Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Boerboel Versus Puli: Introduction
- Boerboel versus Puli: Overview
- Boerboel versus Puli: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Puli
- The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Puli
- Size (Weight and Height) of Boerboel versus Puli
- Lifespan of Boerboel versus Puli
- Temperament of the Boerboel Versus the Puli
- Price of Boerboel versus Price of Puli
- The Popularity of Boerboel versus Popularity of Puli
- Health Problems of Boerboel versus Health Problems of Puli
- Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Puli
- Do Boerboels shed more than Pulis?
- Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Puli
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Puli?
- Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
- Do Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
- Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Puli
- Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Puli?
- Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Pulis?
- How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and Pulis?
- Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Puli?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Boerboel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Boerboel versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?
Boerboel Versus Puli: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boerboel and the Puli? 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 Puli 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 Puli.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boerboel and the Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli.
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 Puli.
Boerboel versus Puli: Overview
A very important difference between the Boerboel and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boerboel is a giant-sized dog while the Puli is a medium-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 Puli 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 Puli: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Boerboel to the Puli 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 Puli
| Factor | Boerboel | Puli |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Weight | 110 to 200 pounds | 25 to 35 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 22 to 28 inches | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $2390 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | $1875 – $2750 |
| Temperament Score | 94.7 percent | 92.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 116 | 150 |
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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puli is a better pet than the Boerboel. So, you should get the Puli!
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 Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Puli
Below is a list of where the Boerboel and the Puli are most different:
The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Puli
The Boerboel and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boerboel and the Puli are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Boerboel versus Puli
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boerboel and the Puli.
Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Boerboel versus Puli
The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
Pulis live longer than Boerboels.
Temperament of the Boerboel Versus the Puli
The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Puli.
This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boerboel and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 26 Pulis.
Price of Boerboel versus Price of Puli
The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2390. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of a Boerboel can be as low as $500 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 109 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Boerboel is more expensive than the Puli.
| Boerboel | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2390 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1800 to $3000 | $1875 to $2750 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Boerboel and Puli. For different price points, the charts show how many Boerboel puppies or how many Puli 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 Pulis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boerboel puppy or the Puli 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.
The Popularity of Boerboel versus Popularity of Puli
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Boerboel and the Puli over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Boerboel is more popular with dog owners than the Puli. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Boerboel is 116 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Boerboel
Popularity of Puli
| Year | Boerboel Popularity Rank | Puli Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 64.0 | 151 |
| 2015 | 126.0 | 154 |
| 2016 | 131.0 | 159 |
| 2017 | 124.0 | 142 |
| 2018 | 121.0 | 160 |
| 2019 | 127.0 | 160 |
| 2020 | 123.0 | 143 |
| 2013 | no data | 136 |
Health Problems of Boerboel versus Health Problems of Puli
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 Puli 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 Puli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Boerboel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Puli than for the Boerboel.
6 health tests are recommended for Boerboel while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boerboels and in Pulis.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boerboels here.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Boerboels and Pulis
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Boerboel Breed is Elbow problems.
This is because the Boerboel ranks 6 out of 144 dog breeds for Elbow problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 334 Boerboels, 111 of them had Elbow problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Boerboels, and how common these diseases are in Boerboels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Boerboel and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Boerboel and the Puli:
| Disease | Boerboel Rank | Puli Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow problems | 6 out of 144 dog breeds | 70 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 12 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 13 out of 198 dog breeds | 115 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 37 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 39 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 144 out of 182 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Puli
Boerboels do not like to be left alone.
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Do Boerboels shed more than Pulis?
Boerboels shed moderately.
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Puli
Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Puli?
Boerboels are very easy to groom.
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
Boerboels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Pulis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Puli
Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.
Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Puli?
Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Pulis?
Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and Pulis?
Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Puli?
Boerboels are not easy to train.
Pulis are not easy to train.
Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?
Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boerboel or the Puli?
Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Boerboel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Boerboel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Boerboel:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Puli:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Boerboel and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Boerboel and of the Puli to other breeds:
Boerboel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Boerboel versus German Shorthaired Pointer Boerboel versus Samoyed Boerboel versus Dutch Shepherd Boerboel versus Finnish Spitz Boerboel versus Golden Retriever Boerboel versus Borzoi Boerboel versus Miniature Schnauzer Boerboel versus Pyredoodle Boerboel versus Vizsla Boerboel versus Irish Terrier Boerboel versus Pyredoodle Boerboel versus Pomchi Boerboel versus Great Dane Boerboel versus Maltipoo Boerboel versus Sussex Spaniel Boerboel versus Estrela Mountain Dog Boerboel versus Bordoodle Boerboel versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Boerboel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Boerboel versus English Cocker Spaniel Boerboel versus Pomsky Boerboel versus Standard Poodle Boerboel versus Miniature Pinscher Boerboel versus Mudi Boerboel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Flat-Coated Retriever Puli versus Bouvier des Flandres Puli versus Pekingese Puli versus Weimaraner Puli versus Siberian Husky Puli versus Japanese Spitz Puli versus Flat-Coated Retriever Puli versus Coton de Tulear Puli versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Puli versus Australian Cattle Dog Puli versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puli versus Goldador Puli versus Giant Schnauzer Puli versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puli versus American Bulldog Puli versus Cairn Terrier Puli versus Puggle Puli versus Kuvasz Puli versus Japanese Chin Puli versus Labrador Retriever Puli versus Collie Puli versus Carolina Dog Puli versus Standard Poodle Puli versus Affenhuahua
Conclusion: Boerboel versus Puli. 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 Puli better suits you and your family.