If you’re thinking about getting a Boxer dog, you may be stuck deciding whether you want a male boxer or a female boxer. This article explains the key personality differences between the two. Let’s get into it!
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The Key Differences Between Male & Female Boxer Dogs
Knowing whether to get a male or a female boxer, isn’t always as straightforward as you first thought. Although you likely have some sort of preference, it’s wise to first understand the key differences between the genders.
Takeaway: Male boxer dogs are usually physically larger and stronger than females. Regarding temperament, owners agree that male boxers can be more affectionate and playful, while females are easier to train and mature earlier.
Let’s run through exactly what you should know about males and females!
1. Showing Dominance
Male Boxers will try to obtain and show their dominance more than the females.
The need to show dominance is a clear difference between the two genders. When it comes to showing dominance, male Boxers are on a whole different scale compared to the females. And this is the case for most breeds.
Displays of dominance come in many different forms, perhaps one the most annoying to deal with is their need to pee on everything outside AND inside your home. The whole “marking their territory” thing can become quite a nuisance and difficult to prevent.
If you’re planning on getting male, you will need to be ready to establish yourself as the alpha in-charge otherwise training and behavior will be hard to manage. Males, more so than females, will try to establish themselves as the leader, if you don’t.
2. Dependency vs Independency
Female Boxers seem to be more independent compared to males.
According to owners, female boxers tend to be more independent than their male counterparts.
While boxers are very much a breed that craves a lot of human interaction and attention, they do sometimes show an independent streak as if to say “I’m not bothered about you, leave me alone”.
Although it’s still possible for male boxers to be like this too, it’s far less common. And most males rely more heavily on their owners and family.
The best example of this is how female boxers are normally more than happy to lay down alone in another room, compared to males who typically seek out their owners as soon as they aren’t there.
3. Territorial Behavior
Both males and females can become very territorial depending upon the situation.
Males can become very territorial and it goes hand in hand with trying to show dominance. But with neutering, a lot of the territorial and aggressive displays can be stopped.
Females are known to be very territorial, despite not trying to establish dominance as much as males. Females can become very territorial especially when around another female dog.
4. Showing Affection
Male boxers are often said to be more affectionate compared to the females
The majority of owners who have both male and female boxers say there is a clear difference between how affectionate the male is compared to the female.
This is actually the case with many other breeds too. This could be linked to females being naturally more independent than the males and are therefore not worried about displaying their affection as much.
Interestingly enough, this is only said to be true when comparing males to females… Meaning that owners who have just a single female boxer, don’t have any issues with a lack of affection, it’s only when the female is side by side with a male is there a noticeable difference.
4. Trainability
Females are considered easier to train as they don’t challenge your authority as much as males.
Females, despite being more independent and even stubborn, tend to accept you as their leader much more easily than the males do, and this has an impact on trainability.
Males have a tendency to act out and disobey your commands more so than females. The issue with dominance is likely to blame, and this could be different if your male is neutered.
It must be said though, Boxers are a tough breed to train whether you have a female or male.
5. Physical Size
Male boxers grow to be taller, heavier, and stronger than female boxers.
Male average height: 22-25 inches
Male average weight: 60-70 lbs
Female average height: 20-23 inches
Female average height: 55-65 lbs
Keep in mind that these are averages and it’s possible to have a boxer outside of these ranges.
Boxer articles on The Puppy Mag:
Can Boxer Dogs Be Left Alone? 5 Tips to Know
How To Help Boxer Dog Gain Weight 5 Tips!
What Boxer Owners Agree On
Before writing this article I wanted to gather the opinions of real boxer owners, who owned both female and male boxers.
On top of creating my own polls and questionnaires, I researched some of the most popular online dog forums including boxer-specific forums and groups. I have only included the opinions where all owners have agreed.
Commonly shared opinions among boxer owners:
- Females mature quicker than males, physically and mentally
- Males grow to be taller and heavier than females
- Males are more affectionate than females
- Females are more stubborn than males
- Males are more hyper and playful than females
- Males can be more aggressive due to dominance problems
- Females don’t challenge your authority as pack leader as much as males
- Females are easier to train compared to males
- Males don’t cope as well when left alone
Despite all having agreed upon these statements, it’s still true that not all dogs are the same, and it’s possible for male or female boxer dogs to be different from what’s said above.
Boxers articles on The Puppy Mag:
When Can Boxer Puppies Leave Their Mother?
Do Boxers Like to Cuddle?
Which Is Right For You?
If you’re thinking about getting a second boxer, it’s crucial to consider gender.
Fortunately, the answer is very simple and is nearly always the same across the board. Opposite sexes get along much better than two same-sex dogs.
If you currently have a male boxer (or any male dog) then your second dog would be better off being a female. And vice versa…
Same-sex dogs will instantly compete to establish themselves as the leader. Even if you were to get a puppy now, when he grows up, he will still fight with the older male to take the No.1 spot. And this is the same for females.
Male and female couples may still fight occasionally, but nothing compared to how two same-sex dogs will.
All Boxers Are Different: An Important Point
I think it’s important to clarify something. And that’s all Boxers are different, regardless of gender.
It’s more than possible you get a female Boxer who is a nightmare to train and does challenge your authority. She may also be the most affectionate and loving dog you’ve ever come across… It’s possible!
Despite what the general consensus is about male vs female boxers, each dog can develop their own character and personality and won’t always adhere to stereotypical traits.
Going with your gut: How do you choose? Well, the chances are you probably already have a preference as to whether you want a male or female boxer. Most people have a favorite before ever going to the breeder or animal shelter.
So go with your gut and if you want a male, get a male! If you want a female, get yourself a female!
Because at the end of the day, whether you get a male or female boxer, you will still have to put in many hours caring for them, exercising, training, playing, bonding, and nurturing your boxer into a well-behaved dog.
If you give your Boxer the proper love and care he or she needs, it won’t matter whether you get a male or female.
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