Miniature Schnauzzie vs Boerboel Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Merle Schnauzer or South African Boerboel?

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

Differences only

Other names

Miniature Schnauzzi, Merle Schnauzer

South African Boerboel, South African Mastiff

Weight

What is the average weight of Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel?

18.5 pounds ( 8 kg )

16.0 pounds ( 7 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel

15.0 inches ( 38.1 cm )

12.0 inches ( 30.5 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Miniature Schnauzzies or Boerboels hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Miniature Schnauzzie 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 Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel dogs?

Active
Loving
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Fearless
Good-natured
Spirited

Confident
Intelligent
Territorial
Dominant
Obedient

Shedding Level

Do Miniature Schnauzzies shed more than Boerboels, or which breed sheds more, Miniature Schnauzzies or Boerboels?

Miniature Schnauzzies are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

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

Watchdog Ability

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

Avoid Miniature Schnauzzies as watchdogs - they're not effective.

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.

Origin

What is the origin of Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel dog breeds?

United States

South Africa

Ancestry

What are the origins of Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel breeds?

Miniature Australian Shepherd and Miniature Schnauzer

Mastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel breeds first developed?

1990s

1820s

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel?

3-6 puppies per pregnancy

A Miniature Schnauzzie can have a litter of 3-6 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.

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.

Adaptability

Miniature Schnauzzies are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

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

Health Issues

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

While the Miniature Schnauzzie 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 Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Urinary Stones

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

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

Entropion
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Hearing

Ear Infections
Conjunctivitis
Parasites

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel breeds?

Buccal Mucosal Screening
Full Physical Examination
Ophthalmic Examination
Blood Tests and Blood Count
Hearing and Ear Tests
Urinalysis and Urine Culture
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Ear

Energy

How do the energy levels of Miniature Schnauzzies and Boerboels compare?

Miniature Schnauzzies' 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

Miniature Schnauzzie vs Boerboel social needs comparison

Miniature Schnauzzie 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

Miniature Schnauzzie vs Boerboel exercise need comparison.

Miniature Schnauzzies need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Sleeping Need

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

Miniature Schnauzzies are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

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

Tendency to Bark

Do Miniature Schnauzzies or Boerboels bark more/less frequently?

Miniature Schnauzzies are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

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

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Miniature Schnauzzie vs Boerboel?

Roaming urge

Miniature Schnauzzie vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Miniature Schnauzzie 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, Miniature Schnauzzies or Boerboels?

Miniature Schnauzzies require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

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

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Miniature Schnauzzies vs Boerboels

Miniature Schnauzzie is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

Sensitivity Level

How do Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Boerboels have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Miniature Schnauzzie vs Boerboel?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Miniature Schnauzzie or Boerboel?

Miniature Schnauzzies are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

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

Child Friendly

Do Miniature Schnauzzies or Boerboels have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Miniature Schnauzzies make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

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

Senior-friendly

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

Cat Friendly

Do Miniature Schnauzzie or Boerboel breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Miniature Schnauzzies 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: Miniature Schnauzzie or Boerboel?

Miniature Schnauzzies 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 Miniature Schnauzzie or Boerboel dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Miniature Schnauzzie or Boerboel?

Miniature Schnauzzies are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Miniature Schnauzzie and Boerboel?

Miniature Schnauzzies are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

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

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Miniature Schnauzzies and Boerboels compare?

The Miniature Schnauzzie is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

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