If you’re thinking of getting a companion dog for your boxer, it’s crucial to choose the right breed. This article highlights TEN of the most compatible breeds for Boxer dogs and why. This is a must-read for all boxer owners.
Below, I’ll explain exactly why these breeds are most suitable for boxers!
Table of Contents
Boxer Temperament & Character: Key Points
Before thinking about other breeds, it’s important to consider first, what Boxers are like.
In the dog world, opposites don’t usually attract, so it’s important to find matching temperament and character for the chances of a successful companionship.
Energy levels and playfulness
It would seem that Boxer dogs never run out of energy, and when it comes to playtime, not many breeds top them.
Although most dogs love to play, some appreciate their downtime. Certain breeds love nothing more than to lay down all day.
A mix-match of energy levels and playfulness is a disaster waiting to happen, and the relationship will struggle to work. Dogs can get easily frustrated with each other and when one constantly bugs another to play, it can quickly turn nasty.
Boxers have a big presence and like their attention
Boxers like to be the center of attention and with their physical size and confidence, this is easily achieved.
Some breeds handle this well and won’t take this kind of behavior offensively.
Some breeds who notoriously try to “claim” their owners. Your boxer may not appreciate this and it could lead to many unsavory arguments.
Choosing a breed that has a natural ability to get along with a wide range of personalities is something important to consider throughout.
Boxers Can Be Stubborn (at the best of times)
Boxer dogs are very intelligent and can be trained to a very high level, but this doesn’t come without a lot of mischievousness and stubbornness along the way.
Your Boxer may be different (and he if is, that’s great) but most are known for being quite stubborn and disobedient. While this isn’t too much of an issue with one dog, having TWO disobedient dogs can be a problem.
When choosing a second breed for your Boxer, it will make life much easier to opt for a breed that’s naturally obedient and less stubborn. This way, there’s more of a chance that your Boxer’s obedience increases.
Of course, there are many Boxers that are extremely obedient. But this consideration still applies, if you opt for a breed that’s known to be naughty, it will likely bring your Boxer’s level down too.
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10 Breeds That Get Along Well With Boxers
Below are 10 breeds that boxer dogs get along well with, and for each one, I will explain why.
The breeds will consider the points noted above, but some may deviate a little. Let’s get into it!
- Pointer
- Border collie
- Springer spaniel
- Golden retriever
- German shepherd
- Labrador
- Australian Shepherd
- Bernese mountain dog
- Great dane
- Dalmatian
1. Pointers (English or German Shorthaired)
Pointers are a great match for the Boxer dog and have many similar traits.
Pointers are working dogs with a lot of energy and they certainly enjoy their fair share of playtime. These two breeds will make great play buddies.
Pointers are naturally affectionate and despite their working background make great family dogs, just like the Boxer. It’s also worth noting these two breeds can grow to be very large, and both have guard dog tendencies (the boxer more so than the pointer).
Pointers are classed as more intelligent than Boxers and are inherently more obedient, but you will still need to be on top of your training regime.
All in all, a great option to consider.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies get along with most breeds, and the Boxer is no exception.
Collies are considered to be the most intelligent and obedient dog breed we know of, so this is good news for your Boxer. If your training regime remains strong, your Boxer will likely pick up good habits from a Border Collie.
Collies LOVE exercise, have incredible amounts of energy and enjoy their fair share of playtime too.
Collies have double coats and shed more than Boxers, so that’s something to consider. Boxers may shed some fine hair, but a
Collie will shed long hairs, all year round.
Collies are friendly, easy-going, and naturally kind. All in all, a great second dog for your family and your Boxer.
3. Springer Spaniel
Spaniels are a great addition to any family and typically get along well with other dogs and young children.
Originally a gun dog used to retrieve game when hunting, this breed has A LOT of energy and loves to exercise. Spaniels can be incredibly excitable and will certainly make a great playmate for your Boxer.
Although I will say, if you want your household to be calmer than it already is, this is not the breed for you. Spaniels are non-stop.
Spaniels can also be disobedient if training and good habits are not established early on. They can be very intelligent, but this depends on the training given.
If you’re ready for the extra work, a springer spaniel will be a kind, loving, and gentle addition to your family and for your Boxer.
4. Golden Retriever
What list would this be if it didn’t include the Golden Retriever… The Golden Retriever has earned its name as the family dog of choice for the USA and many other countries around the world.
Retrievers are affectionate, naturally kind and sociable, intelligent, and obedient. As long as a good training routine is established from the beginning, a retriever will end up being a positive influence over the Boxer.
Retrievers are similar in size and love to exercise and play. Although they have bursts of energy, they also know how to calm down occasionally.
The only big difference between these two breeds is their grooming requirements. Retrievers have very long double-coats and shedding will require lifelong maintenance.
5. German Shepherd
German Shepherds a similar to Border Collies in that they are very intelligent and are easily trained. A well-trained GSD will most likely have a positive influence over a Boxer’s behavior.
German Shepherds also love to exercise and play. They are physically big and strong and will be able to hold their own against a Boxer should there be any rough play.
Despite coming from a working background including guard dog work, GSDs are extremely affectionate, kind, and loyal, and have no issues bonding with families.
There’s a reason why German Shepherds remain to be one of the most popular dogs in the world for the last decade, they’re pretty awesome. As long as you don’t mind shedding, a GSD will be a great option.
