boxer vs labrador retriever
- Thread starter abiqa
- Start date
I LOVE,BOTH BREEDS,DOES THAT HELP?.
Both sheds but labs are supposed to be worst!.
Both are high energy dogs but are great family dogs!.
Both need training(like any dogs do).
The boxer is from the working group so is extremely versatile as it can do police work & schutzhund while the lab is from the sporting group!.
I think that,at the end of the day,it's a matter of taste!.
Both sheds but labs are supposed to be worst!.
Both are high energy dogs but are great family dogs!.
Both need training(like any dogs do).
The boxer is from the working group so is extremely versatile as it can do police work & schutzhund while the lab is from the sporting group!.
I think that,at the end of the day,it's a matter of taste!.
I would say get either one.
I had a black lab and now own a chocolate lab. They love to play, fetch, and are so friendly.
Two of my neighbors have boxers. Both boxers act just like the labs I've had. One thing that makes me laugh with the boxers is both of them shake their bodies with excitement when they see me come to visit.
I've always rescued my labs.
I had a black lab and now own a chocolate lab. They love to play, fetch, and are so friendly.
Two of my neighbors have boxers. Both boxers act just like the labs I've had. One thing that makes me laugh with the boxers is both of them shake their bodies with excitement when they see me come to visit.
I've always rescued my labs.
I've had Boxers my whole life, and a couple Labradors as well. I've always seen Boxers as better. Labradors are just so high energy, and although they are absolutly wonderful with kids. The kids would play outside with Bales for hours, our chocolate Labrador, before he passed, and the kids still enjoy playing with Elly, our black Labrador. We did adopt a yellow Labrador (who was about 11 months old at the time) who bit into my little cousin, giving her punctures, a rip down her cheek, and a black eye, just for lying down next to her. <--That terrible issue is the result of overbreeding. Both Boxers and Labradors are overbred breeds that are owned by many people! Finding a good breeder if that is what you are looking for is a MUST. You MUST do a through search, ask plenty of questions, and I suggest reading up on breed specific books as well. Training is also a must with both breeds, since they are strong. The Boxer is a bit more strong willed than the Labrador, and the Labrador a little more motivated, in my experience.
Last year we had 2 Boxers (one white, one fawn), and 4 Labradors (two black, one yellow, one chocolate). Layla, the fawn Boxer was a foster. She was not very tolerant of the kids, had a habit of biting people's heels, especially the kids and was extremely, extremely strong willed! She was very playful, and with time, patience and lots of training, she learned not to bite leashes, yap, snap at the other dog's legs, tear my pant legs, etc. She developed those issues at only 2 months old, she was a sweetie, but a tough one to raise! It's good she had a foster before going to a permanant home. We did not know if she came from a good breeder or not, but my guess is she did not. Another reason to search for a good breeder. A good, LONG search. Oliver, the Black Labrador, we took when he was a tiny puppy, when my dad's friend had him and could not keep him because he was kept in the crate for 14+ hours a day, we took him in. He was very young when we took him, and grew up to be a wonderful dog. But he snapped when he got nervous, barked and went nuts when you wouldn't throw the ball, and was anxious when you had his toy. We had to do very thorough, long training and work on recall, stay, and that'll do A LOT. Training is a MUST, I cannot say that enough. Be prepared to start training at as young as 8 weeks, and keep training for longer periods of time as the dog gets older! Bales was our adopted chocolate Labrador, and he was great. We had to teach him not to bark frantically when you had his ball and were about to throw it, but he was wonderful! Followed the kids everywhere, played for hours, and wagged and wiggled all over! He was a wonderful dog, and I couldn't have asked for better. Although he did develop some shoe stealing and burying issues, he was a great dog. We also had Molly, Elly, and Georgia. We still have Elly and Georgia, and I will tell you about them later on in the post
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Both breeds have common health issues, you will need to look into those and ask the breeder what tests they do, where their dogs are kept, how old the puppies are when they are adopted out, what their adoption process is, if the puppies and when the puppies get their shots, etc. All breeders are different.
Right now I have an adopted 4-year-old Black Labrador named Elly Mae and a 9-year-old white Boxer named Georgia.
