Is the Boerboel Better than the Catahoula Leopard Dog as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Boerboel Versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog? 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 Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Boerboel and for the Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

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

Boerboel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boerboel is a giant-sized dog while the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.

Boerboel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel to the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog

Factor Boerboel Catahoula Leopard Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 50 to 90 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2660 $580
Price Range $2225 – $3000 $350 – $700
Temperament Score 94.7 percent 78.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boerboel 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Boerboel is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is not better or worse than the Boerboel. So, you can get the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Boerboel!

    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 Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Below is a list of where the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are most different:

    • Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    The Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are most similar:

    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are not easy to train.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Boerboel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs live longer than Boerboels.

    Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Boerboel

    The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 94.7 percent, the Boerboel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Price of Boerboel versus Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog

    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 reviewing the prices of 58 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $580. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $350 – $700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 137 Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boerboel is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boerboel puppy or the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boerboels shed more than Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boerboel or the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boerboel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog. 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 Boerboel and the Catahoula Leopard Dog better suits you and your family.