Boerboel vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better South African Mastiff or Alsatian wolf dog?

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

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

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

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Large Giant	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Boerboel and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	177 pounds (80 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Boerboel or German Shepherd? Is a Boerboel taller than a German Shepherd?	Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Boerboel and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?	$1500-$2000	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Boerboel or German Shepherd?	Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.	Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.	Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.	Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Boerboel and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Boerboel vs German Shepherd?	Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boerboel vs German Shepherd?	Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Boerboel vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Boerboel vs German Shepherd?	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Boerboel vs German Shepherd? 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. See more.	German Shepherd 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

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.	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 German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.	Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Boerboel or German Shepherd?	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 German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Boerboel and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Boerboel vs German Shepherd?	Frequent The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Boerboel vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Boerboel vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia	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

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.	Boerboel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Boerboel vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Boerboel or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Boerboel or German Shepherd?	Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Boerboel and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.	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 German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Boerboel and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.	Dense Shiny Smooth	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Boerboel or German Shepherd? Do Boerboel dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Boerboel or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are 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 Boerboel or German Shepherd?	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Boerboel or German Shepherd? Can a Boerboel and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Boerboel dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Boerboel vs German Shepherd?	Yes Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Boerboel vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.	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 Which is better for therapy work: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.	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 Which is better at detection work: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.	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 & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Boerboel or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.	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.
Military Service Background Compare military history between Boerboel and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Boerboel and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?	7-10 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Boerboel and German Shepherd breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Boerboel and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Boerboel vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Boerboel and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Boerboel and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Boerboel and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?	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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Boerboel vs German Shepherd

Reviews

Jackson
Feb 1, 2021, 11:43:09 AM:
Fair comparison.It has helped me decide which to go for as a family dog.
K GREAT
May 18, 2021, 8:16:48 PM:
Great review