Boerboel / Dane female

Great Danes may seem intimidating, but inside their enormous bodies are even bigger hearts. Their size and loyalty make them good watch dogs, but intruders won’t realize their bark is worse than their bite. Although they appear energetic, Great Danes would rather grab a pillow indoors and relax by your side. Full-grown, they typically weigh 110-175 pounds and stand 28-32 inches tall.

Great Danes are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Great Danes gets along well with children, other dogs, and household pets. Some Great Danes are dominant with other dogs of the same sex or have a high prey drive with small cats. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

This breed is fairly calm when young and needs a moderate amount of exercise when fully grown. Great Danes should be taken on a daily walk or allowed to play in a large, fenced yard where they can run and explore. They may seem like outdoor dogs, but their favorite spot is actually indoors where they can relax and be by your side. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The Great Dane has a short, smooth coat that comes in several colors. Most dogs are fawn (gold with a black mask, ears, and tail tip), brindle (gold with a black stripe pattern), steel blue, glossy black, “Harlequin” (white with black patches), or “Mantle”/”Boston” (black with white muzzle, chest, and tail tip). This breed isn’t high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Great Danes are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Great Danes gets along well with children, other dogs, and household pets. Due to their size, apartments and small spaces just aren’t practical for this breed. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.

The Boerboel (‘farmer’s dog’ in Afrikaans) originates in South Africa. It is a guard dog which was created by mixing various African and European breeds, possibly including the Bulldog, Bullmastiff, and Rhodesian Ridgeback. Full-grown, they typically weigh 150-200 pounds and stand 22-27 inches tall.

Boerboels are generally good with kids, especially when raised together. The Boerboel has very strong watchdog and guard dog instincts. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

The Boerboel loves to play. It requires daily exercise, such as playtime in a large, fenced yard or a long walk. The Boerboel should always be walked on a leash and watched closely around strangers. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

The Boerboel has a short, dense, and sleek coat which is brown, red, yellow, black, fawn, or brindle (light/dark stripes), with possible white markings on the head, neck, chest, and legs. A black mask is preferred. The Boerboel is an average shedder. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Boerboels are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. They are fairly easy to train.