Briard vs Boerboel Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Berger Briard or South African Boerboel?

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

Differences only

Other names

Berger De Brie, Berger Briard

South African Boerboel, South African Mastiff

Weight

What is the average weight of Briard and Boerboel?

87.5 pounds ( 40 kg )

16.0 pounds ( 7 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Briard and Boerboel

25.0 inches ( 63.5 cm )

12.0 inches ( 30.5 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Briard or Boerboel?

The Briard and Boerboel breeds have an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Briards or Boerboels hypoallergenic, or neither?

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

Temperament

What are the personalities of Briard and Boerboel dogs?

Faithful
Intelligent
Obedient
Fearless
Loyal
Protective

Confident
Intelligent
Territorial
Dominant
Obedient

Shedding Level

Do Briards shed more than Boerboels, or which breed sheds more, Briards or Boerboels?

Briard or Boerboel dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Briard or Boerboel. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Briard or Boerboel?

The Briard and Boerboel dogs are some of the best choices if you want good watchdogs. These breeds will keep watch over you and your family at all times. They take this task seriously and will typically perform their guarding duty with little to no training. These dogs will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Briard and Boerboel dog breeds?

France

South Africa

Ancestry

What are the origins of Briard and Boerboel breeds?

sheepdog

Mastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane

Date of Birth

When were Briard and Boerboel breeds first developed?

1300s

1820s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Briard and Boerboel?

Herding (AKC:1906)
Gun Dog Breeds (UKC)

Working (AKC:2015)

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Briard and Boerboel?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

Briard and Boerboel, can have a litter of 10-12 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.

Adaptability

Briards are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

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

Health Issues

Between Briard and Boerboel, which breed is more prone to health problems?

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

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

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Briard and Boerboel breeds?

Panosteitis
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Briard and Boerboel?

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Corneal Dystrophy

Ear Infections
Conjunctivitis
Parasites

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Briard and Boerboel breeds?

Eye
Hip
Knee
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Ear

Energy

How do the energy levels of Briards and Boerboels compare?

Briards' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

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

Social Needs

Briard vs Boerboel social needs comparison

Briard has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Boerboel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Exercise Needed

Briard vs Boerboel exercise need comparison.

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

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

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Briard or Boerboel?

Briards sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Briard or Boerboel?

Briard minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

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

Tendency to Bark

Do Briards or Boerboels bark more/less frequently?

Briards bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

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

Territorial

Is the Briard or Boerboel 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: Briard vs Boerboel?

Roaming urge

Briard vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Briard or Boerboel - 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, Briards or Boerboels?

Briards have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

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

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Briards vs Boerboels

Briard is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

Sensitivity Level

How do Briard and Boerboel compare in sensitivity?

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

Boerboels have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Briard vs Boerboel?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Briard or Boerboel?

It's not recommended to keep Briard or Boerboel in an apartment, but these breeds make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Dogs of these breeds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Do Briards or Boerboels have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Briard and Boerboel are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Briard or Boerboel?

Cat Friendly

Do Briard or Boerboel breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Briards are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Boerboels are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Briard or Boerboel?

Briards are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

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

Pet friendly

How do Briard or Boerboel dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Briard or Boerboel?

They can be below average friendly around strangers, being keen of eye and sharp of tongue, and very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Briard and Boerboel may be friendly and outgoing, while others can be standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Briard and Boerboel?

Briard and Boerboel have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Briards and Boerboels compare?

Briards are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Boerboels are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.