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

"Find similarities and differences between Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel" Compare Great Dane and Mastiff. Which is better: Great Dane or Mastiff or Boerboel?

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	Great Dane	Mastiff	Boerboel
Origins	Germany	England	South Africa
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Working Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	14	28	124
Reviews	14	3	1
User Ratings

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

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which breed is the largest?	Giant	Giant	Large Giant
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)	Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)	Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)	177 pounds (80 kg)
Height Which is taller, Great Dane or Mastiff or Boerboel? Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel height comparison:	Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm)	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)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm)	Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)	Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Price and Availability Comparison

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

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which breed ranks highest?	Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence. See more.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which is easiest to train?	Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which breed is most alert?	Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which breed is most protective?	Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel? Compare temperaments.	Loving Intelligent Confident Friendly Devoted Gentle Reserved	Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Affectionate Loyal Cheerful	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Great Dane dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel?	Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel social needs comparison:	Great Dane dogs are a social breed. See more.	Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	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.	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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks. See more.	Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which breed is most playful?	Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane 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.	It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which breed lives longest?	7-11 years The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which has fewer health issues?	Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.	Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patent Ductus Arteriosis Cancer Bloat Mitral Valve Disease Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis Dilated Cardiomyopathy Persistent Right Aortic Arch Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Seizures Cystinuria	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which needs most food?	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	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. What colors are available?	Black Blue White Fawn Brindle Merle	Fawn Brindle Apricot	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which drools least?	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.	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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Dense	Dense Shiny Smooth
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. 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 Great Dane or Mastiff or Boerboel? Great Dane or Mastiff or {name3 shedding:	Great Dane dogs shed moderately. See more.	Mastiff dogs shed moderately. See more.	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Good With Comparison

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

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. 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 Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. 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 Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which is best for draft work?	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.	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 Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which has most puppies?	10-15 puppies	3-5 puppies	7-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. 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.

Great Dane vs Mastiff vs Boerboel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Boerboel. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	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.

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