Rhodesian Bernard vs Bostie Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie Terrier?

Compare the Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Rhodesian Bernard or a Bostie Terrier? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Boston Westie, Bostie Terrier

Weight

What is the average weight of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie?

120.0 pounds ( 54 kg )

40.0 pounds ( 18 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie

27.5 inches ( 69.9 cm )

14.0 inches ( 35.6 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Rhodesian Bernards or Bosties hypoallergenic, or neither?

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

Temperament

What are the personalities of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie dogs?

Dignified
Independent
Happy
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Strong
Willed
Quiet
Mischievous

Playful
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive

Shedding Level

Do Rhodesian Bernards shed more than Bosties, or which breed sheds more, Rhodesian Bernards or Bosties?

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

Bosties are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie breeds?

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saint Bernard

Boston Terriers, West Highland White Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie?

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie breeds first developed?

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie dogs?

Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie breeds?

Red
Fawn
Black
Brindle

Black
White
Brindle
Brown

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie breeds?

Rhodesian Bernards have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Bosties are known for their coat length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie?

Straight

Wiry

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie?

6-8 puppies per pregnancy

A Rhodesian Bernard can have a litter of 6-8 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.

3-5 puppies per pregnancy

A Bostie can have a litter of 3-5 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

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

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

Health Issues

Between Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie, which breed is more prone to health problems?

The Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie breeds are commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie breeds?

Distichiasis
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Dermoid Sinus
Heart Conditions
Wobbler's Syndrome

Patellar Luxation
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Craniomandibular Osteopathy

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie?

Entropion
Deafness
Cataracts
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy

Deafness
Cataracts
Copper Poisoning

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie breeds?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Hearing
Heart
Thyroid Tests
Blood And Urine Analysis

Biopsy
Orthopedic
Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis
Ophthalmology

Social Needs

Rhodesian Bernard vs Bostie social needs comparison

Rhodesian Bernard has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie?

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

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

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Rhodesian Bernard vs Bostie?

Roaming urge

Rhodesian Bernard vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Rhodesian Bernards or Bosties?

Medium

Both Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie walk each week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Rhodesian Bernard, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Bostie, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Rhodesian Bernards or Bosties require more exercise?

45 minutes

In general most Rhodesian Bernards usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

60 minutes

In general most Bosties usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Rhodesian Bernards or Bosties?

The Rhodesian Bernard has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

The Bostie requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie dogs?

Weekly

Rhodesian Bernard should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Daily

Ideally, Bostie should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Rhodesian Bernards and Bosties?

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie in cups?

3.5 cups

For an average 110-130 pound (50 - 59 kg) Rhodesian Bernard feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

1 cups

For an average 15-20 pound (7 - 9 kg) Bostie feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie?

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of a Rhodesian Bernard is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Bostie is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie?

$112 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of a Rhodesian Bernard is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Bostie is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Sensitivity Level

How do Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie compare in sensitivity?

These dog breeds are particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, unfamiliar people, or animals. This dog breed is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie?

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

The Bostie is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Child Friendly

Do Rhodesian Bernards or Bosties have a friendlier temperament towards children?

The typical characteristics of Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie?

Cat Friendly

Do Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Rhodesian Bernards and Bosties are one of the best dogs for cats. They accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie?

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

Bosties are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Rhodesian Bernard or Bostie?

Rhodesian Bernards are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Bosties are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Rhodesian Bernard and Bostie?

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

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

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Rhodesian Bernards and Bosties compare?

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

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