Boerboel versus Scottish Deerhound. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Boerboel Versus Scottish Deerhound: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boerboel and the Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound. 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 Scottish Deerhound.

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 Scottish Deerhound.

Boerboel versus Scottish Deerhound: Overview

Both the Boerboel and the Scottish Deerhound are similar in size. The Boerboel and the Scottish Deerhound are both giant-sized dogs.

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 Scottish Deerhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Boerboel versus Scottish Deerhound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boerboel to the Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound

Factor Boerboel Scottish Deerhound
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 8 to 11 years
Weight 110 to 200 pounds 75 to 110 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Height 22 to 28 inches 28 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
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 9.5 years
Average Price $2660 No Data
Price Range $2225 – $3000 No Data
Temperament Score 94.7 percent 85.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency DNA test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
    		•

    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 Scottish Deerhound. 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 Scottish Deerhound is 67 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Boerboel is a better pet than the Scottish Deerhound. So, you should get 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 Scottish Deerhound so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Scottish Deerhound

    Below is a list of where the Boerboel and the Scottish Deerhound are most different:

    • Boerboels are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Scottish Deerhounds are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, Scottish Deerhounds do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Scottish Deerhound

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

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

    Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Scottish Deerhound

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boerboel and the Scottish Deerhound.

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

    On the other hand, Scottish Deerhounds weigh 75 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Scottish Deerhounds are 28 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Boerboel versus Scottish Deerhound

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

    The lifespan of Scottish Deerhounds is between 8 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Scottish Deerhounds is 9.5 years.

    Boerboels live longer than Scottish Deerhounds.

    Temperament of the Boerboel Versus the Scottish Deerhound

    The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Scottish Deerhound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the Scottish Deerhound is 85.3 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 85.3 percent, the Scottish Deerhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boerboel and the Scottish Deerhound by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 34 Scottish Deerhounds.

    Health Problems of Boerboel versus Health Problems of Scottish Deerhound

    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 Scottish Deerhound 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 Scottish Deerhound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boerboel than for the Scottish Deerhound.

    6 health tests are recommended for Boerboel while 3 tests are recommended for the Scottish Deerhound.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boerboels and in Scottish Deerhounds.

    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.

    Scottish Deerhound Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency DNA test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Scottish Deerhound

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    Scottish Deerhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boerboels shed more than Scottish Deerhounds?

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    Scottish Deerhounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Scottish Deerhound

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Scottish Deerhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Scottish Deerhound?

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

    Scottish Deerhounds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Deerhound?

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

    Scottish Deerhounds 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 Scottish Deerhounds?

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Scottish Deerhounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Deerhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Scottish Deerhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Scottish Deerhound

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

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

    Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Deerhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

    Scottish Deerhounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Scottish Deerhound?

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Scottish Deerhounds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Scottish Deerhounds?

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

    Scottish Deerhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and Scottish Deerhounds?

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

    Scottish Deerhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Scottish Deerhound?

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Scottish Deerhounds are not easy to train.

    Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Deerhound?

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Scottish Deerhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boerboel or the Scottish Deerhound?

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Scottish Deerhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boerboel versus Scottish Deerhound. 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 Scottish Deerhound better suits you and your family.