Standard Schnauzer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison

Standard Schnauzer vs Boerboel - Breed ComparisonStandard Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Boerboel is originated from South Africa. Standard Schnauzer may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Boerboel. Standard Schnauzer may weigh 64 kg / 141 pounds lesser than Boerboel. Standard Schnauzer may live 4 years more than Boerboel. Standard Schnauzer may have more litter size than Boerboel. Standard Schnauzer requires High maintenance. But Boerboel requires Low maintenance

History

standard schnauzer - historyComing out of Germany in the 14th and 15th century is the Standard Schnauzer or Mittelschnauzer. Both the Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer are descendants of the Standard Schnauzer. The first name for this breed was the Wire-haired Pinscher until 1879. The breed is a working breed that is popular in Europe and was first in a dog show in 1879 in Hanover, Germany. In 1997 they won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York.

These medium size Schnauzers were bred in the Middle Ages to be versatile in working and herding in Germany. There seems to be artwork from the 14th through the 16th centuries featuring this breed of dog as a hunter. It is believed that the common ancestors of the Standard Schnauzer is the German Pinscher and the gray Wolf Spitz, along with the black German Poodle and the Bolognese.

It was 1850 when the breed gained recognition as a purebred with distinct and recognizable features. Those are not all the same features that the dogs of today show. These dogs had thick hair on their face, a double coat that is wiry, and their tails were cropped. These dogs were initially Wire-haired German Pinscher then in 1879, a dog named Schnauzer won Best in Show in Hanover. By 1900, the breed was being called Schnauzer everywhere.

The first breed standard was written under the Wire-haired German Pinscher name in the early 1880’s. This standard allowed for a lot of different colors, but the salt and pepper of today was not introduced until the late 1800’s. Then the standard was rewritten in 1907 for the Standard Schnauzer with this as the dominant color.

The first official Standard Schnauzer imported to the United States came in 1905 even though there is a claim that one competed in the 1899 Westminster Kennel Club in the Miscellaneous Class. Following the first World War, the breed became increasingly popular in the States. At that time the US club was called the Wire-haired Pinscher Club of America in 1925. Both standard and miniature sized schnauzer are included in this club.

The breeds were separated in 1933 and became the Standard Schnauzer Club of America and classified by the American Kennel Club as part of the Working Group. In 1926 they moved the Standard Schnauzer to the Terrier Group. By 1926 the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain was formed.

boerboel - historyThe name ‘Boerboel’ is derived from an Afrikaans/Dutch word, and the large Boerboel dog from South Africa has been specifically bred to be a farmer’s dog. Bred also to be a strong guard dog, the Boerboel is a mix of different African and European breeds, which in all likelihood, will include the Bullmastiff, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Bulldog. These dogs were used to hunt baboon and leopard.

There is some information that suggests that the Boerboel was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. Other information suggest that the dog is a descendant of the old Boer Hund, a powerful animal which was invaluable to the farmer.

In was in January 2010, that the American Boerboel Club was elected as the AKC’s Parent Club. The Boerboel was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class in the Working dog group.

Description

standard schnauzer puppy - descriptionToday’s Standard Schnauzer is a square, robust, medium sized dog. The breed boasts heavy eyebrows and thick beards. They are salt and pepper or black and their coat is wiry and stiff. The breed have excellent muscle tone and a body in proportion height to length. Their build is rugged, and coat is dense.

Looks

boerboel puppy - descriptionThe Boerboel is a big, strong dog with powerful muscles. His height is between 61 – 66cm. He is similar looking to the Boxer dog, just heavier and bigger. The head of the dog is broad and big and the short, smooth coat can be of various shades, with breeders trying to achieve a single color of light tan and with no white. Their coats can also be red, different shades of brown and brindle.

The dog has a black facial mask and the eyes are brown with the ears being of medium length and floppy. The Boerboel’s tail has always been docked, but today breeders are keeping the tail long. Many Boerboel lovers object to this, saying it detracts from the distinctive look of the Boerboel.

Temperament

The Boerboel can be a wonderfully loyal and loving pet to their owners. They are territorial dogs and suspicious of strangers. This is a dog where it is imperative that they receive training and socialization as a puppy. They have leanings towards being aggressive so they wouldn’t be recommended to first time dog owners, unless of course the first time owners are firm and strong.

Boerboels raised the right way can be gentle giants. They often get bad publicity as regards to aggression, but this is because of they way they have been raised. Boerboels have been bred to be tough and fearless and they make excellent watchdogs. When raised and trained correctly, they make awesome, devoted companions, even around children and other pets.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness – yes, they love children and love to play.

2.Special talents include cancer scenting/search and rescue

3.Adaptability is good can live in the apartment/play indoors

4.Learning ability excellent but independent and stubborn

boerboel dog - characteristicsA well trained, socialized Boerboel makes a splendid pet. This is one breed known to have excellent guard- and watch dog characteristics. Boerboels are known for being protective when necessary. When not on guard, they make wonderful pets. He’ll need plenty of exercise, but he loves to also spend time indoors with his human family.

