Is the Boerboel Better than the Japanese Chin as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Boerboel Versus Japanese Chin: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin.

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 Japanese Chin.

Boerboel versus Japanese Chin: Overview

A very important difference between the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boerboel is a giant-sized dog while the Japanese Chin is a tiny-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 Japanese Chin belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Boerboel versus Japanese Chin: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin

Factor Boerboel Japanese Chin
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 4 to 9 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
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 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2660 $2110
Price Range $2225 – $3000 $1800 – $2425
Temperament Score 94.7 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Japanese Chin so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin

    Below is a list of where the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin are most different:

    • Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Chins adapt well to apartment living.
    • Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Japanese Chins are good for new dog owners.
    • Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, Japanese Chins do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Japanese Chins do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Boerboels do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Japanese Chins do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin

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

    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin are not easy to train.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Japanese Chin

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin.

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

    On the other hand, Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Boerboel versus Japanese Chin

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

    The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins is 12.0 years.

    Japanese Chins live longer than Boerboels.

    Temperament of the Boerboel Versus the Japanese Chin

    The Japanese Chin has a better temperament than the Boerboel.

    This is because the temperament score for the Japanese Chin is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 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 100.0 percent, the Japanese Chin has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boerboel and the Japanese Chin by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 5 Japanese Chins.

    Price of Boerboel versus Price of Japanese Chin

    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 Japanese Chin puppy is $2110. The price of the Japanese Chin typically ranges from $1800 – $2425. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 32 Japanese Chin puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boerboel is more expensive than the Japanese Chin.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boerboel and Japanese Chin. For different price points, the charts show how many Boerboel puppies or how many Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chins

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boerboel puppy or the Japanese Chin 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 Boerboel versus Health Problems of Japanese Chin

    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 Boerboel and the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boerboel than for the Japanese Chin.

    6 health tests are recommended for Boerboel while 4 tests are recommended for the Japanese Chin.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boerboels and in Japanese Chins.

    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.

    Japanese Chin Health Problems

    Japanese Chins are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chins for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Japanese Chin

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boerboels shed more than Japanese Chins?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    Japanese Chins shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Japanese Chin

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Japanese Chin?

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Chin?

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

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

    Do Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Chins?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Japanese Chin

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

    Japanese Chins do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

    Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Japanese Chin?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Japanese Chins?

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

    Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and Japanese Chins?

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

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Japanese Chin?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Chin?

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boerboel or the Japanese Chin?

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boerboel versus Japanese Chin. 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 Japanese Chin better suits you and your family.