Elly is much higher energy, she will play for hours, is outstanding with the kids, very focused on her toys, extremely smart, and will put up with anything the little kids decide to do to her, from yanking her jowls to holding onto her tail, to see what is in her eyesocket.
Georgia is a wonderful dog. She doesn't put up with the kids messing with her as much as Elly does, but she is the most loving little girl! She loves people, and wiggles and waggles all over. She is also a great guard dog, and would guard us with her life. She is more bouncy than Elly.
Our past Boxer, Alaska, came from a newspaper breeder we failed to look into and he ended up having terrible health problems costing us thousands, and passing away at only 10 years old. He was a great dog, but not very tolerant of bouncy or annoying kids.
I will not own a Lab again anytime soon, because they simply are NOT my breed, but I would own a Boxer again soon, in a heartbeat.
If you are interested in Boxer breeders, I can send you a list to go through. Just PM me if you are interested in that. You will need to look through carefully, find what you want, and talk with the breeder. Good potential owners ask lots of questions, and good breeders ask lots of questions.
It's all your choice. Read up on the breeds, and check out Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder as well for dogs for adoption in shelters.
Before considering a breeder, I would take a trip to a few local animal shelters and see what dogs they have for adoption. There are some WONDERFUL dogs in shelters. I have worked at a few shelters, and the dogs there are often outstanding. Dogs are put to sleep everyday for no good reason, just because their dream owner never came in time because they were too busy saving up $900 for that puppy in the window at the pet store.
Last year we had 2 Boxers (one white, one fawn), and 4 Labradors (two black, one yellow, one chocolate). Layla, the fawn Boxer was a foster. She was not very tolerant of the kids, had a habit of biting people's heels, especially the kids and was extremely, extremely strong willed! She was very playful, and with time, patience and lots of training, she learned not to bite leashes, yap, snap at the other dog's legs, tear my pant legs, etc. She developed those issues at only 2 months old, she was a sweetie, but a tough one to raise! It's good she had a foster before going to a permanant home. We did not know if she came from a good breeder or not, but my guess is she did not. Another reason to search for a good breeder. A good, LONG search. Oliver, the Black Labrador, we took when he was a tiny puppy, when my dad's friend had him and could not keep him because he was kept in the crate for 14+ hours a day, we took him in. He was very young when we took him, and grew up to be a wonderful dog. But he snapped when he got nervous, barked and went nuts when you wouldn't throw the ball, and was anxious when you had his toy. We had to do very thorough, long training and work on recall, stay, and that'll do A LOT. Training is a MUST, I cannot say that enough. Be prepared to start training at as young as 8 weeks, and keep training for longer periods of time as the dog gets older! Bales was our adopted chocolate Labrador, and he was great. We had to teach him not to bark frantically when you had his ball and were about to throw it, but he was wonderful! Followed the kids everywhere, played for hours, and wagged and wiggled all over! He was a wonderful dog, and I couldn't have asked for better. Although he did develop some shoe stealing and burying issues, he was a great dog. We also had Molly, Elly, and Georgia. We still have Elly and Georgia, and I will tell you about them later on in the post
.Both breeds have common health issues, you will need to look into those and ask the breeder what tests they do, where their dogs are kept, how old the puppies are when they are adopted out, what their adoption process is, if the puppies and when the puppies get their shots, etc. All breeders are different.
Right now I have an adopted 4-year-old Black Labrador named Elly Mae and a 9-year-old white Boxer named Georgia.
Elly is much higher energy, she will play for hours, is outstanding with the kids, very focused on her toys, extremely smart, and will put up with anything the little kids decide to do to her, from yanking her jowls to holding onto her tail, to see what is in her eyesocket.
Georgia is a wonderful dog. She doesn't put up with the kids messing with her as much as Elly does, but she is the most loving little girl! She loves people, and wiggles and waggles all over. She is also a great guard dog, and would guard us with her life. She is more bouncy than Elly.
Our past Boxer, Alaska, came from a newspaper breeder we failed to look into and he ended up having terrible health problems costing us thousands, and passing away at only 10 years old. He was a great dog, but not very tolerant of bouncy or annoying kids.
