Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel.

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Bearded Collie Versus Boerboel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bearded Collie and for the Boerboel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bearded Collie or the Boerboel.

Bearded Collie versus Boerboel: Overview

A very important difference between the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Boerboel is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bearded Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Boerboel belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Bearded Collie versus Boerboel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bearded Collie to the Boerboel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel

Factor Bearded Collie Boerboel
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 28 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 55 pounds 110 to 200 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $980 $2660
Price Range $500 – $975 $2225 – $3000
Temperament Score 56.9 percent 94.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bearded Collie in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Boerboel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Bearded Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Boerboel is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bearded Collie is a better pet than the Boerboel. So, you should get the Bearded Collie!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel

    Below is a list of where the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel are most different:

    • Bearded Collies do not have the tendency to drool. However, Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Bearded Collies are good for new dog owners. However, Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Bearded Collies get along well with other dogs. However, Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Bearded Collies are very easy to train. However, Boerboels are not easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel

    The Bearded Collie and the Boerboel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel are most similar:

    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bearded Collie versus Boerboel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel.

    Bearded Collies weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Bearded Collies are 20 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bearded Collie versus Boerboel

    The lifespan of Bearded Collies is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bearded Collies is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.

    Bearded Collies live longer than Boerboels.

    Temperament of the Bearded Collie Versus the Boerboel

    The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Bearded Collie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the Bearded Collie is 56.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 56.9 percent, the Bearded Collie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 94.7 percent, the Boerboel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel by measuring the temperaments of 51 Bearded Collies and 57 Boerboels.

    Price of Bearded Collie versus Price of Boerboel

    The average price of the Bearded Collie puppy is $980. The price of the Bearded Collie typically ranges from $500 – $975. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 16 Bearded Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2660. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $2225 – $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 58 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boerboel is more expensive than the Bearded Collie.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bearded Collie and Boerboel. For different price points, the charts show how many Bearded Collie puppies or how many Boerboel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bearded Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bearded Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bearded Collie puppy or the Boerboel puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Bearded Collie versus Health Problems of Boerboel

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Boerboel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bearded Collie.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boerboel than for the Bearded Collie.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bearded Collie while 6 tests are recommended for the Boerboel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bearded Collies and in Boerboels.

    Bearded Collie Health Problems

    Bearded Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bearded Collie puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bearded Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bearded Collie breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bearded Collies for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination each year, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bearded Collies here.

    Boerboel Health Problems

    Boerboels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boerboel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Boerboel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boerboel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boerboels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boerboels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bearded Collie versus Boerboel

    Bearded Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bearded Collies shed more than Boerboels?

    Bearded Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bearded Collie or the Boerboel

    Bearded Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bearded Collie or the Boerboel?

    Bearded Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bearded Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boerboel?

    Bearded Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Boerboels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Bearded Collies Bark and Howl? What about Boerboels?

    Bearded Collies bark and howl, but not very much.

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bearded Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bearded Collie vs. Boerboel

    Bearded Collies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bearded Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bearded Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bearded Collie or the Boerboel?

    Bearded Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bearded Collies good family dogs? What about Boerboels?

    Bearded Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bearded Collies and Boerboels?

    Bearded Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bearded Collie Easier to Train than the Boerboel?

    Bearded Collies are very easy to train.

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Is the Bearded Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Boerboel?

    Bearded Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bearded Collie or the Boerboel?

    Bearded Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bearded Collie versus Boerboel. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bearded Collie and the Boerboel better suits you and your family.