Boxers are some of the silliest and most energetic dogs that are sweet, kind, loyal, and fierce. Although gender differences are slight, there are some variations between male and female Boxers to be aware of.
The most obvious difference is in the nature of their biological functions. Males mark territory while females have heat cycles; these influence their temperament and behavior.
Table of Contents
Is There a Difference in Size between Male and Female Boxers?
As medium-sized dogs, Boxers are muscular, powerful, and stocky. What makes both sexes look intimidating is their distinct, square heads with undershot jaws and blunt muzzles. Their broad, deep chests and short, strong backs make them excellent athletes.
Male
Males are beefy and strong, ranging between 22½ and 25 inches tall and 65 to 80 pounds. This makes them bigger-boned and more solid.
Female
Reaching between 21 to 23½ inches tall and weighs about 50 to 65 pounds, females have a lithe structure with effeminate features.
Differences
For power and strength, the male Boxer is where it’s at. But, for more sleek athleticism, the female will fit the bill.
Are There Differences in Temperament between Male and Female Boxers?
Boxers are very intelligent dogs, full of energy, and very playful. These babies love to stay busy and rarely bark to excess. The temperament between the two sexes will be more about their breeding, socialization, training, and personality than their gender.
Male
Some owners say that male Boxers are very sensitive and emotional when reprimanded. But, most people consider them easygoing with a tendency to be territorial and domineering. This often results in confrontations with other dogs and a fearlessness that can put him in harm’s way.
This also means they engage in scent-marking behaviors. Although a deep biological drive, they won’t do this all the time. However, they will spray on any object rising even an inch above the ground, including fences, trees, prized plants, and . . . children.
Female
Females tend to be more reserved and standoffish, being very protective and introverted. This doesn’t mean they’re not friendly and energetic. But, they will display a conditional nature toward strangers. This becomes very acute when they’re pregnant or have pups.
Differences
Although a Boxer’s temperament goes beyond gender, female Boxers are more astute. Both males and females are an absolute joy, but females are a little less friendly.
Is There A Price Difference between Male And Female Boxers?
The cost for male and female Boxers is the same, ranging between $800 and $2,800. But, if you get the dog from a place like a rescue, the price could range from $20 to $500.
What’s more, there are “welcome home” costs for things like a bed, food and water bowls, toys, a crate, spaying/neutering, and initial training. These will be at least $645.
Then there’s ongoing maintenance for food, pads, toys, vet visits, dog licenses, and advanced training. On average per year, a Boxer can cost $1,000 to $1,800. So, you’re looking at a total of around $19,500 throughout a Boxer’s lifespan.
Are There Training Differences in Male and Female Boxers?
Because of the intelligence of these dogs, both sexes are very easy to train. They learn fast, so long as the training is fun and engaging. But, there are behavioral issues you must manage for either males or females.
Male
Males hold onto puppyhood for as long as possible, which makes focus and obedience difficult. They aren’t mature enough for training until four or five years old. Plus, male puppies are aggressive. So, they will mark territory and engage in dominance struggles.
Female
The mood of a female Boxer can shift in radical and unpredictable ways. So, many people believe they’re a little unstable and can present problems with training. But females mature by three years old and can undertake almost any type of regimen.
Differences
Behavior differences between male and female Boxers are far less dramatic and easier to tame when spayed or neutered. But, females tend to be easier to train when young than males.
Want To Train Your Boxer With Peace Of Mind?
If you haven’t trained your Boxer properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.
With Brain Training For Dogs, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!
And in most cases, it’s still going to be:
- Cheaper than hiring a professional.
- Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
- And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your Boxer completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.
And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!
So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!
(You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)
Are There Any Health Differences?
The only real difference in health is with the female’s ability to birth pups and go into heat once or twice per year. Her scent can create many reproductive battles between male dogs. If you hope to prevent unwanted pregnancies, they have to stay away from other virile males.
Although most females are very clean about themselves when in heat, it can present something of a mess. So, to protect her bedding and other furniture, you may want to consider doggie diapers and towels.
General Diseases
Boxers are very healthy dogs, but they are prone to some severe health conditions. The moment you notice something wrong with your Boxer, don’t delay taking it to the vet. Whether male or female, Boxers can succumb to:
- Intestinal Worms: This can cause nausea, weakness, refusal of food, bloating, weight loss and lack of energy. Puppies should have a monthly deworming and adults should have it about every four or five months.
- Bloat: Boxers tend to have bloat more often than most other dogs with deep chests. This can be a fatal condition resulting in abnormal drooling, bloating, nausea, restlessness and vomiting.
- Cancer: Boxers are one of the few breeds that easily contract Cancer, with chances increasing as they age. Always feel around for external or internal bumps and lumps.
- Neutering & Spaying: Removal of hormone-producing sexual organs increases the likelihood of disease in Boxers such as Cancer, regardless of the sex. The effects are worse the younger the dog goes through this procedure because Boxers sexually mature at a slower rate.
