Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro: full comparison
| Trait | Boerboel | Fila Brasileiro |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Giant |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | High | Medium |
| Friendliness | Medium | Low |
| Good with children | High | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Medium | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Very High | Very High |
| Adaptability | Medium | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 11 years | 10 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Boerboel is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Fila Brasileiro is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Boerboel needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Fila Brasileiro needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Boerboel asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Fila Brasileiro asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Boerboel takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and suits families with children particularly well. The Fila Brasileiro picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Boerboel carries a powerful guarding instinct, whereas Fila Brasileiro carries a powerful guarding instinct.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Boerboel and Fila Brasileiro are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Boerboel has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
- For first-time dog owners, Boerboel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Fila Brasileiro has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, Boerboel and Fila Brasileiro are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Boerboel if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.
Choose the Fila Brasileiro if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Boerboel on temperament, size and care.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Boerboel or the Fila Brasileiro better for families with children?
- The Boerboel tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
- Which sheds more, the Boerboel or the Fila Brasileiro?
- The Boerboel and Fila Brasileiro shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Boerboel or the Fila Brasileiro?
- The Boerboel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro bigger?
- Boerboel and Fila Brasileiro are a similar size (Giant).
- Which barks more, Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Boerboel or Fila Brasileiro?
- For apartment or apartment living, Boerboel and Fila Brasileiro are an even match — either can work well.