dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff?
Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Fila Brasileiro dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro or Mastiff?
Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Fila Brasileiro dogs are not dog-friendly.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff?
Yes
Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Fila Brasileiro dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Fila Brasileiro is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.
Fila Brasileiros are not the best breed for elderly people.
Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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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 Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. 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 Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. 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 Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Fila Brasileiro breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. 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.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which has most puppies?
7-10 puppies 4-10 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. 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.

Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Boerboel, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Which has most recognition?
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
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

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