I will not own a Lab again anytime soon, because they simply are NOT my breed, but I would own a Boxer again soon, in a heartbeat.
If you are interested in Boxer breeders, I can send you a list to go through. Just PM me if you are interested in that. You will need to look through carefully, find what you want, and talk with the breeder. Good potential owners ask lots of questions, and good breeders ask lots of questions.
It's all your choice. Read up on the breeds, and check out Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder as well for dogs for adoption in shelters.
Before considering a breeder, I would take a trip to a few local animal shelters and see what dogs they have for adoption. There are some WONDERFUL dogs in shelters. I have worked at a few shelters, and the dogs there are often outstanding. Dogs are put to sleep everyday for no good reason, just because their dream owner never came in time because they were too busy saving up $900 for that puppy in the window at the pet store.
Boxers and Labs are both very high energy, very physical breeds who don't much pay attention to the space around them. I would not really recommend getting either of these dogs as puppies with young children around. Both CAN be wonderful with children, my foster lab Virgo was amazing with them and Boxers never run out of energy so they can keep up easily.
Do you research and if going through a breeder, go through a GOOD breeder--we will help you find one if you want--or get a slightly older dog, between 2-4, from a good rescue that temperament tests.
Do you research and if going through a breeder, go through a GOOD breeder--we will help you find one if you want--or get a slightly older dog, between 2-4, from a good rescue that temperament tests.
I have no experience with boxers so I can't offer advice there, but I can tell you that labs are very high energy.
They are very focused on thier toys (or training devices) which is why they retrievers. Our girl Chevy LIVES to retrieve, when I pull out a toy or bumper she is so focused she cannot see anything else. All other dogs, and people no longer exist. Its because of this that labs also like to carry stuff. They always like to have something in thier mouths, and if toys are not available then a shoe or anything else will do.
Labs are people-orientated, if you want a dog that is idependent, a lab is likely not what you are looking for. Both my labs are sleeping at my feet right now and if I get up and walk to kitchen, I will have 2 shadows behind me. They are great family dogs, excellent with both old and young kids. However, they are the #1 bred dog in North America which leaves the door wide open for variability. Many labs are badly bred, so please choose a good breeder if you decide on a lab or go through a reputable rescue.
They are very focused on thier toys (or training devices) which is why they retrievers. Our girl Chevy LIVES to retrieve, when I pull out a toy or bumper she is so focused she cannot see anything else. All other dogs, and people no longer exist. Its because of this that labs also like to carry stuff. They always like to have something in thier mouths, and if toys are not available then a shoe or anything else will do.
Labs are people-orientated, if you want a dog that is idependent, a lab is likely not what you are looking for. Both my labs are sleeping at my feet right now and if I get up and walk to kitchen, I will have 2 shadows behind me. They are great family dogs, excellent with both old and young kids. However, they are the #1 bred dog in North America which leaves the door wide open for variability. Many labs are badly bred, so please choose a good breeder if you decide on a lab or go through a reputable rescue.
I've had experiences with both breeds . We had a Boxer before we had children and decided to go Golden ( my choice before the Boxer --- husband wanted a more " macho " breed ) My kid's Labs were great with kids ... but I like a more layed back breed ! There's never a dull moment with boxers and Labs .
Of the two, I'd say get the Lab, but from a good breeder and consider the "English" type (the ones with the heavy otter tail and blocky head). The only thing is, all Labs can be very mouthy as puppies, but that goes away with correct training, and not letting them practice it. The field Labs and Boxer pups, unless you get a particularly quiet one, are a bit much for toddlers, who are easily knocked over once the pup gets a few months old and plays more rambunctiously. Newfs ARE great with kids, but not everyone can deal with the drool - some of them are very messy that way.
I guess i would vote boxer, but for many of the reasons people say not too..lmao...
Most boxer puppies though exuberant are definitely different than a lab puppy. My boxer babies have always been careful and easy with kids, but can still be HAPPY and outgoing..
I would say research, talk to alot of breeders and find exactly what you are looking for, don't settle.
