Boerboel vs English Mastiff
Two giant molossers, two different jobs. Here is how the athletic, working-guardian Boerboel compares to the larger, more laid-back English Mastiff across size, temperament, energy, drool, grooming, lifespan, and which one fits your home.
The Short Answer
The English Mastiff is the bigger, heavier, and more laid-back of the two, a gentle giant that is content with calm days and shorter walks but drools more and tends to live a shorter life. The Boerboel is leaner, more athletic, and more active, with a sharper working-guardian drive that wants a job and structure. Choose the English Mastiff if you want a mellow, lower-energy companion, and the Boerboel if you want an agile, protective family guardian and can commit to early socialization and training.
Boerboel vs English Mastiff at a Glance
| Boerboel | English Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | South Africa, farm guardian and family protector | England, ancient estate guardian and war dog |
| Size / Weight | Males ~110-200+ lbs, 24-28 in; females ~100-185 lbs, 22-25 in | Often 150-230 lbs, typically 27-32 in; one of the heaviest breeds |
| Temperament | Devoted, confident guardian; reserved with strangers, bonded to family | Gentle, dignified, calm; affectionate and good-natured, naturally watchful |
| Energy / Exercise | Moderate to high; athletic and agile, wants daily activity and a job | Low to moderate; laid-back, happy with shorter walks and rest |
| Trainability | Smart and biddable but strong-willed; rewards consistent, experienced handling | Willing and eager to please, can be stubborn; gentle methods work best |
| Grooming / Shedding | Short coat, low grooming; moderate shedding, minimal drool | Short coat, low grooming; moderate shedding, heavier drool |
| Lifespan | Commonly cited around 9-11 years | Typically shorter, often around 6-10 years |
| Best for | Active families wanting an agile, protective working guardian | Calmer homes wanting a mellow, gentle giant companion |
Ranges are general guidelines for the breeds, not guarantees for any individual dog.
Size, Build, and Energy
On raw size, the English Mastiff wins comfortably. It is one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world, with many adults landing between 150 and 230 pounds and standing taller at the shoulder than a Boerboel. Its build is massive and substantial, meant to impress and to block rather than to chase.
The Boerboel is no small dog, with males commonly running 110 to 200-plus pounds and females 100 to 185 pounds, but it is built differently. It is more athletic, agile, and active, a square, muscular dog that can move quickly and patrol a property. That difference in build drives the difference in energy: the Boerboel wants real daily exercise and a sense of purpose, while the English Mastiff is generally content with a calm routine, shorter walks, and plenty of rest.
If you want a giant breed that can hike, train, and patrol with you, the Boerboel suits that life better. If you want a serene housemate who is happy to lounge, the English Mastiff fits more naturally. You can read more about how a Boerboel actually behaves on our Boerboels explained page.
Temperament, Drool, and Lifespan
Both breeds are devoted to their families and naturally watchful, but their default settings differ. The English Mastiff is a gentle, dignified giant: calm, affectionate, and slow to react, a dog whose size alone tends to deter trouble. The Boerboel carries a more active guardian drive. It is confident and reserved with strangers, attentive to its surroundings, and quicker to assess a visitor, which makes early, ongoing socialization especially important.
On drool, the English Mastiff is the wetter of the two. Its heavier flews (loose upper lips) mean more slobber, especially after drinking or eating. Boerboels can drool as well, but generally less. Both wear short coats that are easy to groom and shed a moderate amount, so grooming is not a deciding factor.
Lifespan is one of the clearer contrasts. Boerboels are commonly cited at around 9 to 11 years, while English Mastiffs, like many of the very largest breeds, often live a shorter span, frequently in the range of 6 to 10 years. With either breed, responsible breeding and good care matter more than any single number.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose the Boerboel if...
- You want an athletic, agile guardian that can stay active with you.
- You value a strong, attentive working-guardian instinct for your family.
- You can commit to early socialization, training, and structure.
- You prefer a giant breed that tends to drool less.
- You are an experienced or seriously committed owner.
Choose the English Mastiff if...
- You want the largest, heaviest possible gentle-giant companion.
- You prefer a calm, low-energy dog content with a quiet routine.
- You have the space for a truly enormous indoor dog.
- You do not mind more drool and slobber.
- You want a mellow temperament over a sharper guardian drive.
What the Two Breeds Share
For all their differences, the Boerboel and the English Mastiff ask many of the same things of an owner. Both are giant molossers whose sheer size demands responsible ownership: secure fencing, sturdy equipment, careful management around small children and other animals, and a household that can comfortably handle a very large, powerful dog. A poorly raised giant of either breed is a serious liability, while a well-raised one is a wonderful family companion.
Both also depend on early, consistent socialization. Exposing a puppy to people, places, sounds, and other dogs in a positive way, then keeping that exposure going through adulthood, is what turns a naturally watchful giant into a stable, trustworthy adult. Both breeds benefit from a confident owner, positive training, and clear structure from day one. And with either breed, the single most important decision you make is choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests and socializes their litters.
More Boerboel Breed Comparisons
Boerboel vs English Mastiff FAQ
Is a Boerboel bigger than an English Mastiff?
No. The English Mastiff is generally the larger breed, often weighing 150 to 230 pounds, while a Boerboel typically ranges from about 110 to 200-plus pounds for males and 100 to 185 pounds for females. The Boerboel is more athletic and agile for its size, while the English Mastiff carries more sheer bulk.
Which is more active, a Boerboel or an English Mastiff?
The Boerboel is the more active and athletic of the two. It has a stronger working-guardian drive and needs regular exercise and a job to do. The English Mastiff is generally lower-energy and more laid-back, content with shorter walks and a calm household.
Which breed drools more?
English Mastiffs tend to drool noticeably more than Boerboels because of their heavier flews (loose upper lips). Boerboels can drool too, especially after drinking or eating, but generally less than an English Mastiff.
Is a Boerboel or an English Mastiff better for a first-time owner?
Neither is an ideal first dog. Both are powerful giant breeds that need early socialization, structure, and confident handling. Of the two, the English Mastiff's calmer, lower-drive nature can make it slightly more forgiving, while the Boerboel's guardian drive rewards an experienced, committed owner.
Considering a Boerboel?
If the athletic, devoted guardian sounds like your match, we raise South African Boerboels in Livingston, Texas and ship nationwide. See our available puppies or start an application.