6. Labrador
Labradors are similar to Golden Retrievers in that they are capable of getting along with pretty much any dog out there.
Not only are Labs excellent family dogs, but they are great companion breeds with other dogs. They Love to play and rough-housing won’t be a problem for them. They are strong, athletic, and will keep up with a Boxer’s no problem.
Labs can be trained to a high level but they do also have a stubborn/disobedient streak in them so this needs to be considered. If training is NOT kept on top of, these two dogs may become partners in crime!
Other than that, a Labrador will make a superb addition to your family and will be a great partner for your Boxer.
Important Read: How to keep your boxer entertained: 9 best ways
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are becoming increasingly popular every year, and there are many good reasons for it.
Originally used on ranches in Western America, these herding dogs also make great companion breeds and fit right in with most households whether you have young children or existing pets.
Aussies are naturally friendly, affectionate, and outgoing. Your Boxer’s energy levels and playfulness will certainly be matched with an Australian Shepherd.
Aussies are also very intelligent and naturally obedient. A well-trained Aussie should have a positive influence over your Boxer.
Aussies are physically smaller than Boxers but will still be able to hold their own with them. All in all, a great choice for your family (as long as you don’t mind hairy floors… yep, another shedding breed)
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
We love Bernese Mountain Dogs here at The Puppy Mag, and these big bears would make a great addition to most families.
Berners are large, powerful dogs that are outgoing (although not as outgoing as a Boxer) affectionate and naturally friendly. These two breeds will certainly get along well with each other.
Berners are very intelligent, but strict training will definitely be needed from puppyhood.
Berners, for their size and build, have a surprising amount of endurance and can often handle a lot of exercise per day. This is good news for your Boxer as the pair will have no problems keeping each other fit.
The only point to make specifically about Bernese Mountain Dogs is that they don’t do too well in hot climates or countries. Yes, they can adapt to warmer places, but these fluffy bears live a significantly healthier life in cooler regions.
9. Great Dane
Fancy a big dog? A Great Dane will get along well with your Boxer and your family.
Great Danes, despite their size and intimidating appearance, are actually giant softies at heart. When raised correctly they are very affectionate, kind, friendly, and loyal.
It must be said that they are capable of becoming aggressive towards perceived threats and with their size, this can lead to a dangerous situation. But, this can be prevented with the correct training and a responsible owner.
Great Danes are energetic, love to play, and will grow up to be best friends with a Boxer.
If you like your dogs big, a Great Dane will be a good option.
10. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are a great match for a Boxer.
They both have very similar personalities and in some cases, Dalmatians can grow to be the same size as a Boxer (although typically smaller).
Dalmatians are easy-going but Love their exercise and playtime. These breeds will make the perfect playmates and will naturally bond.
Dalmatians can be trained to a high level but can have a disobedient streak in them. Training will need to be a priority for good behavior, otherwise, these breeds may become unruly when left together.
Dalmatians are in general, great family dogs and will get along well with existing family members and pets.
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Are Boxers Better In Pairs?
What we haven’t mentioned yet is getting two boxers! Are two Boxers better than one?
Boxers get along extremely well with each other and unless you really want a different breed, getting a second Boxer will be a wise decision.
Most breeds get along well with their own breed and that’s due to being inherently similar (it’s still not proven that dogs recognize their own breed). So it’s just because their characters match up and this lends itself to a good relationship.
As mentioned previously, Boxers can be unruly and stubborn so get ready for some difficult days. Maintaining a good training routine with plenty of basic command practice should help to keep their obedience at a good standard.
But yes, it goes without saying, a second Boxer will be a great choice for your first Boxer.
Interesting Read: Reasons your boxer might be drooling excessively
The Characteristics To Look Out For
Let’s run through a summary of what traits and characteristics to look out for when choosing a second dog for your Boxer.
The most compatible breeds for a boxer will be the following:
● High energy & enjoys exercise
● Playful
● Physical strong (to hold their own)
● Affectionate and family-orientated
● Intelligent & Easily Trained (preferable)
● Obedient
● Not stubborn (preferable)
● Not overly territorial
● Not overly aloof to strangers
If you get a breed that fits all or most of these traits, it’s likely they will get along well with your Boxer.
Should The Companion Dog For Boxer Should Be Male or Female?
It’s strongly advised to get the opposite gender of what you already have. A Male with a Female will get on better than two of the same sex.
Two males or two females will endlessly fight each other to obtain the alpha position between themselves and in the pack (your family).
A male and a female may occasionally try to establish themselves as the alpha but in general, it’s far less dramatic than two of the same sex.
Whether you are getting a second Boxer or a completely different breed, this still applies!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! You now know of 10 highly suitable breeds for a Boxer and you have extra tips and advice to help you choose.
Remember that in the dog world, opposites don’t usually attract… So it’s a safer bet to get a breed that has similar traits to your Boxer.
When it comes to gender, it’s a wise move to ensure your second dog is the opposite gender from your first. The relationship will have a much higher chance of working and there will be far fewer territorial disputes.
And lastly, all dogs are different, and may not act how they are “supposed” to act according to their breed. Some Labradors may be aggressive, and some German Shepherds may be terrible guard dogs. Always remember that any-one dog may not live up to their stereotypical behavioral traits.
Back to more Boxer articles >>
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