Boxer Temperament: Are These Fun Dogs a Good Fit for You?

Boxers are easily one of the best family dogs out there – if you can care for them properly. They’re fun canines that are known for their entertaining, interactive personalities. However, they can also be rambunctious and need a lot of exercise and training to remain controlled.

These dogs fit nicely into most families, but they don’t work for all families. Their temperament can be challenging for some people to handle. We’ll take a quick look at their temperament below so that you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.

1. Rambunctious

Boxers are always ready to go. Boxers can be a great choice for families interested in a more interactive dog. However, their rambunctiousness can be a bit too much for other families. It largely depends on what you’re looking for in your pet.

These dogs are very animated and playful. They love to jump around and wrestle. However, they aren’t the lapdogs until they get older.

Eventually, these dogs calm down, but they often reach this maturity later than other canines. Don’t expect their energy to wane until well into their third or fourth year. They also don’t live very long, so they’ll spend around half their lifespan being very rambunctious.

Exercise for these dogs is necessary. Plan on taking them on two brisk walks each day and providing plenty of playtime. They are prone to heat stroke, so avoid exercising them in hot weather.

Their exact energy levels can vary considerably, though. Some are much more energetic than others. Much of this is genetic, so talk to your breeder about the expected energy level of the puppy you’re looking at before adopting them.

2. Spirited

Many people love Boxers because of their spirited nature. They are very upbeat, which can quickly light up a room. A Boxer is a solid option if you want a dog that will remain happy through just about everything. They often react joyously to strangers, especially with proper training and socialization.

The main issue is that Boxers are often a bit too spirited. They’re quick to ignore commands or develop selected listening. Training a boxer not to jump up excitedly on someone is nearly impossible! Their exuberance for life tends to get the best of them.

However, this innate happiness also makes them fairly easy to handle. They get alone with children of all sorts, and they aren’t likely to become standoffish unless you avoid socialization altogether.

A well-socialized Boxer not only loves everyone but will act like meeting a new friend is the best thing in the world.

3. Vigilant

Despite their friendliness, Boxers also make wonderful watchdogs. They won’t do anything if someone threatens their family, though. They’re far too optimistic for that. But they will bark at just about everything.

Of course, this is both a good and bad thing. You should train your boxer only to bark when necessary, typically teaching them a “quiet” command. A single bark is fine, but you don’t want them to continuously bark after you’ve dealt with the situation.

That said, some Boxers do have more stringent guarding instincts. Many tend to be more territorial and may even make good guard dogs. Those from German lines often fall in this category, and they are often bred for the purpose of being more standoffish. Be sure that you know the type of Boxer you’re purchasing.

4. Reliable

If anything, a Boxer is extremely reliable. These dogs are loyal and don’t tend to have sudden changes in behavior. If your Boxer behaves well with children, you can expect them to be good with children reliably. Socialization helps this reliability even more.

Boxers know what they like and don’t like, which remains consistent. Many Boxers get along just fine with other animals, including cats. Some chasing may ensue, but proper socialization can help prevent this. Many Boxers just want to play, so pairing them with an energetic cat is often the best option.

However, Boxers don’t tend to like other dogs. They tend to dislike other dogs reliably, so socialization probably won’t help! Like most temperament traits, their reliability is a double-edged sword.

5. Stubborn

Most Boxer traits have both a negative and positive side. However, stubbornness is almost completely negative. You don’t see these dogs in obedience competitions for a reason!

They’re extremely independent and aren’t pushovers. They’re quick to ignore commands and tend to have selective hearing despite their intelligence. Many of these dogs are horrible at walking on leashes, as they tend to brace their legs and refuse to move. Many will try to be boss or ignore their owners altogether.

Consistent training is important, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re getting very far at first. Remember, these dogs tend to mature a bit slower than others, so you’ll deal with their stubborn adolescence for longer.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jaimie Tuchman/iStock via Getty Images