Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chihuahua Versus Boerboel: Introduction
- Chihuahua versus Boerboel: Overview
- Chihuahua versus Boerboel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Boerboel
- The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Boerboel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Boerboel
- Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Boerboel
- Temperament of the Chihuahua Versus the Boerboel
- Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Boerboel
- Adopting the Chihuahua versus Adopting the Boerboel
- The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Boerboel
- Health Problems of Chihuahua versus Health Problems of Boerboel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Boerboel
- Do Chihuahuas shed more than Boerboels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Boerboel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Boerboel?
- Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Boerboels?
- Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Boerboel?
- Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Boerboel
- How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Boerboels?
- Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boerboel?
- Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Boerboels?
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Boerboel
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Chihuahua Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Boerboel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chihuahua Versus Boerboel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Boerboel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua or the Boerboel.
Read on.
Chihuahua versus Boerboel: Overview
A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Boerboel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Boerboel is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Chihuahua 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.
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.
Chihuahua versus Boerboel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Boerboel
| Factor | Chihuahua | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 18 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 6 pounds | 110 to 200 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 28 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1840 | $2390 |
| Price Range | $850 – $2500 | $1800 – $3000 |
| Temperament Score | 69.6 percent | 94.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 29 | 116 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Boerboel is 70 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Boerboel. So, you should get a Chihuahua!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Boerboel
Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Boerboel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Boerboel
The Chihuahua and the Boerboel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Boerboel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Boerboel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Boerboel.
Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 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.
Here is our article on Chihuahua size, Chihuahua growth, and Chihuahua weight.
Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Boerboel
The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.
Chihuahuas live longer than Boerboels.
Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.
Temperament of the Chihuahua Versus the Boerboel
The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.
This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 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 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Boerboel by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 57 Boerboels.
Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Boerboel
The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1840. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $25000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1982 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2390. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of the Boerboel can be as low as $500 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 109 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Boerboel is more expensive than the Chihuahua.
| Chihuahua | Boerboel | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1840 | $2390 |
| Price Range | $850 to $2500 | $1800 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Boerboel. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Boerboel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua 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.
Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.
Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here
Adopting the Chihuahua versus Adopting the Boerboel
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Chihuahuas and many Boerboels are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Chihuahua named Toon that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Chihuahuas like Toon on pefinder.com.
Also, like Chihuahuas, Boerboels are also available for adoption. For example, Percy Jones is a Male Boerboel that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Boerboels like Percy Jones that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Rory is the name of another Chihuahua (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Renzo Aka Droolious is an adorable Male Boerboel on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Chihuahuas and Boerboels that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Boerboel
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 Chihuahua and the Boerboel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Boerboel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 29 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Boerboel is 116 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Chihuahua
Popularity of Boerboel
| Year | Chihuahua Popularity Rank | Boerboel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | no data |
| 2014 | 24 | 64.0 |
| 2015 | 28 | 126.0 |
| 2016 | 30 | 131.0 |
| 2017 | 32 | 124.0 |
| 2018 | 33 | 121.0 |
| 2019 | 35 | 127.0 |
| 2020 | 34 | 123.0 |
Health Problems of Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boerboel than for the Chihuahua.
3 health tests are recommended for Chihuahua while 6 tests are recommended for the Boerboel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chihuahuas and in Boerboels.
Chihuahua Health Problems
Chihuahuas are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chihuahua 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 Chihuahuas for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chihuahuas 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boerboels here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Chihuahuas and Boerboels
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 Chihuahua Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Chihuahua ranks 2 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 129 Chihuahuas, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chihuahuas, and how common these diseases are in Chihuahuas 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 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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Chihuahua and in Boerboel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chihuahua and the Boerboel:
| Disease | Chihuahua Rank | Boerboel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 2 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 24 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 50 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 64 out of 159 dog breeds | 12 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 92 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 157 out of 198 dog breeds | 13 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 6 out of 144 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: Chihuahua versus Boerboel
Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.
Boerboels do not like to be left alone.
Do Chihuahuas shed more than Boerboels?
Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua
Boerboels shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Boerboel?
Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.
To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.
Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.
Boerboels are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Boerboel?
Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.
Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Boerboels?
Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.
Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.
Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Boerboel?
Chihuahuas are very easy to train.
To learn more on Chihuahua training, check out our article on how to train a Chihuahua.
Boerboels are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Boerboel
Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Boerboels?
Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boerboel?
Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Boerboels?
Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.
Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Boerboel
Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Boerboel?
Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.
Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Boerboel?
Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.
Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Chihuahua Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Chihuahua compares to other breeds aside from the Boerboel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Chihuahua to other breeds:
Chihuahua versus Norwegian Lundehund Chihuahua versus American Eskimo Dog Chihuahua versus Braque du Bourbonnais Chihuahua versus Westiepoo Chihuahua versus Carolina Dog Chihuahua versus Black Russian Terrier Chihuahua versus Golden Retriever Chihuahua versus Afghan Hound Chihuahua versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Chihuahua versus Australian Kelpie Chihuahua versus Finnish Lapphund Chihuahua versus Miniature Schnauzer Chihuahua versus Manchester Terrier Chihuahua versus Greyhound Chihuahua versus Alaskan Malamute Chihuahua versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Chihuahua versus Irish Terrier Chihuahua versus Irish Water Spaniel Chihuahua versus Dalmatian Chihuahua versus Redbone Coonhound Chihuahua versus Schipperke Chihuahua versus Dogue de Bordeaux Chihuahua versus Korean Jindo Dog Chihuahua versus Afador Chihuahua versus King Shepherd
Conclusion: Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Boerboel better suits you and your family.