Choosing between a male and female Boxer dog can be quite a dilemma. If you want to get this pooch, you might have trouble deciding between the two. In this guide, we’ll take a look at what sets male and female Boxers apart.
The taller male Boxer dog is more playful, active, and affectionate. But they can also be more aggressive and dominant. Female Boxers, on the other hand, are physically smaller, easier to train, and more independent than males. However, they tend to be easily startled and agitated.
If you want to learn more about the differences between male and female Boxers, keep reading until the end. We’ll go through all the key aspects where these two genders are distinct from each other. Let’s begin!
Physical Differences
Male Boxer Dogs
It can be difficult to tell them apart when comparing male and female Boxer dogs in terms of appearance, as they are nearly identical.
Apart from their differences in reproductive organs, height, and weight, they share the same physical features, including coat colors.
Generally, male Boxers are taller than their female counterparts by one and a half inches. An adult male Boxer usually stands between 23 and 25 inches in height.
Being larger in size is one of the factors that make the male Boxer cost more than their female counterpart.
They are also heavier, weighing around 65 to 80 pounds. As they are taller and heavier, they need to be fed the appropriate amount of food for their height and weight to support their daily activities.
Female Boxer Dogs
Female Boxers are usually smaller than male Boxers, with their height reaching only between 21.5 and 23.5 inches. If we compare their sizes, the tallest female Boxers are normally the smallest male Boxers.
In terms of weight, they are likewise lighter than their male counterparts, usually by around 15 pounds. An adult female Boxer, on average, would have a body weight of 50 to 65 pounds.
Similar to the male Boxer, height and weight-appropriate daily food intake must also be maintained to help keep female Boxer dogs fit. As they are less active than males, they normally require fewer servings per meal.
Temperamental Differences
Male Boxer Dogs
The Boxer’s temperament is influenced both by their upbringing and inherited traits. The combination of these two shapes the unique personality of every male and female Boxer.
With regard to inherited traits, some distinctions still exist in terms of gender. Male and female Boxer dogs tend to have some differences in how they interact with their surroundings.
For instance, male Boxers tend to be more expressive when it comes to showing affection toward their family. They love to give attention to loved ones and enjoy being involved in their activities.
As such, they also tend to be less independent than the female Boxer. With a constant yearning to be with their owners, they rarely enjoy spending time alone.
The male Boxer also tends to be more aggressive and territorial than the female Boxer. As they are innately protective of their owners, any sign of perceived threat will be met with a fearless attitude.
And with their persistent desire to be the leader, they usually resort to various behaviors to establish dominance, like marking their territory with urine.
When it comes to dealing with strangers, male Boxers are usually more social than females. Their outgoing nature makes them more welcoming and enthusiastic when interacting with other people.
This reminds me of our previous neighbor’s male Boxer. Whenever we would pass by our neighbor’s house, the Boxer would be very aggressive. Without its owner’s presence, it would run straight to the house’s usual open windows and bark loudly at us from inside, indicating its territorial nature.
What is surprising is that whenever our neighbor is at home and comes out of the door for a short chat, the male Boxer will run towards us, greeting us as well. It shows how much the dog respects its owner and follows his lead.
Female Boxer Dogs
Female Boxers tend to be more reserved when it comes to showing affection. While they are equally devoted and loving as males, they express their affection more calmly.
Also, as they mature faster than males, they are more sensitive, focused, and responsive to their owners.
In addition, the female Boxer dog is also more independent and does not seek constant attention from its owners. They are okay with not always being in the same room with their loved ones.
While they are less aggressive than males, female Boxers can quickly become aggressive, especially during their heat cycle. Fluctuations in their hormone levels can cause mood changes which sometimes cause them to become territorial.
They may be irritable and easily get nervous during this period. Due to this, they tend to pick fights with other female dogs.
Female Boxers also tend to be more protective after having puppies. Their maternal instincts can lead to aggression when they feel that their puppies are in danger.
As to meeting strangers, the female Boxer is usually more distant and standoffish, unlike male Boxers. They may take a while to warm up to strangers.
Behavior and Training
Male Boxer Dogs
While both male and female Boxers are stubborn by nature, the male Boxer is usually more headstrong, and this makes training a lot more challenging for owners.
