Boerboel vs Jack Russell Terrier Comparison. Which dog is better for you: South African Mastiff or Jack?

Compare the Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a South African Mastiff or a Jack? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

South African Boerboel, South African Mastiff

JRT, Russell Terrier, Jack

Weight

What is the average weight of Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier?

16.0 pounds ( 7 kg )

22.5 pounds ( 10 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier

12.0 inches ( 30.5 cm )

15.0 inches ( 38.1 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier?

Boerboel has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Jack Russell Terrier has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Boerboels or Jack Russell Terriers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Boerboel nor Jack Russell Terrier are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier dogs?

Confident
Intelligent
Territorial
Dominant
Obedient

Alert
Courageous
Independent
Cheerful
Energetic
Stubborn

Shedding Level

Do Boerboels shed more than Jack Russell Terriers, or which breed sheds more, Boerboels or Jack Russell Terriers?

Boerboels are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Jack Russell Terriers shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier?

Choose a Boerboel if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Jack Russell Terriers make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Origin

What is the origin of Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier dog breeds?

South Africa

England

Ancestry

What are the origins of Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier breeds?

Mastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane

Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier?

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
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
Irish Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
Jack Russell Terrier Club Of America

Date of Birth

When were Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier breeds first developed?

1820s

Unknown

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier?

Working (AKC:2015)

Terrier (AKC:2012)(UKC)

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Boerboel can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

13-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Jack Russell Terrier can have a litter of 13-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Boerboels have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Jack Russell Terriers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Boerboels are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

While the Jack Russell Terrier breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier breeds?

Hip Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Subaortic Stenosis
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Canine Cushing’s Disease

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier?

Ear Infections
Conjunctivitis
Parasites

Epilepsy
vonWillebrand’s Disease
Cerebellar Ataxia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier breeds?

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Ear

Dna For Vwd
CERF
Physical Examination
Eye examination
Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)

Energy

How do the energy levels of Boerboels and Jack Russell Terriers compare?

Boerboels are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Jack Russell Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Social Needs

Boerboel vs Jack Russell Terrier social needs comparison

Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

Boerboel vs Jack Russell Terrier exercise need comparison.

Boerboels require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Jack Russell Terriers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier?

Boerboels have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Jack Russell Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier?

Boerboel drools quite a bit, consider a different breed if drool is unappealing.

Jack Russell Terrier minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Boerboels or Jack Russell Terriers bark more/less frequently?

Boerboel dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Jack Russell Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Territorial

Is the Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier a better guard dog?

These breeds are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Boerboel vs Jack Russell Terrier?

Roaming urge

Boerboel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Tolerance of being left alone

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Boerboels or Jack Russell Terriers?

The Boerboel is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

The Jack Russell Terrier has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Boerboels vs Jack Russell Terriers

Boerboel has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Jack Russell Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier compare in sensitivity?

Boerboels have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boerboel vs Jack Russell Terrier?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier?

Boerboels can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

The Jack Russell Terrier is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Child Friendly

Do Boerboels or Jack Russell Terriers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Boerboels are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Jack Russell Terriers have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier?

Cat Friendly

Do Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Boerboels and Jack Russell Terriers are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, they can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier?

Boerboels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Jack Russell Terriers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Boerboel or Jack Russell Terrier?

Boerboels are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Jack Russell Terriers are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier?

Boerboels have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Jack Russell Terriers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Boerboels and Jack Russell Terriers compare?

Boerboel and Jack Russell Terrier dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.