If you were to attend a WWE championship of dogs, the finale round would definitely be between the Rottweiler and the Boerboel. These two dogs are not only heavyweight dogs, but they are also the ultimate champions at guarding. They will not only guard you and your family but surely have the capability to keep the entire apartment building safe and secure. If you reside in a rural space, there can’t be a better deterrent than these dogs.
Apart from being sturdy and muscular, these dogs are super loyal and affectionate. Having them at home as a pet means keeping a lifelong loyal friend. However, there are some distinctions between these two dogs that set them apart. Where the Rottweiler is an agile dog that is always alert and ready for a task, the Boerboel is a massive defender of the home while being a gentle giant.
In this article, we shall compare the dog that belonged to ancient Rome and the one that comes from South Africa. Let’s see which one of the two breeds wins in which department!
Rottweiler vs. Boerboel: Size and Weight Overview
The Rottweiler, which originated from Germany, is quite a sturdy dog with a broad head. Where the males have a height of around 24–27 inches, the females are around 22–25 inches tall. As far as their weight, the males weigh approximately 90–135 lbs on the scale, while the females are around 80–100 lbs. AKC rightfully categorizes them in the Working Group of dogs. Thanks to their sheer size, they are capable of performing a variety of tasks that other dogs can’t!
Boerboels are also healthy dogs with a muscular build, just like the Rottweiler. However, when it comes to appearance, it’s a literal GIANT! With a height of around 24–28 inches and a weight of 150–200 lbs, this is quite a massive dog.
Orvis calls them big-boned dogs!
They are phenomenal as guard dogs. They can deter an intruder simply by a single look at them!
Where the Rottwiler is muscular, compact, well-behaved, and athletic, the Boerboel is a giant dog with a heavy build and broad chest. Though they have the same height, the latter is surely a winner in terms of power and strength.
Rottweiler vs. Boerboel: Temperament and Personality Traits
If you are looking for a confident pet that is loyal and affectionate, there is no dog better than a Rottweiler. At home, it is a calm dog that doesn’t bark much, but rather showcases love and affection to the family members.
Back in the day, these dogs were deployed in World Wars and used as police dogs while protecting camps and delivering notes
Despite being big and sturdy, Britannica says they are always on the lookout for human contact. They need their companions by their side at all times. It is also necessary to give them proper training from a young age. Consistency does wonders while training these dogs.
They are playful companions. If you give them enough space, they will turn into joyous family pets, always ready for an adventure.
Boerboel is not only a huge dog, but it is also extremely dominant. If it ever has a stand-off with other dogs, it would surely emerge as a winner. They are fearless dogs. They are also extremely territorial. Hence, they turn out to be exceptional guard dogs.
These dogs are super-intelligent. However, they can be stubborn. Hence, opting for an experienced trainer would be an easier way out as he would give them the required consistent training in varied situations!
Rottweiler vs. Boerboel: Energy Requirements and Exercise Needs
The Rottweiler was originally developed for the specific purpose of cattle driving and guarding. In today’s time, they perform exceptionally well in police & military activities.
However, naturally, these dogs take their sweet time to mature. Once they are adult, they are full of energy and require at least 60 minutes of daily exercise. This helps drain their energy, making them calmer.
This exercise duration is necessary for them, or else they easily become bored. When they are bored, they may showcase some destructive behavior, not good for the household.
Boerboel is a massive and athletic breed. You need to give them enough physical activity and mental stimulation opportunities in a day. Once they move and burn energy, they are more suitable to sit and relax with the family.
The American Kennel Club categorizes both of these breeds as energetic dogs.
Rottweiler vs. Boerboel: Bite Force and Jaw Characteristics
Rottweiler is known for a very strong bite force. On average, it is around 328 PSI, one of the strongest in the dog world.
As they are highly intelligent dogs, consistent obedience training works in their favor. Purina mentions these dogs also have well-developed jaw muscles, which makes their bite force pretty sturdy.
Boerboels also have mighty jaws and powerful, well-developed teeth make a major part of this strength. With a bit force of 800-850 PSI, these dogs have some of the most sturdy jaws and bites. Aligned in the manner of a scissors, these dogs have an impressive crushing force.
PetMD says they are exceptional working farm dogs, known for their versatility and work ethic. Thanks to their sturdy bite force, they turn out to be quite a potent deterrent for the lurkers.
Rottweiler vs. Boerboel: Diet, Nutrition, and Weight Control
The best diet for a Rottweiler is the one that has enough protein and fatty acids. Protein derived from good-quality sources of meat, along with the right kinds of omegas, helps this dog thrive and stay healthy. Giving your dog occasional carbs is also a good idea. As this is an active dog, make sure to give him enough water so he stays hydrated.
A puppy bred by a reputable breeder generally stays healthy and doesn’t develop health issues. Hence, the choice of a breeder does impact the longevity of a dog. On average, they have a life span of 8–10 years.
If you have a pet Boerboel, make sure to feed it high-quality animal-based protein. Well, yes, this diet may be costly, but it would give your giant dog the much-needed strength to go about the day. Most people who pet big dogs prefer choosing food items that provide enough energy to the dog and maintain its overall health. Their average lifespan is around 9–11 years.
If not given the right food, they may get exposed to health concerns like hip dysplasia and heart problems.
Compared to the Rottweiler, the large-sized Boerboel is more prone to getting overweight. This is why you need to be mindful of what you are feeding the dog.
Rottweiler vs. Boerboel: Grooming Needs and Allergy Considerations
Rottweiler and Boerboel are both considered to be non-hypoallergenic dog breeds and don’t require extensive grooming.
Rottweiler can produce dender and shed. Hence, if you are someone who gets allergies easily, you should be careful while petting this dog. Also, they have a dense double coat, which is short in length. You’ll need to brush the dog at least once or twice a week to keep it healthy.
The same thing does for the Boerboels. Their coats are dense but short, requiring you to just brush them on a weekly basis. Using a simple soft-bristle brush would be enough!
Rottweiler vs. Boerboel: Compatibility with Families and Other Pets
Rotties showcase variation in their behavior. If you opt for early socialization, they may get along with other pets living in the same house. They make great pets for active families. Also, if you are an experienced dog owner, get a Rottweiler and you will never regret it.
Boerboel is very territorial and has a great protective nature. Hence, one can’t really trust these dogs with other pets in the house. As they have a super high prey drive and very strong protective instincts, they may not get along with other pets in the house. However, if you reside in a rural home with lots of space to roam around, this dog would be a good choice to have.
Conclusion
Rottweiler and Boerboel are both massive dogs with their unique features. They are known for their strength, endurance, and deterrence against threats. However, they vary widely when it comes to their abilities to guide homes. Boerboels are strong-willed and more suitable for rural spaces owing to their massive size, while Rottweilers can somehow manage in urban living spaces with children.