Their stubbornness and drive to dominate often lead them to become less receptive when learning commands and proper behavior.
They tend to challenge their owner’s authority and can be disobedient most of the time. That said, successful training sessions with the male Boxer require a great deal of patience.
This is why training the male Boxer is usually best handled by experienced owners with strong leadership skills. In general, positive reinforcement is key to training them, coupled with motivation such as praises and treats.
It is also worth noting that male Boxers have the tendency to mark their territory by urinating. This is called territory marking, and it is common in male dogs, especially intact ones.
Female Boxer Dogs
As female Boxers mature faster than male Boxers, they are a little easier to train when compared to males. They still possess that stubborn streak but will be more cooperative and obedient regarding training.
They accept their owner’s authority and thus are more responsive. Because of this, training sessions with them will be comparably easier in contrast to training sessions with males.
And similar to the male Boxer, positive reinforcement and motivation are needed to help instill and reaffirm good behavior. Short and lively sessions enable them to stay focused and engaged.
Never resort to harsh training methods, as this jeopardizes their trust in you. In fact, it may make them even more stubborn.
When it comes to territory marking, females are less inclined to do it than males. However, your female Boxer may still urinate at random places, especially places it hasn’t been to.
Health Differences
Male Boxer Dogs
Both male and female Boxers are generally healthy canines. Most of them live for 10 to 12 years. Their lifespan is affected by several factors, such as genetics, size, diet, and exercise.
While they are both susceptible to developing certain diseases such as cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, aortic stenosis, and degenerative myelopathy, there are some diseases that only male Boxers are predisposed to.
There are reproductive health issues male Boxers are at risk for, especially intact ones. Due to this, neutering is a recommended procedure in order to eliminate some of these risks.
When a male Boxer is neutered, unwanted hormonal-related behaviors such as territory marking and wandering are reduced, and risks for illnesses such as testicular cancer and prostate hyperplasia are minimized.
Female Boxer Dogs
Similar to male Boxers, the female Boxer is also at risk for reproductive illnesses, especially unspayed ones.
While females are also healthy like the male Boxer, they can be susceptible to follicular cysts and vaginal hyperplasia. Pregnancies of female Boxers can also cause health problems that owners must be keen on.
Many of these illnesses can be avoided and treated through a spaying procedure, which also includes other benefits for the female Boxer, such as a reduced probability of separation anxiety.
This is a more complicated and expensive procedure when compared to the neuter procedure of male Boxers.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Boxer Dogs
Both male and female Boxer dogs are able to do well with other dogs and pets as long as they are socialized at an early age. But because of their protective nature, they are not always accepting of other dogs.
Male Boxers, in particular, tend to be aggressive toward other male dogs. This can be attributed to their dominant nature. Their innate desire to be the leader can make them hostile to other males.
Also, due to their strong prey drive, they may not do so well with other smaller pets inside the household.
For a male Boxer to get along nicely with other dogs and pets, owners must carefully introduce them and supervise interactions with them to prevent any untoward incidents.
Female Boxer Dogs
Similar to the male Boxer dog, female Boxers are inclined to be aggressive toward dogs of a similar sex. They can become temperamental and provoke other female dogs.
In addition, a female Boxer who is nursing puppies can even be more aggressive as its protective instincts are heightened.
Socialization is always necessary for the female Boxer to adjust to being around other dogs and pets and curb fear aggression. This is significantly crucial for the female Boxer as she is prone to get startled and nervous easily.
With gradual and constant exposure to other dogs and pets, your female pet will eventually learn how to respond positively to them.
With Children
Male Boxer Dogs
The energetic and outgoing male Boxer is a great playmate for older children. They will always welcome playtime and be excited to interact with kids.
With that, children must also be taught how to behave and treat the male Boxer during play to avoid accidents. An over-excited male Boxer can quickly make playtime turn rowdy.
If there are small children in the household, playtime must always be supervised as their excited energy and large size can easily injure a toddler.
Female Boxer Dogs
Female Boxers are not as outgoing and excited as males during playtime. Instead, they tend to be reserved and careful with their actions, making them more suitable playmates for very young children at home.
As they mature faster, they are inclined to be more patient and tolerant of children. At times, they will be like a nanny watching over the children as they play.
