Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Boerboel: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel
- Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel
- Temperament of the Boerboel Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
- Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Boerboel
- Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer versus Adopting the Boerboel
- The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Boerboel
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Boerboel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Boerboels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Boerboel?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Boerboel?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Boerboels?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Boerboel?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Boerboel
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Boerboels?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boerboel?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Boerboels?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Boerboel
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Boerboel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer or the Boerboel.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Boerboel is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 110 to 200 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 28 inches |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | $2540 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | $2000 – $3000 |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 94.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 116 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Boerboel is 70 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Boerboel. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel.
The Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Schnauzer is 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Boerboel weighs 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. The Boerboel is 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel
Miniature Schnauzer Colors
The Miniature Schnauzer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- White / Cream
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
The Miniature Schnauzer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Black
- Gray / Blue / Silver
Boerboel Colors
The Boerboel comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- Apricot / Beige
- Brindle
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Golden
- Brown / Chocolate
The Boerboel comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel
The lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of the Boerboel is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Boerboel is 11.0 years.
The Miniature Schnauzer live longer than the Boerboel.
Temperament of the Boerboel Versus the Miniature Schnauzer
The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 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 79.3 percent, the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 57 Boerboels.
Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Boerboel
The average price of the Miniature Schnauzer puppy is $1950. The price of the Miniature Schnauzer typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. However, the price of a Miniature Schnauzer can be as low as $500 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2540. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. However, the price of the Boerboel can be as low as $500 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 151 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Boerboel is more expensive than the Miniature Schnauzer.
| Miniature Schnauzer | Boerboel | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1950 | $2540 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2500 | $2000 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Boerboel. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Boerboel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers. 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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.
Adopting the Miniature Schnauzer versus Adopting the Boerboel
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer named Mcgee that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Miniature Schnauzers like Mcgee on pefinder.com.
Also, like Miniature Schnauzers, Boerboels are also available for adoption. For example, Jabbar is a Male Boerboel that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Boerboels like Jabbar that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Max is the name of another Miniature Schnauzer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Tawny is an adorable Male Boerboel on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Miniature Schnauzers and Boerboels that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Boerboel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Miniature Schnauzer is 17 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Boerboel is 116 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer
Popularity of Boerboel
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Boerboel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | no data |
| 2014 | 16 | 64.0 |
| 2015 | 16 | 126.0 |
| 2016 | 17 | 131.0 |
| 2017 | 18 | 124.0 |
| 2018 | 19 | 121.0 |
| 2019 | 18 | 127.0 |
| 2020 | 19 | 123.0 |
| 2021 | 18 | 118.0 |
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boerboel than for the Miniature Schnauzer.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 6 tests are recommended for the Boerboel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Boerboels.
Miniature Schnauzer Health Problems
Miniature Schnauzers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Miniature Schnauzer ranks 13 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 157 Miniature Schnauzers, 0 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Miniature Schnauzers, and how common these diseases are in Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer and in Boerboel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Boerboel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | 13 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 6 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 12 out of 159 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: Miniature Schnauzer versus Boerboel
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Boerboels do not like to be left alone.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Boerboels?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Boerboels shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Boerboel?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Boerboels are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Boerboel?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Boerboels?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Boerboel?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Boerboels are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Boerboel
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Boerboels?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boerboel?
Miniature Schnauzers 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.
Boerboels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Boerboels?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Boerboel
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Boerboel?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Boerboel?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds aside from the Boerboel. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Estrela Mountain Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Mastiff Miniature Schnauzer versus Cockapoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Bedlington Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Yorkshire Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Miniature Schnauzer versus Sloughi Miniature Schnauzer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Mastiff Miniature Schnauzer versus Shihpoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Portuguese Pointer Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomapoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Affenhuahua Miniature Schnauzer versus Dachshund Miniature Schnauzer versus Boston Terrier
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Boerboel better suits you and your family.