We can help you decide whether to choose a Boxer or a Great Dane.
Here you can find out the basic differences and what you should look out for in each dog breed.
The Boxer – A sporty family dog
Typical breed characteristics
- Character: playful, intelligent, friendly
- Size: male up to 63 cm, female up to 60 cm
- Weight: between 25 and 32 kilograms
- Colours: brown
- Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Due to its affectionate and curious nature, Boxers are very popular with dog owners.
He serves as a fantastic family dog and is very playful and spirited. This is one of the reasons why the Boxer has made it into numerous movies such as “Isle of Dogs” or “Godzilla”.
Dog owners often notice that the Boxer prefers to act first rather than think about some things. He is very enthusiastic and loves to scuffle with his fellow dogs from time to time.
The Boxer weighs up to 32 kilograms and can reach a height of 60 cm. Its life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years.
Typical diseases of this breed are tumour diseases, heart problems, arthrosis, OCD,
Care and upbringing
Boxers are very low maintenance due to their short haired coat. A few brushing sessions a day is all it takes.
Boxers shed a lot, especially in spring and autumn. This is due to the change of coat and can sometimes lead to bald patches or parasite infestation.
The education of Boxers, like other dogs, must begin very early in the puppy years. This should be done in small learning phases and should not be overwhelming.
With a lot of praise and discipline you will get a very playful family dog out of a Boxer.
It is important that Boxers have a calm and familiar environment to grow up in.
A visit to a dog school can do no harm with Boxers and should be started as early as possible.
Who is the Boxer suitable for?
The Boxer is an absolute family dog and children will have great fun with the playful Boxer.
This breed of dog has a great deal of exercise and needs at least 2 hours of exercise and activity.
In a home that is too small in the big city, the Boxer often feels too cramped. It would be best if his owner has a large house with a garden, which the Boxer can watch over and protect.
Contact with humans is very important to the Boxer and one can do many sporting activities with him such as cycling or jogging.
The Boxer is especially fond of children and is welcome by all children due to his playful nature.
The Great Dane – the large family dog
Typical breed characteristics
- Character: Self-confident, loyal, calm, relaxed, courageous
- Size: 72 to 90 cm
- Weight: 50 to 95 kilograms
- Colours: black spotted, yellow tabby,
- Life expectancy: 6 to 10 years
The dog from the world-famous cartoon series Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane.
Great Danes are very affectionate and loyal dogs. They love to be close to their owner and are often seen sitting on their owner’s lap despite their considerable size. Great Danes are very sensitive dogs and are considered to be very willing to learn. Likewise, persistent barking and yapping is a foreign word to the Great Dane.
It is a perfect family dog and is popular everywhere due to its warm-hearted and sensitive character.
Typical diseases of this breed include gastric torsion, heart muscle diseases, joint problems and also cancer.
Care and upbringing
A Great Dane requires good training, especially in childhood. This can be done through an experienced dog school or daily training.
A Great Dane needs a lot of affection and love, as she is very sensitive and delicate.
It does not necessarily need a large outdoor exercise area and a large garden is usually sufficient to let off steam. Great Danes are very willing to learn and can be trained well.
Who is a Great Dane suitable for?
The Great Dane is an absolute family dog and absolutely needs a warm family to feel at home with.
It is best if it does not live in a multi-storey building without a lift. A ground floor with a large garden would be ideal for a Great Dane.
Great Danes are very sociable dogs and should not be left alone at home. The Great Dane gets along very well with children. However, small children in particular should only play and romp with a Great Dane under supervision. Due to their size, children can be knocked over very easily.
Towards strangers Great Danes are rather suspicious and wait and see. Trust has to be won first.
Protecting their family and pack comes first for the Great Dane.
Boxer and Great Dane – The direct differences in temperament
The Boxer is the more playful part of both dog breeds and clearly more agile than the Great Dane.
The Great Dane is very delicate and sensitive and is not easily ruffled.
The Boxer needs much more exercise and is much more athletic than a Great Dane. Due to its size and possible joint problems, the Great Dane cannot be used as a partner for sportsmen.
Both dog breeds are absolute family dogs and loving playmates of children. A large house with an extensive garden is ideal for both dog breeds.
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Conclusion on two loving dog breeds
Regardless of whether it is a Boxer or a Great Dane, choosing a dog brings with it the fact that you have to take on responsibility.
In any case, it requires perseverance in training. Even though both dog breeds are considered beginner dogs, they still need to be well trained.
You can read about other topics and how to choose the right dog breed on our blog!