That said, it is best that playtime be monitored as playful gestures of young children can cause the female Boxer to be startled or distressed.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Boxers
Male Boxer Dogs
Boxers are excellent family companions and protectors. While both male and female Boxers are wonderful pets, their trait differences have advantages and disadvantages.
For male Boxer dogs, their taller and heavier body structures make them more powerful protectors. At the same time, their energetic, playful, and lively personalities make family time exciting and fun.
On top of that, their affectionate gestures will always make your day. And as they are friendly with strangers, you don’t need to be concerned about having people over at home.
But while they are affectionate, they can also be very needy and attached to their owners to the point of developing separation anxiety.
Likewise, their playful energy can be a source of accidents inside the home. Males also tend to be more aggressive and territorial; hence, they can be very difficult to train.
Below is the summary of the pros and cons of the male Boxer dog:
| Pros | Cons |
| Larger and more powerful | Can be needy |
| More affectionate | Easily excitable |
| Highly energetic | More aggressive and territorial |
| Playful and lively | Requires more patience in training |
| More friendly with strangers | More stubborn |
Female Boxer Dogs
Female Boxer dogs mature earlier than males. Thus, they are more self-disciplined and calm, making them suitable companions for younger children.
They are also less aggressive and territorial and not prone to mark their territory constantly. In addition, training them is easier as they are more cooperative, obedient, and less stubborn.
However, their smaller stature makes them less powerful than males. They can also be moody, especially when they are in heat.
Female Boxers are likewise not very fond of showing affectionate gestures, sometimes making them seem distant and cold toward owners.
And because they are easily startled and agitated, female Boxers are prone to having fear-based aggressive responses.
This can be difficult for owners with constant visitors, as they need to be very cautious in introducing people to their female Boxer.
Below is the summary of the pros and cons of the female Boxer dog:
| Pros | Cons |
| Matures earlier | Less powerful |
| More suitable companion for younger children | Can be moody, especially when in heat |
| Less aggressive and territorial | Less affectionate |
| Less stubborn | Easily startled and agitated |
| Easier to train | Tends to be aloof with strangers |
Should You Get a Male or Female Boxer?
The basis for your decision in getting a male or female Boxer should be your specific family setup, lifestyle, and preferences.
If you prefer a very energetic, affectionate, and more outgoing Boxer, then the male Boxer is a more suitable choice. They will always be up for adventures and family interactions.
But if there are very young children or elderly family members at home, then the calmer and more careful female Boxer is a better choice. They are less likely to cause accidents and injuries with their size and demeanor.
That being said, always remember that every Boxer will have an individual personality. Hence, a Boxer dog may not always reflect how its gender typically behaves.
How you raise and train them will greatly affect which behaviors will be enhanced and curbed. This means that their inborn traits, combined with your guidance, will shape who they will become as adult dogs.
Additionally, it is best to deal only with reputable breeders, regardless if a male or a female Boxer suits you better. This ensures that you get a healthy puppy with a favorable temperament and your money’s worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Boxer Dogs Calmer?
Female Boxer dogs tend to be calmer. Because they mature faster and leave their excited puppy energy sooner than male Boxers, they are often more composed, careful, and less hyperactive.
This makes them more suitable for households with young children as they are less likely to act on impulse and get easily excited.
Are Male or Female Boxer Dogs More Affectionate?
Male Boxer dogs are often viewed as more affectionate because they are more expressive of their feelings towards loved ones. They love giving and receiving attention and constantly prefer to be beside their owner.
Are Male or Female Boxer Dogs Easier to Train?
Female Boxers are easier to train as they are more accepting of their owner’s authority as compared to males. And while they can also be stubborn like the male Boxer, they tend to be more cooperative and obedient.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a male and a female Boxer can be pretty tough. Both Boxers are exceptional family companions that possess praiseworthy traits that would make any active family feel deeply loved and protected.
While they belong to the same breed, their gender presents some differences that make one more suitable for a particular family than the other.
Thoroughly consider every aspect of your family’s lifestyle to determine which gender is a better fit for you. Once you have done that, be 100% committed to raising your male or female Boxer well.
Have you decided between the two? Share with us your thoughts about male and female Boxer dogs in the comments!