This a a bold, fearless dog who becomes devoted to his family. With the right training he is obedient and affectionate and knows how to behave appropriately indoors- and outdoors. For such a big dog, the African Boeboel’s temperament can be surprisingly gentle and affectionate around the family that he loves.

Health Problems

standard schnauzer puppies - health problemsThere are a couple of major hereditary health issues faced by the Standard Schnauzer.

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Elbow dysplasia– can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Eye disease – cataracts – can diminish eyesight or cause blindness.
  • Heart disease – can be fatal.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated with medication.
  • Skin issues including cancer – various degrees of seriousness.

boerboel puppies - health problemsMany health problems experienced with any dog are found in the way dogs are fed, the way they are exercised and the way they are attended to when they are ill. Boerboels are healthy dogs and suffer fewer health defects than most similar breeds. The average life expectancy of a Boerboel is about 10 to 12 years. There are one or two health issues you’ll want to watch out for with your Boerboel.

Hip dysplasia

This aliment is typically found in large breed dogs. It’s a problem caused by a malformation of the hip joint. Over time hip dysplasia causes discomfort, pain and even arthritis and lameness. It is genetically inherited, with its severity being influenced by environmental factors. There are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms and make the dog more comfortable.

Obesity

The Boerboel has plenty of muscle mass, and because he is such a large dog with a big appetite, he can lean towards obesity. Plenty of activities will be imperative to maintain muscle mass and ward off obesity. Over-eating suppresses the immune system, so over-feeding your dog simply contributes to ill health.

Caring The Pet

standard schnauzer dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy: At 8-12 weeks feed four times a day. At 3 to 6 months feed three times a day. At 6 to 12 months feed twice a day.

2.Feeding the adult – feed one meal a day or two small ones.

3.Points for Good Health – very energetic breed

4. Games and Exercises – The breed is extremely athletic and needs daily exercise. They are playful with dogs and people and they are family dogs. They want to go wherever you go. Hiking, running, jogging and organized activities.

They are great at obedience, agility, flyball, disc dog, herding and tracking. They have also been involved in search and rescue, bomb detection, and cancer detection.

Grooming

boerboel dogs - caringBoerboels are a robust breed and their short hair doesn’t shed heavily. Your Boerbul will require a thorough brushing twice a week to remove loose hair and to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Boerboels, just like any other dog, should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Left unattended, your pet can battle with tooth decay and gum disease.

Feeding

Your Boerboel puppy will need ‘large breed puppy’ dog food. Speak to your veterinarian about wet- or dry kibble choices. An adult Boerboel will certainly need raw meat in his diet. When you do research, you find that the best Boerboel breeders are advocates for raw feeding. Home made food with rice, vegetables and meat as well as the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods for large breeds are excellent choices but raw meat is imperative as part of every dog’s diet.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Germany
South Africa
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
59 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 26 kg
35 - 58 pounds
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
68 - 90 kg
149 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 13
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Mittelschnauzer, Wire-Haired Pinscher, Schnauzer
South African Boerboel, African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, African Mastiff
Colors Available:
black, Pepper-and-salt
Fawn, Red, Brown, Brindle
Coat:
Harsh and wiry when hand stripped, soft when clippered/scissored
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Minimal, Constant
Temperament:
Alert, Gentle, Loyal, Social
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Standard Schnauzer vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Standard Schnauzer vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  3. Standard Schnauzer vs Sakhalin Husky - Breed Comparison
  4. Standard Schnauzer vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Standard Schnauzer vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Standard Schnauzer vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Standard Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Standard Schnauzer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  9. Standard Schnauzer vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  10. Standard Schnauzer vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. Standard Schnauzer vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. Standard Schnauzer vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Standard Schnauzer vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Standard Schnauzer vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  15. Standard Schnauzer vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  16. Standard Schnauzer vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Standard Schnauzer vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Standard Schnauzer vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Standard Schnauzer vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  20. Standard Schnauzer vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  21. Standard Schnauzer vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  22. Standard Schnauzer vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Standard Schnauzer vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Standard Schnauzer vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Standard Schnauzer vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  27. Bullmastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  28. Great Pyrenees vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  29. Boerboel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Boerboel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  31. Boerboel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  32. Boerboel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  33. Boerboel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  34. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  35. Boerboel vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  36. Boerboel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  37. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Boerboel vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  39. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  40. Boerboel vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  41. Boerboel vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  42. Boerboel vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  43. Presa Canario vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  44. Labrador Husky vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  45. Argentine Dogo vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  46. Giant Schnauzer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  47. Goldador vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  48. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  50. Central Asian Shepherd vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds