Lakeland Terrier vs Boerboel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lakeland Terrier
Terrier Group
Boerboel
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lakeland Terrier Overview
Lakeland Terriers possess a sturdy, well-balanced frame with distinctive wire-coated exteriors in various colors. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their bold personality. Standing 14-15 inches at the shoulder, these compact terriers showcase a rectangular body profile with strong legs and a carried-high tail. Their temperament combines fearlessness with friendly approachability.
Boerboel Overview
Powerful and muscular, the Boerboel exhibits a distinctive blocky head, strong bone structure, and imposing presence. Their short coat comes in various shades including fawn, red, and brindle. Despite their intimidating size, these dogs display remarkable intelligence and calm confidence, showing deep loyalty to their families while maintaining a naturally protective instinct.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lakeland Terriers are more energetic than Boerboels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lakeland Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Boerboels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lakeland Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Boerboels.
- Trainability: Boerboels may be slightly easier to train due to their Boerboel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lakeland Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Boerboels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lakeland Terrier and Boerboel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 17-17 lbs 8-8 kg | 150-200 lbs 68-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Bold | Confident, Intelligent, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is known for being friendly, confident, bold, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Boerboel Temperament
The Boerboel is characterized by being confident, intelligent, calm, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Lakeland Terrier and Boerboel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Lakeland Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lakeland Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lakeland Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Boerboel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boerboels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boerboels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lakeland Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- von Willebrand's
- Legg-Perthes
- Allergies
Boerboel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Lakeland Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding
- Adaptable
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tendency to bark
Boerboel
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent
- Calm temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Requires extensive training
- Not suitable for small spaces
- High food costs
- May be too powerful for inexperienced owners
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lakeland Terrier and Boerboel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.