Q: Which is better an English Mastiff or a South African Boerboel and why?
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Answers and Views:
Answer by moof
That depends on what you want.
English Mastiffs typically have more laid-back guarding instincts than African Boerboels. ABs are more assertive about guarding the home. They tend to be warier and reserved with all strangers. The EM tends to be more friendly toward strangers you accept.
ABs tend to strive more for dominance than EMs. While both require firm leaders, the AB requires a 110% calm, firm, assertive leader. It is in their nature to try to be "top dog."
English Mastiffs are typically way, way more mellow than Boerboels (African Mastiffs). Most EMs require relatively little exercise; they need a good hour of exercise over the day, then they're couch potatoes indoors. Boerboels are more active working dogs. They require more stimulation and need to be worked considerably harder.
ABs are typically more confident and independent than EMs. EMs are often "velcro dogs" who NEED to be with their family. ABs are a bit more indifferent and independent.
In my case, the EM is better. I like big, lazy, and mellow. Maybe you want a dog with an "edge." I don't know, I don't know you.
Answer by Beth
I've owned 3 Mastiffs...one very sweet and dopey, one very smart and social but would guard at night. The last is female very much a trained athletic guard dog. The perception of couch potatoes or super laid back is correct to a point, they are always paying attention even when you think they aren't...IE sleeping/snoring when really faking it and watching a new person's every move. They rarely bark and can intimidate just with their presents and know it. I've only ever had one time when my male felt I was threatened. He backed the guy into a corner and wrapped his mouth around his arm to keep him from moving. He didn't even leave a mark and the guy was released on command and promptly told to leave. The guy had not been invited to our home and had dropped in, found out later he had beaten his wife regularly.
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I trusted my dog completely on his judgment of people. Mastiffs are extremely loyal. As for the South African Boerboel, a friend of mine has one. A wonderful dog but needs exercise and can be a real handful because a bit more independent. With training a FANTASTIC dog for those on the go. If you're into hiking or camping or just traveling a lot by yourself, I'd feel very safe with one along.
The one thing I can say about both breeds, they are smart! think differently than other dogs, they are not for everyone. Experienced dog owners can even be challenged by these two breeds, but the rewards are a high return on how endearing these guys are., I'd own both in a heartbeat, keep in mind giant breeds are more expensive all the way around to own.
Answer by Cassie-DANE lover
mastiff
Boerboels are extremely good guard dogs. maybe overly so
I looked into the breed…and decided against it
Answer by Shirley
I have personally been a registered breeder of the South African Boerboels for 9 years. They are fantastic dogs and integrate into a family very well, they are not one man one dog – they protect the whole family unit. They are a little slower to teach than for example a Retriever, however, it is important that you maintain dominance as their character is domineering. Females are a lot less dominant than males and are quite happy to take their place in the pecking order.
Boerboels and any large breed MUST be trained, because of their size and weight, all puppies are cuddly and cute but once they are 65kg, they just will NOT fit on your lap, and you will no longer be able to sleep in your bed, it will belong to your dog! I am a mother of 5 children and socialize my dogs AND my kids. There just is not a BAD dog or a BETTER dog, it depends on what your personal preferences are and your own level of commitment to your pets.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
Beth says
The comment has been moved into the body of the post.
mark says
looking for a big guard dog, what do you have, I know boerbols, any thoughts to the english mastiff or boerbel, doubt my wife will want the drooling, how are AB on that issue? my daughter 17 and wife miss our large block head lab, want another protector, so I’m looking, and an eager buyer
Simon says
Don’t drool that much. Just make sure you train it properly. If you do you couldn’t ask for a better protector. The SAB is famous for willing to die to protect its owners and they can even kill people who threaten you.
Chelsea X says
kk, I wish I had a a boerboel.
ABC123 says
I know their energy level is a big difference. EM's will lounge around and are content as long as they're with you. I believe SAB's are more independent and have higher energy levels. SAB's need more exercise as EM's will enjoy a walk or light exercise, but nothing too stenuous.
fun.notnuts says
I've known a few mastiffs and they are such darlings. They look terrifying but they can be trained to be the biggest baby in the house.
It is wise to get the upper hand while they are still pups, as early as possible. As pups they are really laid back unless you play-fight with them.
As adults they are huge and you need to have them absolutely obey you very early on.
With kindness and understanding and consistency and knowledge.
I know nothing about the other dog.
(some Mastiffs can be 300 pounds!!!)
Shelly R says
No mastiff is 300lbs!!! Mastiff should be over 225lb over it is obese and unhealthy. N keep your facts straight!
Simon says
Boerboel is almost the same. Just a little more independent. As I said a boerboel is extremely loyal and loving and fantastic with kids