Hi, my name’s Irena and I love dogs. Currently I have four, but I have had as many as ten at one time. Three of my current dogs are the grand old age of fourteen and a half, and one’s just four.
They are all Heinz 57 breeds and all the more lovely for it, though I love pure bred dogs just as much. This article is going to compare two types of dogs, the Doberman and the Boxer.
Dobermans and Boxers have a lot of similarities. They are both medium sized dogs with short hair, although the Doberman is slightly bigger than the Boxer. They are intelligent and friendly dogs, and both are working dogs originating from Germany.
The Doberman doesn’t have as long a lifespan as the Boxer probably because it is a larger dog and larger dogs tend to not live as long as smaller dogs.
Overview of the Doberman
The Doberman was first bred in the town of Apolda in Germany around 1890 by Karl Freidrich Louis Doberman.
He was a local tax collector and wanted a breed to protect him which had a combination of strength, speed, endurance, loyalty, intelligence, and ferocity.
It is believed that the German Shepherd gene pool was used to produce the Doberman breed.
Dobermans have a very high level of energy and can run as quickly as 27 mph. They require exercise daily such as a long walk, a run, or playtime in the yard. They weigh anywhere between 60 and 100 pounds.
Dobermans are well suited to police work, but this doesn’t mean that they aren’t sweet and loyal when at home. They are even kid-friendly and love human companionship. They become lonely if left alone for long periods of time.
Overview of Boxers
Boxers also originated in the early 19th century and are believed to be
descendants of two German Mastiff-type dogs. Originally they were used for dog fighting, cart pulling, rounding up livestock, and bull baiting.
They eventually became popular as theatre performers. By the year 1900, they became general working dogs.
Boxers remain playful puppies until they are about three years old. They have masses of energy even as they grow older so need a good long walk each day as well as some playtime.
Boxers have great temperaments. They are happy, affectionate, and high-spirited, as well as loyal and intelligent. They are eager to please their families, but because they can be over boisterous, they need high levels of human leadership.
Doberman vs Boxer Size: Which is Bigger?
Dobermans are larger dogs than Boxers. Male Dobermans can grow to a height of 25 – 29 inches, while male Boxers reach 22 – 25 inches.
Female Dobermans grow to 24 – 27 inches, while female Boxers reach 20 – 24 inches.
Dobermans are also heavier. Males can weigh between 88 and 100 pounds, while Boxers weigh between 59 and 71 pounds.
Female Dobermans weigh between 70 and 78 pounds, while female Boxers, 55 – 64 pounds.
Doberman vs Boxer Temperament: How do they Behave?
Dobermans are alert, courageous, energetic, intelligent, loyal, protective, and quiet. They don’t fit the misconceived view that they are aggressive, frightening dogs, but they can still be used for police work.
Boxers are very similar in temperament to Dobermans, being alert, cheerful, courageous, energetic, intelligent, and loyal. However, they are probably a little more playful than Dobermans. Some Dobermans can be reserved and shy.
Both Dobermans and Boxers are kid-friendly, although again Boxers are probably the friendlier of the two. They love to be with their family all the time and they enjoy playtime.
Doberman vs Boxer Life Span: What’s Their Life Expectancy?
As bigger dogs don’t live as long as smaller, Dobermans don’t live quite as long as Boxers.
Their lifespan is 9 to 11 years, whereas Boxers can live anywhere between 9 and 15 years.
Doberman vs Boxer Health: Are They Prone to Health Conditions?
Different health conditions affect Dobermans and Boxers. Dobermans are prone to Wobbler’s Syndrome which is a spinal cord compression and to Van Willebrands Disease, prolonged bleeding time.
Boxers can get aortic stenosis which is a heart condition, but Dobermans are not prone to this disease. The Boxer can succumb to this disease more commonly than other breeds.
Boxers also suffer commonly from bloat. If the symptoms are not noted quickly, Boxers can die within the hour.
Cancer is a very serious health issue for Boxer dogs. They can get mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers are prone to skin cancer, while white Dobermans can also get the disease. White Dobermans can also suffer from light sensitivity and skin lesions.
