Is the Boerboel or the Hovawart better for families with children?

Both the Boerboel and the Hovawart are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Boerboel or the Hovawart?

The Boerboel and Hovawart shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Boerboel or the Hovawart?

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

Is Boerboel or Hovawart bigger?

Boerboel is the larger breed; Hovawart is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Boerboel or Hovawart?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Boerboel or Hovawart?

For apartment or apartment living, Boerboel and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.

Boerboel vs Hovawart: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Boerboel vs Hovawart: full comparison

Trait	Boerboel	Hovawart
Size	Giant	Large
Energy level	Medium	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Very High	Very High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	11 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Boerboel is a larger dog than the Hovawart, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Boerboel is a giant breed that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Hovawart is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Boerboel needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Hovawart needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. 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 Boerboel needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Hovawart needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Boerboel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Hovawart is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Boerboel is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive, whereas Hovawart is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Boerboel and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Boerboel and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Boerboel and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Boerboel and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Boerboel and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

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

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

Not sure which breed is right for you?

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Boerboel or the Hovawart better for families with children?: Both the Boerboel and the Hovawart are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Boerboel or the Hovawart?: The Boerboel and Hovawart shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Boerboel or the Hovawart?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Boerboel or Hovawart bigger?: Boerboel is the larger breed; Hovawart is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Boerboel or Hovawart?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Boerboel or Hovawart?: For apartment or apartment living, Boerboel and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.

Boerboel vs Hovawart