Boxer vs Pitbull
Pitbulls and Boxers are large breed dogs with many common characteristics and a few differences. Both of these dogs are highly energetic and strong and require a lot of exercise to maintain their muscular build.
If you’re considering adopting a puppy and choosing one of these two dog breeds, it’s a good idea to become familiar with their similarities and differences to determine which option is the best for your home.
What Do the Pitbull and Boxer Have in Common?
While both dogs share similar characteristics in appearance, the American Pitbull tends to be larger and weigh more than the Boxer. Both canines are intelligent, highly active, and energetic.
They make ideal family pets and socialize well around children, families, and other pets. Boxers and Pitbulls generally live healthy, happy lives with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and veterinarian care.
The History of the Pitbull and the Boxer
The American Pitbull Terrier and Boxer dog breeds have fascinating origins that differ significantly. While both dogs were initially bred for hunting, some Pitbulls were bred as fighting dogs, which is why these dogs have the reputation of being vicious, aggressive, and dangerous, which is inaccurate.
Boxers, on the other hand, are considered gentle, loyal, and protective. They often make great working dogs, service animals, guard dogs, and companions.
Boxers originated in the 1800s in Germany, where they were initially bred from a larger dog breed, the Bullenbeisser, used to hunt wild boar and bull. Over time, the Boxer breed was developed in an attempt to reduce the size of this dog, creating a more agile but strong breed ideal for protection as a guard dog, hunting vermin or small game, and performing a variety of tasks.
This dog breed is one of the most popular dogs in the world. It ranks among other famous dogs, including the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Australian Cattle Dog, and Golden Retriever.
Pitbulls originated when Bulldogs and Terriers were bred in the 1800s to create dogs capable of fighting, though once this practice became outlawed, this dog breed became popular as a great hunter, guard dog, and athlete.
There are wide varieties of Pitbulls, which include the Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and other breed types that are mixed with Boxers and Pitbulls to create the Pitbull Boxer, also known as the Bull Boxer or the Bullboxer Pit.
Health and Age
Both Pitbulls and Boxers are robust, healthy dogs, though there are specific medical conditions that both breeds are prone to developing over their lifetime. Pitbulls are prone to developing hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and cerebellar abiotrophy (reduces cognitive function and mobility).
Boxers can also develop several health conditions and, on average, are at higher risk for becoming ill or acquiring a chronic disease than Boxers. The most common conditions Boxers can develop include cancer, elbow and hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, heart disease, and heart failure.
When it comes to longevity, the American Pitbull outlives Boxers significantly, with a life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years, whereas Boxers tend to live between 10 and 12 years. With regular exercise, routine veterinarian check-ups, and a balanced, healthy diet of nutrient-rich dog food.
Physical Appearance and Coat Colors
One of the most striking differences between Pitbulls and Boxers is their physical appearance. While they are both large breed dogs with a few similarities, they vary in size, shape, and weight. Pitbull breeds are smaller and measure between 18 to 21 inches, weighing between 35 and 65 pounds as adults, and Boxers are more prominent, with an average height between 23 and 25 inches and a weight between 65 and 80 pounds.
Pitbulls come in over twenty coat colors, including grey, white, fawn, blue, red, brown, black, fawn, and brindle. Boxers, on the other hand, have a smaller variety of coat colors, available in fawn, white and brindle, with several color variations on their muzzle, which range from black, white, fawn, or a mix of white and black or fawn markings. Both dog breeds have short fur coats and require low-maintenance grooming.
Boxers and Pitbulls have similar body shapes, with longer legs, a square-like body, and a barreled chest. They both have long tails, a narrow waist, and short coats of thick fur.
Historically, Boxers have had their ears cropped, and tail docked, and Pitbulls have traditionally had their ears cropped, though this practice is no longer practiced, or outright banned, in certain countries.
Temperament and Behavior
While Pitbulls are often seen as aggressive dogs, they are typically similar to Boxers in temperament and behavior. Both dog breeds are sociable, enjoy play and outdoor activities, and are very affectionate towards family. Since Boxers and Pitbulls are large in size, some pet owners supervise their pets more closely around young children. Fortunately, these large dogs behave well around children, as they have a protective nature.
Due to the favorable characteristics between the two dog breeds, Pitbulls and Boxers are often bred together to create an American Bullboxer, or a Pitbull Boxer mix. If you have smaller pets or animals, your pup may chase them due to their hunting ancestry, as they may see them as prey. With proper social training, your Boxer or Pitbull can get acquainted with other household pets.
Final Thoughts
Boxers and Pitbulls make excellent family dogs, especially when trained well to adapt to your home and family. They are highly affectionate and playful and enjoy being active, which makes them ideal for outdoor games and sports.
Whether you adopt a Boxer puppy or an American Pitbull, you’ll enjoy their friendly personality and playful nature. They make great human companions and working dogs for various tasks and personal needs.