Both Dobermans and Boxers can suffer from eye conditions. Dobermans are prone to get retinal atrophy, while Boxers can get cherry eye, corneal dystrophy, and uveitis. Eye problems in Boxers are usually caused by their facial structure.
Hip dysplasia also affects Boxers. Here the malformation of their hip joints can lead to osteoarthritis. They can also suffer from pyloric stenosis as the muscles around the stomach’s exit become very thick. This can cause rapid weight loss.
Blue coated Dobermans can suffer from hair loss more so than any other colors.
As can be seen, Dobermans are less high maintenance when it comes to health problems. Boxers can suffer from a whole stream of illnesses and this needs to be considered before deciding which dog to get.
Doberman vs Boxer Appearance: What do They Look Like?
Dobermans used to be round-headed, heavy, bulky dogs, but now they are more elegant and compact in appearance. They have chiseled muscles and stand proud and alert. They walk confidently, trotting with the fore and hind legs in unison.
Dobermans now have long heads which get wider as they go towards the ears. They have almond-shaped eyes and generally cropped ears so they stand erect on the top of the head.
Boxers have rounded necks, are muscular and strong, and have a deep broad chest. They have round eyes. It is common to dock the tails of Boxers as well as Dobermans although this is becoming illegal in lots of parts of the world.
Doberman vs Boxer Shedding: What Kind of Coats Do They Have?
Dobermans have rust colored markings which cover the eyes, the muzzle, neck, chest, and as well as below the tail and on all legs and feet.
They have short and thick coats. Brushing regularly easily stops shedding.
The Boxer has a shiny and smooth coat which also sheds little like the Doberman. The general colors of Boxers are brindle, fawn, and white.
Doberman vs Boxer Grooming: How Much Do They Require?
Because both Dobermans and Boxers have short hair, they are low maintenance.
A weekly brush suits either. Neither also needs regular bath washes, perhaps just 3 or 4 times a year.
Doberman vs Boxer Training: Can They Be Trained Easily?
Boxers want to please so it is reasonably easy to train them. However, they are boisterous so they need to know who is in charge. They are however; quick learners and rewarding them will make them more interested.
Training for Boxers should begin with simple commands like sit, stay, and come. They should also be trained not to jump on visitors as they are very energetic and powerful. However, they love people so this can be a problem.
Dobermans are very easy to train and want to please their owners. They are not as playful as Boxers so it is an easier job to train them. They enjoy being guard jobs so don’t mind being trained. Because they are highly active, they enjoy learning new things.
Doberman vs Boxer Availability: Are They a Rare Dog Breed?
Neither Dobermans nor Boxers are rare and can be bought from reputable breeders in most areas.
Just make sure to do your research so that you’re ready for your new dog!
Doberman vs Boxer Diet: What Do They Eat?
Puppies need to be fed more food than adults to meet their energy requirements. Boxer puppies should be fed twice in a day and two cups of food will suffice. However, they can also be fed more small meals as they are prone to eating quickly and this can cause bloat.
Doberman puppies should be fed 2 – 3 small meals a day until they are 4 months old. Then decrease one meal. At the age of six months they do not need to have as much vitamins and minerals as they lead to muscle and joint problems.
Boxers are prone to becoming overweight and they shouldn’t be fed more than two times a day as they grow to adulthood. Again more food causes bloat.
Check out our article for the best food for Dobermans!
Doberman vs Boxer Family Dog: Are They Good with Children?
Both Dobermans and Boxers are great with children.
Dobermans do have a reputation for being aggressive, but this only affects their guard duties.
At home they are as sweet as kittens.
Doberman vs Boxer: Where are They Best Suited?
Boxers can live in apartments as long as they get plenty of attention and playtime. Dobermans fare better if they have a yard to play in.
They can both live in either a rural or urban area, but again they do need access to walks and playtime.
Neither dog fares well in either too hot or too cold a climate. A temperate climate is probably the best for either breed.
Doberman vs Boxer Costs: Are they Expensive to Look After?
Neither dog costs more than the other to look after.
Their food costs are comparable and neither needs excessive grooming costs due to their short hair.
Final Thoughts
As can be seen, Boxers and Dobermans are very similar in a lot of characteristics.
They are both loving and loyal dogs and are very intelligent.
Both make great watchdogs while at the same time being people dogs.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!
