Boerboel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Boerboel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoerboel is originated from South Africa but West Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Boerboel may grow 40 cm / 16 inches higher than West Highland White Terrier. Boerboel may weigh 80 kg / 177 pounds more than West Highland White Terrier. Boerboel may live 4 years less than West Highland White Terrier. Boerboel may have more litter size than West Highland White Terrier. Boerboel requires Low maintenance. But West Highland White Terrier requires High maintenance

History

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.

west highland white terrier - historyThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
South Africa
United Kingdom
Height Male:
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
59 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
68 - 90 kg
149 - 199 pounds
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
3 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
South African Boerboel, African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, African Mastiff
Westie or Westy
Colors Available:
Fawn, Red, Brown, Brindle
White
Coat:
Short and dense
‎Double
Shedding:
Minimal, Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

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.

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

Health Problems

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.

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  2. Bullmastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  3. Great Pyrenees vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  4. Boerboel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Boerboel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  6. Boerboel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  7. Boerboel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  8. Boerboel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  10. Boerboel vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  11. Boerboel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  12. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Boerboel vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  14. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  15. Boerboel vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  16. Boerboel vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  17. Boerboel vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  18. Presa Canario vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  19. Labrador Husky vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  20. Argentine Dogo vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  21. Giant Schnauzer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  22. Goldador vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  25. Central Asian Shepherd vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  26. Boston Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Jack Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Patterdale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Terrier Miniature vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Norfolk Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Parson Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Feist vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Manchester Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cesky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnorkie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Sealyham Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Chilean Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds