The Rottweiler and the Boxer ? Standing Guard Over You
September 2nd, 2010If you’re looking for a Guardian Angel in dog form, you might consider either the Rottweiler or the Boxer. Both are Guardian Dogs, which were bred to watch over people, property or livestock.
Unlike some Guardian breeds, the Rottie and the Boxer have always lived closely with humans protecting them, thus making them suitable family pets. These dogs are comfortable with family and friends but wary of strangers. Despite their sometimes goofy appearance, both breeds are top notch watch dogs, watching over you as if your soul were in their paws. If they have children to watch over, you may find yourself having to tear them away from their charges. Supervision with outsiders is imperative, as a Rottweiler may misinterpret a wrestling game between your child and a friend or a Dobie might think someone running toward you is a threat. The key is to avoid these situations and always be aware of the protective instinct these breeds have. This instinct makes the Rottie and the Boxer excellent body guards and shows why they excel in work as police dogs or search and rescue dogs.
The Rottweiler and Boxer have a lot in common. They are both formidable dogs whose presence is likely to dissuade a robber or the postman. Both tend to dislike hot weather and both love children. One big difference is that Rotties show up on Breed Specific Legislation at times while Boxers seem to have beat the rap. This is yet another BSL inconsistency, considering their goal to ban dogs who are like Pit Bulls and the Boxer is the one who shares a common ancestry to Bully Dogs. The Rottie is ancient, having started as a Roman cattle dog knock-off in Rottweil, Germany. The Boxer gets his name from his connection to fighting dogs – when he fights. he tends to use his forelegs as if boxing.
If choosing between these two Guardian Dogs, consider size, personality and activity level. The Rottie can weigh between 75 to 130 pounds, while the Boxer is between 50 to 80. This makes a Rottie look more intimidating but when your dog is 13 and you have to lift him up the stairs, the Boxer seems more agreeable. Both dogs are often reserved when meeting new people but the Boxer is often decidedly friendlier and more playful than the Rottweiler. Likewise, a Boxer has a higher activity level than a Rottie, who is usually content with one slow walk a day. A family who is active with older children will enjoy a Boxer immensely; a family with younger children may want to choose a Rottie.
A few final considerations before choosing either breed:
1. You may run across some prejudice from people who do not understand that these dogs may look formidable but they are only threatening when provoked. This has led to Rotties being put on BSL lists in some towns or states and it’s possible the Boxer could be next. Luckily, BSL is still limited and often dogs on the list are accepted by the community with extra insurance and muzzling.
2. Both breeds potentially will have hip dysplasia, kidney trouble, neurological disorders and thyroid disease. The Boxer may also have breathing problems because of his Bulldog-like muzzle.
3. The time you spend on training, which will be substantial since Guardian Dogs can be stubborn and often challenge the Alpha, is made up for in the ease of their grooming. These dogs have short hair and they do not shed much. They are both also known, especially the Boxer, for not having the typical “doggie smell.”
Both breeds represent an excellent choice for a family looking for protection or just canine companions who will help you may a quick beeline through a crowd or scare off your nosy neighbors. And though both breeds originated in Germany, they truly embody the American spirit of fearlessness, loyalty.
The author, Richard Briceson has been training and breeding Rottweiler Dogs for over fourteen years.