American Bulldog vs Boxer: What’s the Difference?

The American Bulldog and the Boxer are both popular breeds for a very good reason, especially if you want a dog who loves children. This guide showcases the American Bulldog and the Boxer to help you distinguish between them and get to know each breed better.

Visual Differences

A Quick Glance

American Bulldog

History

The American Bulldog is a descendant of the English Bulldog. The English Bulldog was used for blood sports until the late 1800s, and in the States, they used them as working and catch-dogs. After World War II, this breed faced extinction, so Bulldog lovers in the U.S. brought the breed back and created the American Bulldog at that time. The American Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1999.

Physical Characteristics

Physically, American Bulldogs are well-balanced with an athletic, powerful body. They have a large head with a wide muzzle and ears that are small to medium-large that may drop or semi-prick. Solid white bodies with colored patches and brindle are the norm, but you may see different body colors that can be considered undesirable for the breed. Their bodies are longer than they are tall, and their tail can be docked or natural.

A healthy male adult will weigh between 75-100 pounds and stand 22-23 inches tall at the shoulder, while a healthy female will weigh 60-80 pounds and be 20-23 inches tall.

Personality

The American Bulldog is a gentle breed that loves children and will remain an affectionate and loyal lifelong companion. They have strong protective instincts and can be reserved with strangers. But since they are alert and confident, they make great watchdogs. They are not hostile by any means but will benefit from early socialization.

They don’t always take kindly to other animals but can learn to tolerate another family pet with time and exposure. Training from a young age with a confident owner will ensure that they learn to behave and follow commands since they can be strong-willed.

Grooming

Their coat is short and coarse, and they are light to moderate shedders because they don’t have a thick undercoat. Brushing regularly with an occasional bath will keep shedding to a minimum. Keep in mind that they are a breed known to drool and slobber.

Diet & Nutrition

Since they are an active and muscular breed, they need plenty of protein and omega fatty acids. Males will need at least 2,100 calories and females 1,800 calories per day. This breed can overeat if allowed unlimited access to food, so it is not recommended to free-feed them. Plenty of fresh water needs to be available at all times.

Common Health Concerns

The average lifespan for the American Bulldog is from eight to 15 years. Common ailments include nervous system disorders, kidney and thyroid issues, dysplasia, bone cancer, cherry eye, and ACL tears. Some can be prone to allergies, heart defects, and hypothyroidism.

Exercise Requirements

They are intelligent yet very energetic, so they need to remain active to prevent anxiety and boredom. American Bulldogs make great running and hiking companions, and they love to swim, go for walks, and play fetch. They do enjoy relaxation time with their family and will be mellow when indoors if they’ve received plenty of physical and mental exertion.

Boxer

History

The Boxer is descended from the now extinct Bullenbeisser and was developed in Germany in the late 19^th century. In 1904, the first Boxer breed standard was published and has remained generally the same since then. The AKC also registered its first Boxer in 1904, and during World War I, the Boxer assisted with military work. During World War II, this breed became popular around the world.

Physical Characteristics

Boxers are short-haired with a smooth coat the color of fawn or brindle and a white underbelly and feet. They can have white markings on their neck or face and ears that will hang down if they aren’t cropped. You may see docked tails, but many people are opting to keep their tails long. They have square heads with a broad, deep chest and a short back.

Males boxers will weigh 65 to 80 pounds; females will be 15 pounds less. Males can reach 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and females 21.5 to 23.5 inches.

Personality

Like the American Bulldog, Boxers are highly energetic and intelligent. They are fiercely loyal and make great watchdogs because they want to protect their families. They are reserved with strangers, but once they get to know you, they are friendly. Barking incessantly is not in their nature, so you know that if they bark, it is for a good reason. Many make noises in their throat as a form of communication or when they are excited.

A Boxer will do the best with other people and animals if socialized from a young age, and you will find that they are patient yet playful and almost clown-like at times. As long as you don’t mind a little drool and slobbery kisses once in a while, the Boxer will be content to lie on your lap.

Patient and consistent training is essential for the Boxer so they can learn to control their actions. Positive motivation that includes plenty of praise and rewards will keep their attention on the training at hand.

Grooming

They are high shedders once per year in the spring; otherwise, it will be moderate. It is best to groom and brush them regularly to reduce the amount of hair shed each day and to keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Diet and Nutrition

Since they are a high-energy breed, a diet that consists of high-quality protein with plenty of vitamins and minerals will help with endurance and longevity. Plenty of calories per day will be needed, but they can become gluttonous with constant access to food. Calories required per day can range from 40 to 50 calories per pound, though this is dependent on age and how active they are.

Common Health Concerns

Boxers are susceptible to brain tumors, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. Heart defects such as aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy could also be an issue. As with many other breeds, hip dysplasia, allergies, deafness (usually in white boxers), and hypothyroidism are something to be aware of. Their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

Boxers don’t have a high tolerance to temperature extremes. Their short nose doesn’t cool hot air that well, and their coat doesn’t keep them warm in the winter. They require a great deal of exercise; otherwise, they can become bored and destructive.

As long as they can run and play with their humans, then they will thrive with the companionship and exercise that this can provide.

Conclusion

American Bulldogs and Boxers share a few similarities, especially with their personalities. But they have many attributes that make them unique. When you have been around one of these breeds, you will realize how loving they can be once a bond is formed. As with any dog, the more training that is provided, the better your dog will behave. Recognizing the differences between the breeds will help you appreciate what each one has to offer.

Featured Image: Peter Janssen and Charlotte Yealey from Pixabay