Boerboel vs. Belgian Sheepdog: Breed Differences and Similarities

Boerboel

Boerboel

Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Sheepdog

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog?

3 / 5

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

2 / 5

Belgian Sheepdog has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Hypoallergenic

Are Boerboels or Belgian Sheepdogs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Boerboel nor Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog dogs?

Confident
Intelligent
Territorial
Dominant
Obedient

Active
Confident
Hard
Working
Stubborn
Intelligent
Alert
Friendly
Protective
Watchful

Shedding Level

Do Boerboels shed more than Belgian Sheepdogs, or which breed sheds more, Boerboels or Belgian Sheepdogs?

3 / 5

Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog 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 Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

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

5 / 5

The Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog 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 Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog dog breeds?

South Africa

Belgium

Ancestry

What are the origins of Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog breeds?

Mastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane

Shepherd Dog

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog?

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
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

Date of Birth

When were Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog breeds first developed?

1820s

1800s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog?

Working (AKC:2015)

Herding (AKC:1912 & UKC)

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog?

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.

A Belgian Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-14 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

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

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

Health Issues

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

2 / 5

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

3 / 5

While the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog breeds?

Hip Dysplasia

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Cancer

Minor Concerns

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

Ear Infections
Conjunctivitis
Parasites

Cataracts
Epilepsy

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog breeds?

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Ear

Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
Thyroid Tests
MRI
Eye Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Boerboels and Belgian Sheepdogs compare?

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

Belgian Sheepdogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Social Needs

Boerboel vs Belgian Sheepdog social needs comparison

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Exercise Needed

Boerboel vs Belgian Sheepdog exercise need comparison.

4 / 5

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

5 / 5

Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog?

3 / 5

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

1 / 5

Belgian Sheepdogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog?

4 / 5

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

1 / 5

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

Tendency to Bark

Do Boerboels or Belgian Sheepdogs bark more/less frequently?

2 / 5

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

5 / 5

Belgian Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Territorial

Is the Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog a better guard dog?

5 / 5

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 Belgian Sheepdog?

3 / 5

2 / 5

Roaming urge

Boerboel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

3 / 5

1 / 5

Tolerance of being left alone

3 / 5

2 / 5

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Boerboels or Belgian Sheepdogs?

1 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Boerboels vs Belgian Sheepdogs

2 / 5

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

4 / 5

Belgian Sheepdog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog compare in sensitivity?

3 / 5

Boerboels have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

4 / 5

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

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Boerboel vs Belgian Sheepdog?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog?

2 / 5

It's not recommended to keep Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog 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 Boerboels or Belgian Sheepdogs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog 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 - Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

2 / 5

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

5 / 5

Belgian Sheepdogs are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dog Friendly

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

2 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Pet friendly

How do Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets?

2 / 5

5 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Boerboel or Belgian Sheepdog?

2 / 5

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

3 / 5

Belgian Sheepdogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Boerboel and Belgian Sheepdog?

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs compare?

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Compare Boerboel with other breeds