S
Most boxer puppies though exuberant are definitely different than a lab puppy. My boxer babies have always been careful and easy with kids, but can still be HAPPY and outgoing..
I would say research, talk to alot of breeders and find exactly what you are looking for, don't settle.
S
Personally, I prefer labs. My first dog was a lab mix so they will always have a special place in my heart. And I've worked with a lot of boxers, and my main "issue" with them is that they like to paw a lot (hence the name, BOXER). Pawing is one of my pet peeves. On the other hand, labs (especially puppies) tend to be very mouthy, which is my other pet peeve.
Personally, I don't think I'd go with either breed if I had young kids. I just feel like a more laid-back breed might be a better option. But that's just me. If you do decide ot go with a boxer or lab, I'd HIGHLY suggest getting a young adult dog from a rescue. They are both incredibly popular breeds and should be easy to find in rescues, and most rescues foster dogs in people's homes so you can have a good idea of whether the dog will be suitable for you before you adopt the dog.
Personally, I don't think I'd go with either breed if I had young kids. I just feel like a more laid-back breed might be a better option. But that's just me. If you do decide ot go with a boxer or lab, I'd HIGHLY suggest getting a young adult dog from a rescue. They are both incredibly popular breeds and should be easy to find in rescues, and most rescues foster dogs in people's homes so you can have a good idea of whether the dog will be suitable for you before you adopt the dog.
Here is where it isn't the BREED that is the only issue, but the training/owner.
I have a female here that is 19 mos. she is very laid back, but she is playful. She knows commands that allow her to play and when to stop.
As for the boxing/pawing alot....that is with other dogs more so than people and playing with people. I can't say that my dogs have that issue, yes i am sure it is present with some, but boxing is usually reserved for Play.
Whatever your choice, the TRAINING and the direction from you is going to shape this dog into whatever it is going to become.
S
I have a female here that is 19 mos. she is very laid back, but she is playful. She knows commands that allow her to play and when to stop.
As for the boxing/pawing alot....that is with other dogs more so than people and playing with people. I can't say that my dogs have that issue, yes i am sure it is present with some, but boxing is usually reserved for Play.
Whatever your choice, the TRAINING and the direction from you is going to shape this dog into whatever it is going to become.
S
Thank you to all of you for your answer. I still not sure witch breed I want, I llike them both, but I already start to look on internet for breeder (boxer and lab) and also rescue & spca.
I will do my homework... and I may have more question!
abiqa
I will do my homework...
and I may have more question!abiqa
Jack Onofrio Dog Shows, LLC Home Page, InfoDog - The Dog Fancier's Complete Resource for information AKC Dog Show Events, and Dog Products and Services
and go find the breed clubs website to learn more information about them.
If you are interested in a rescue you should go here : Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder and see all the Labs and Boxers in need, they are popular breeders and many rescues really need a home. Good luck.
I have your answer!!
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13250872
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13257053
Adopt a Boxer: Chloe: Petfinder
And there are more...a lot more.
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13250872
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13257053
Adopt a Boxer: Chloe: Petfinder
And there are more...a lot more.
Labs
I have never owned a Boxer but love the breed. I have never met a Boxer I did not like. Labs are great dogs but their is a lot of backyard breeding of labs. I assume Boxers as well but it seems it gets really out of hand with labs. Folks breed them to make a quick buck without doing a lot of research. As a result I have met a few labs I was not crazy about.
Labs shed a lot. I assume Boxers shed a bit as well but their hair seems so much shorter and not as a big of an issue.
Either way, go to a good breeder and get a great dog or help out at a rescue and get to know a dog before you adopt. They are both really good breeds when bred right.
I have never owned a Boxer but love the breed. I have never met a Boxer I did not like. Labs are great dogs but their is a lot of backyard breeding of labs. I assume Boxers as well but it seems it gets really out of hand with labs. Folks breed them to make a quick buck without doing a lot of research. As a result I have met a few labs I was not crazy about.
Labs shed a lot. I assume Boxers shed a bit as well but their hair seems so much shorter and not as a big of an issue.
Either way, go to a good breeder and get a great dog or help out at a rescue and get to know a dog before you adopt. They are both really good breeds when bred right.