Boerboel vs. Bernese Mountain Dog: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog?

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

Bernese Mountain Dog has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Boerboels or Bernese Mountain Dogs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Boerboel nor Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?

Confident
Intelligent
Territorial
Dominant
Obedient

Affectionate
Intelligent
Faithful
Loyal

Shedding Level

Do Boerboels shed more than Bernese Mountain Dogs, or which breed sheds more, Boerboels or Bernese Mountain Dogs?

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

Bernese Mountain Dogs are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog?

5 / 5

The Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog dog breeds?

South Africa

Switzerland

Ancestry

What are the origins of Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds?

Mastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane

Molosser, Mastiff-type

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog?

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
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds first developed?

1820s

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog?

Working (AKC:2015)

Working (AKC:1937)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog?

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 Bernese Mountain Dog can have a litter of 7-10 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

Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog dogs generally have an average level of adaptability when it comes to adjusting to changes in lifestyle and different living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog, 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.

5 / 5

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds?

Hip Dysplasia

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat
Histicytosis
Dental Disease
Meningitis
Obesity

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog?

Ear Infections
Conjunctivitis
Parasites

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Kidney Problems
Color Dilution Alopecia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds?

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Ear

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Up:Uc Ratio For Kidney Function
CT Scan
Dental Examination
Allergy Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Boerboels and Bernese Mountain Dogs compare?

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Social Needs

Boerboel vs Bernese Mountain Dog social needs comparison

3 / 5

Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog exercise need comparison.

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

Bernese Mountain Dogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog?

3 / 5

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

2 / 5

Bernese Mountain Dogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog?

4 / 5

The Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds are known for drooling quite a bit. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology, but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

Do Boerboels or Bernese Mountain Dogs 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.

3 / 5

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

Territorial

Is the Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Roaming urge

Boerboel vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Tolerance of being left alone

3 / 5

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Boerboels or Bernese Mountain Dogs?

1 / 5

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

3 / 5

The Bernese Mountain Dog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Boerboels vs Bernese Mountain Dogs

2 / 5

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

4 / 5

Bernese Mountain Dog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog?

3 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog?

2 / 5

It's not recommended to keep Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

2 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog?

2 / 5

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

3 / 5

Bernese Mountain Dogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog dogs interact with other pets?

2 / 5

3 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Boerboel or Bernese Mountain Dog?

2 / 5

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

3 / 5

Bernese Mountain Dogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog?

3 / 5

Boerboel and Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Boerboels and Bernese Mountain Dogs compare?

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.