Boerboel vs Mastiff: Size, Athleticism and Temperament
Short answer: The English Mastiff is the bigger dog. It stands at least 30 inches for males and can weigh 160 to 230 lb. The Boerboel is a little shorter and often a little lighter, at 150 to 200 lb, but it is far more athletic. Mastiffs are docile, dignified and need only moderate exercise. Boerboels are more active, more agile and more territorial.
Boerboel vs Mastiff at a glance
Trait | Boerboel vs Mastiff |
Origin | Boerboel: South Africa Mastiff: England |
Original job | Boerboel: Farm and homestead guardian; first line of defense against predators Mastiff: Ancient guardian and estate dog |
Height | Boerboel: Males 24 to 27 in; females 22 to 25 in Mastiff: Males at least 30 in; females at least 27.5 in |
Weight | Boerboel: 150 to 200 lb Mastiff: Males about 160 to 230 lb; females about 120 to 170 lb |
Coat | Boerboel: Short, dense and smooth; low grooming Mastiff: Short, dense outer coat; moderate shedding |
Registry group | Boerboel: AKC Working Group Mastiff: AKC Working Group |
Guarding style | Boerboel: Calm, confident home and family guardian Mastiff: Docile, dignified, good-natured |
Boerboel height comes from the AKC breed standard and weight from the AKC breed weight chart. Typical lifespan reflects what we see in the breed. Mastiff figures come from the breed standards and AKC resources listed under Sources.
Size and build
The Mastiff is the larger breed. The AKC says the standard sets a minimum height of 30 inches for males and 27.5 inches for females, and that males can weigh 160 to 230 lb. A male Boerboel stands 24 to 27 inches and the breed weighs 150 to 200 lb. A Boerboel is more compact and muscular, with less loose skin.
Temperament and guarding style
The AKC describes the Mastiff as a "docile" and "dignified" protector. Most Mastiffs are gentle giants who would rather lean on you than chase anything. Boerboels are also calm at home, but they are more alert and active, and more willing to step forward when they read a threat.
More on how Boerboels behave with family, children and visitors is in our Boerboel temperament FAQ.
Training and handling
Both breeds are sensitive to their owner's tone and both can be stubborn. A Mastiff is usually slower to move and easier to manage day to day. A Boerboel has more drive, which makes it more trainable for active work but also more demanding.
Our puppies start that work early through Cold River HomeStart™, the early foundation every Cold River puppy receives, and our Boerboel training FAQ covers house training, leash work, mouthing and more.
Exercise, work and performance
The AKC notes that Mastiffs do best on a moderate exercise routine. The Boerboel standard calls for "strength, suppleness, nimbleness and agility." This is a breed that can run, climb and pull. Boerboels hold the heaviest documented weight-pull results in the sport.
Performance is how we measure the breed at Cold River. Cold River's Sun Wukong and Cold River's Mr. Wednesday both pulled 22,039 lb at a UPF event on May 9, 2026, the heaviest pull in any weight-pull federation's published results. Sun competes at about 164 lb and Wednesday at about 186 lb. The full results and sources are on our world record page, and our dog weight pulling guide explains how the sport works.
Health and lifespan
Giant breeds tend to live shorter lives. The AKC gives a general range of 8 to 10 years for giant breeds. Boerboels generally live 9 to 11 years. Lean condition and good joint care matter for both. For growth, lifespan and bloat prevention in Boerboels, see our Boerboel size, growth and health FAQ.
Which breed is right for you?
Choose a Boerboel if:
You want an athletic giant that can work and compete
You want a more alert, territorial guardian
You want a tighter-skinned, muscular build
Choose a Mastiff if:
You want the biggest, calmest gentle giant
You want a lower-energy companion
You want a guardian that needs only moderate exercise
Whichever breed you choose, pick a breeder who can show you health results and what their dogs actually do. Our guide on how to choose a Boerboel breeder covers what to ask.
Common questions
Is a Boerboel bigger than a Mastiff?
Usually not. The English Mastiff is taller and often heavier. The Boerboel is more muscular and athletic for its size.
Is a Boerboel a type of Mastiff?
The Boerboel is a mastiff-type breed developed in South Africa. It is a separate breed from the English Mastiff.
Thinking about a Boerboel?
Start with our puppy application, see our available puppies, or read the Boerboel puppy price FAQ. To compare the Boerboel with more breeds, see Boerboel vs other breeds.
Sources
By Cold River Boerboels. Updated October 2026.
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