Is the Black Mouth Cur or the Boerboel better for families with children?

Both the Black Mouth Cur and the Boerboel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Black Mouth Cur or the Boerboel?

The Black Mouth Cur and Boerboel shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Black Mouth Cur or the Boerboel?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Black Mouth Cur or Boerboel bigger?

Boerboel is the larger breed; Black Mouth Cur is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Black Mouth Cur or Boerboel?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Black Mouth Cur or Boerboel?

For apartment or apartment living, Boerboel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Black Mouth Cur vs Boerboel: Which Is Calmer?

Black Mouth Cur vs Boerboel: full comparison

Trait	Black Mouth Cur	Boerboel
Size	Large	Giant
Energy level	Very High	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Very High	Very High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	11 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Boerboel is a larger dog than the Black Mouth Cur, which affects space, food and exercise needs.
The Black Mouth Cur has noticeably higher energy than the Boerboel.

Size and living space

The Black Mouth Cur is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Boerboel is one of the true giant breeds that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Black Mouth Cur is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Boerboel wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Black Mouth Cur needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Boerboel needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Black Mouth Cur takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Boerboel takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Black Mouth Cur is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive, whereas Boerboel is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Boerboel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Black Mouth Cur and Boerboel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Black Mouth Cur and Boerboel are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Black Mouth Cur and Boerboel are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Black Mouth Cur and Boerboel are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Black Mouth Cur if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you want a longer-lived breed, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Boerboel if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Black Mouth Cur or the Boerboel better for families with children?: Both the Black Mouth Cur and the Boerboel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Black Mouth Cur or the Boerboel?: The Black Mouth Cur and Boerboel shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Black Mouth Cur or the Boerboel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Black Mouth Cur or Boerboel bigger?: Boerboel is the larger breed; Black Mouth Cur is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Black Mouth Cur or Boerboel?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Black Mouth Cur or Boerboel?: For apartment or apartment living, Boerboel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Black Mouth Cur vs Boerboel