American Bulldog vs. Boxer: 8 Key Differences Explained

The American bulldog and boxer are two dog breeds that are playful and incredibly popular. Their popularity stems from the positive traits they share, such as their family-friendly and pleasant nature. However, there are certainly a number of important distinctions between the two short-statured breeds. If you’re looking to adopt and can’t make up your mind or are simply interested in what makes these two breeds so different, this article will fill you in on eight of the comparative aspects of an American bulldog vs. boxer.

American Bulldog vs. Boxer: A Comparison

Key Differences Between American Bulldog and Boxer

Though we’ll shortly dive into the specifics of each of these breeds’ differences, it’s important to highlight some of the most prevalent factors when comparing them.

You’ll come to find that the American bulldog is generally quite stubborn. When it comes to training, the boxer is a breed that is much more willing to learn commands. Don’t let this fool you into thinking your American bulldog is dumb, though. The truth is that they can most likely understand you; they just might not care to listen.

Speaking of a stubborn nature, the American bulldog can be quite a good guard dog when put up to the task. The boxer is a breed that is incredibly sociable and friendly, even to strangers. This means that while you’ll have no trouble getting your boxer accustomed to meeting new people, they might not sound the alarm if an intruder came by.

But let’s get into the specifics of what makes these two breeds so distinctly different, starting with their physical features.

The Appearance of an American Bulldog vs. Boxer

Height

Something these breeds have in common is their short stature. Both the American bulldog and the boxer have a height that falls between 22 and 25 inches. That being said, the boxer is known to have an inch or two over the American bulldog. But, what the breed lacks in height, it certainly makes up for in width.

Weight

While the American bulldog can grow to be quite large, a boxer is only going to grow to a maximum of about 65 pounds. This means that if you’re dealing with a smaller space, an American bulldog might not be the wisest choice. Speaking of their weight difference, keep your American bulldog out of that kitchen! These dogs are known to overeat and have a tendency to go a bit wild if left to their own culinary devices.

Coat Type

With both the American bulldog and boxer, grooming is not something you need to set aside a large budget for. Both breeds have a relatively thin coat that is quite smooth and short. Though that might bear some convenience when it comes to shedding, it’s important to keep in mind that this kind of coat impacts the breed’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures. If you live somewhere that is exceptionally hot or cold year-round, neither of these breeds is likely to be a good idea.

Colors

The colors of a boxer are described to be brindle or fawn, with some exceptions of white. In comparison, an American bulldog can be found in a range of colors, anything from brown to black to light tan. Often, American bulldogs have an array of markings on their coat as well. While some can be solid-colored, it’s far more likely to find them with a few special markings. Boxers, on the other hand, are typically one solid color with the occasional mask of white or black.

The Behavior of an American Bulldog vs. Boxer

Temperament

Overall, these two breeds have one very important thing in common: They’re naturally quite friendly. You’ll find that neither the American bulldog nor the boxer have any particular aversions to people. Whether your home is several adults or a family with small children, these breeds will have little trouble fitting in. That being said, the American bulldog is generally a bit more reserved and appreciative of space. A boxer is so energetic that you might have a hard time keeping up with it if you aren’t in a particularly active household. They are known to, if they get too bored, begin tearing up furniture or having similar temper tantrums.

Social Needs

It is imperative that, whether it’s a boxer or an American bulldog, your dog is given proper social attention. These are not breeds that can be left alone for large increments of time, and they generally aren’t contented with just sitting around, either. Attempt to dedicate a few hours each day to playing with or walking these dogs if you want them to remain in a happy mood.

This being said, these breeds might not be as accepting of four-legged friends as they are of their human counterparts. Boxers, in particular, might have anxiety issues involving other dogs, particularly ones that are strangers and of the opposite sex. Socialize them young, and keep watch of their cues to tell if they are too anxious for certain environments or situations.

The Health Factors of an American Bulldog vs. Boxer

Life Expectancy

Both the American bulldog and the boxer have a similar life expectancy. Though not as long as other dogs of similar sizes, the English bulldog has an expectancy of 13-15 years. For example, they still have the capacity for a full 12 years of happy living. Both breeds, the boxer, and American bulldog, live between 10-12 years.

Health Problems

Unfortunate as it may be, the fact is that both of these breeds come with their own set of unique health problems. This is actually quite common among purebred dog breeds, and each has specific issues to look out for.

Here are some of the most common health problems for boxers:

• Degenerative Myelopathy: Affects the nervous system and lower spinal cord.
• Boxer Cardiomyopathy: Canine heart condition that is more prevalent in the boxer dog breed than any other breed of dog.
• Bloat: The gastrointestinal system swells, preventing digestion of food and passage of stool.
• Hip Dysplasia: Genetic malformation wherein the hip joint does not properly fit into the hip socket.

Here are some of the most common health problems for American bulldogs:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: An inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis.
• Nerve Disease: In the early stages, rear leg weakness and imbalance can occur. It can progress to weakness involving all four legs, and some dogs also lose vision.
• Thyroid Problems: These can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

Wrapping Up Our Comparison Between The American Bulldog vs. Boxer

Though we’ve highlighted several of the differences between these two breeds, there is something that they have in common that’s equally as important to note: With enough love and training, both of these breeds can make for excellent lifelong companions. Take the time to get to know them both a bit better before you make any decisions, but be mindful that no matter what dog you choose, giving them the correct amount of attention and affection is key to a happy home.

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