Are Males or Females More Affectionate?
Boxers, either male or female, love their owners and prefer their company. Although fearless and courageous, they are big babies that need a fair amount of reassurance all day long.
Male
Male Boxers are very extroverted, friendly, and welcoming, even to strangers. They have no shame in letting you know how they feel with an in-your-face approach.
But, there’s an aspect to the affection of male Boxers a prospective owner should take note of: in their sexual prime, males are consummate humpers. This can be very embarrassing, especially when combined with their tendency to mark territory.
Female
Females can also be very affectionate and loving, but they are more reserved and keep their feelings to themselves. They’re subtle about their need for affection combined with their moodiness can make it difficult for an owner to read her. One moment she’s happy and playful, and the next, she’s grumpy and aloof.
Differences
In general, females tend not to be as affectionate as males. The females are more difficult to gauge, whereas you know the demeanor of a male and let you know what they want. But, this isn’t saying much because both genders are very loving and prefer the company of their family.
Are Males or Females More Independent/Dependent?
Both males and females can exhibit independent behaviors, complete with willfulness and selective hearing. But, at the same time, both adore their owners and love to please them.
It isn’t advisable to leave either sex home alone long because they do tend to have separation anxiety or develop boredom. Either way, this can result in destructive behaviors.
Male
Males are very dependent and this is an extension of their high capacity for affection. The only real independence they show is if they get bored with training or when they smell a female in heat. In this latter case, they will roam. So, it’s a good idea to have a tall, solid fence.
Female
Due to the mood shifts and introversion of female Boxers, they tend to be very independent. While it’s true they need affection, reassurance, and love; you can leave a female to her own devices for a time.
Differences
Of the two sexes of Boxers, the females are more independent. But, males will exhibit some signs of independence if they aren’t interested in training commands or smell a female in heat. The roaming issue is more of a distraction than a display of independence, but they do not care about obedience when this happens.
Are Males or Females Better Guard Dogs?
Whether a male or female Boxer makes, a better guard dog will come down to preference. Both genders are loyal, fierce, brave, and courageous. They are very accurate, fast, and alert.
In the event you want quick and early trainability, the female, is best. But, do not discount the male altogether. If you want pure brawn and power in a guard dog, then the male is the better choice. It’s just that his training will take longer.
Who Are Better for Families?
The entire Boxer breed is fantastic for families. Some owners attest that their female is great with small children, while others proclaim their male is more awesome. So, this is more dependent on the dog’s individual personality rather than its gender. But there are some notable variations between the two Boxers.
Male
The joyous, fun demeanor of males can make for a perfect family pet. These are great for huge families, where someone will always be around and can offer plenty of exercise. The males almost act as another child for the first four or five years of their life. So, he’s a great companion for children.
But, the male’s desire for dominance, marking territory, and humping at their sexual prime can present some obvious problems.
Female
Females are also good for families and will be fierce protectors against any threat, especially if they take a shine to a particular child. But, they bond with everyone in the household equally. However, their moodiness can make for unpredictability, which can be troublesome for smaller children.
Differences
For a trusty companion to latch onto the whole family, either male or female Boxers will do. But, if you’re looking for a consistent and playful dog to keep the kids busy, a male is ideal. That’s not to dismiss the female, though. She will protect her whole family, including children, with the same voracity she would her own pups.
Are Males or Females Better with Other Pets?
Unfortunately, neither male nor female Boxers are the best dogs with other pets, especially other dogs and those of the same sex. Their alpha natures will always result in a battle. But, with the right socialization and training, they can do okay with pets like cats.
Male
Males are a challenge with other dogs, especially if they’re both males, virile, and have their sexual organs. But pets like cats and birds seem to be alright with a male Boxer.
Female
It is not advisable to have two female Boxers around. They will compete viciously and to death. Females seem to take issue with any other kinds of animals in the house, but this is more about their individuality and socialization.
Differences
If you have a Boxer, regardless of the sex, it’s not wise to have any other household pets to stay on the safe side. But, if you really want a Boxer and already have something like a cat, then the male will be a more viable option.
What Kind of Person Is a Male Boxer Best Suited for?
Large, active, and lively families that can provide hours of play and exercise are most suitable for a male Boxer. As long as he won’t come into contact with too many other dogs, his dominating and territorial tendencies shouldn’t get out of control.
What Kind of Person Is a Female Boxer Best Suited for?
Females are better for smaller families, singles, or couples that are athletic and want constant companionship. But, these people must be compassionate to give her space for mood swings and heat cycles.
Recap
The decision to have a Boxer shouldn’t be about its gender, although there are some differences. You should base it on how you connect with the dog upon first meeting.
Remember, a dog’s behavior, affection, and temperament come down to its socialization, training, and treatment.
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