Boxer dog or labrador???

Question

which is the best animal to have? which is softer and more affectionate thanks

Answer 1

from my experience both are really affectionate aaaw.

Answer 2

These sort of questions always elicit answers such as "it's not the dog but the owner who governs how the dog behaves". This is, of course, nonsense and is meant to imply that the respondant is such a gifted 'doggie person' that they can turn any vicious beast into a cuddly obedient pet.

What matters is how the dog will respond to you. In general, given similar conditions, a lab will be easier to train and more docile than a boxer. It wont redecorate your home with saliva either. The problem is that you don't really know until the pup is maybe six months old, but I reckon the lab gives you the better chance of being the soft, affectionate dog you want.

Have you thought about a labradoodle - cross of lab and poodle? Very soft and affectionate ad also very biddable.

Answer 3

A lot of this is going to be how you raise the dog because even "dangerous" dogs like pitbulls or dobermans have a great following because loving and caring owners can raise loving and caring dogs--no matter what the breed.

That being said, Labradors by nature are MUCH more affectionate than most dogs. I have a Labrador Retriever, and she is literally my "hip". She does everything with me and spends her days with me. She loves to play; she loves to meet people. The more attention you show her, the more she loves it. She wants nothing more than to please me, so training is VERY easy. She has even taught my puppies commands that I wasn't sure she had mastered! And this is the epitomy of a lab!!

So, yes, I'm biased when I say that you should pick a lab! But seriously, before you do make a decision, research. Find out all you can about both breeds. See which one fits into your lifestyle better. See which one you like better. Something like the site below is a great way to get started. If possible, also talk to owners of boxers & labs because not all information may be true when you research because each dog is different. You're welcome to e-mail me if you want info about labs (my e-mail is my [e-mail]).

Good luck with your search!

Answer 4

Boxers aren't any more highly strung or aggressive than labradors! The way a dog turns out when he's older is all to do with how well he was socialised and trained as a young pup. If a boxer is ignored as a puppy when he does stuff wrong - like jump, nip etc, he'll grow up as a well behaved dog. Exactly the same as if a labrador is 'rewarded' for jumping about and getting excited as a pup, he'll continue this as he grows up, becoming a right royal pain in the 'arris! Please don't judge dogs on what they were bred to do. This is a good marker for learning what your dog will or won't be easily trained in, but that is all it should be used for. A dog's character is also shaped by how he is treated as a pup whilst still with the breeder and it's mother and siblings.

Answer 5

My daughter got a boxer last year. It is very active and always wants to box with you....really. He is affectionate but now that he is big he still thinks he can be a lap dog. Very luvable dog, you should check out youtube for all the funny boxers that are on there. They like to talk back to you, sooo funny. They are smart dogs though. As for a lab we had one, they have a good temperment and are good with kids. They are an all round great dog. So it is a tough decision.

Answer 6

As far as lovable dogs... both are. But there are key differences you should be aware of.
First, the idea that boxers aren't as loving as labs is ridiculous.... boxers, well raised, are some of the biggest lovin' snugglin' babies around..... and in fact... the best way to raise a boxer is to make it a spoiled baby of a dog. If you spoil them... they are MUCH less likely to snap when stressed of confused, and the instinct for them to guard and protect you will be much stronger. This does of course mean having to actually introduce strangers to it so it knows who is ok.
As far as a lab goes..... labs simply end up being big puppies...REALLY big puppies.... they love being lap dogs even when they are big as the couch.... but they are very affectionate, sweet dispositioned, and very trainable. While they loyal, they aren't totally devoted and are much more social.... in other words, most labs never meet a stranger so the idea of one as a guard dog is usually out of the question.
Lastly, you can always visit you local animal shelter to get more info, and to talk with someone one on one so you can discuss your lifestyle and let them help you make a better informed choice. You can check out the link to the Humane Society's website to find a shelter near you. www.hsus.org

Answer 7

Both would make good pets. They both need just as much exercise and food as each other but the Labrador Retriever is generally healthier. The Lab is prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) while the Boxer is prone to things like cancer, heart disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and a heap of other problems. "Softer" - what do you mean? Fur wise, the Lab has longer hairs and from my personal experience, they are just as loving and affectionate as each other.

To find a good breeder go to;
Boxer Club of America -> http://americanboxerclub.org
Labrador Retriever Club of America -> http://www.thelabradorclub.com

Answer 8

I have had both boxers and labs.I own three black labs now.Two males and a female.They are three of the smartest dogs I have ever come in contact with.Particularly the female.They are very soft mouthed and they love to play fetch and run.They are totally devoted. But they do get jealous of each other because they all want to "be the one " who is closest to you they will follow you all over the yard and step between whoever you are talking to make sure they don't get to close .They don't growl or anything just let them know that they are there and watching. Jack even smiles! It is way cool to see him with those wicked pure white teeth in that pure black fur smiling at you.The first time he did it it scared me to death, I didn't know what he was doing.Then I realized ,that puppy is smiling and sure enough ,every time I drive up he smiles! But anyway,both are good choices but I'm partial to the labs.

Answer 9

i have a 3 yr old boxer dog so my answer is perhaps going to be biased however my dad had a labrador as a child and a boxer as a puppy.
we loved his labrador as a child. she was affectionate and caring however after owning a boxer, persuaded by his wife, he would never go back. although labs are energetic and fun, they have a higher tendency to snap and nip. they have soft mouths meaning that they prefer to chew so are more likely to ruin furniture and are good around children but because of their energetic natue,may tend to knock over or play too rough with kids. boxers of the other hand, have a two sided personality. during most days they will be clowns, chasing, playing, licking and generally funny animals and then towards the evening (this is where the 'labs are more affectionate the boxers' myth is put to rest) they become all round lap dogs to adults and cushions for children. my brother used to lie with our boxer, paws wrapped around him. they love children but also a comfy lap! they have a strange sense of children swell. in my experiences, they always seem aware to play gentle with younger kids but tumble with adults. for example, our boxer never jumps of or nibble at our youngest however will happily wrestle myself and other adults. they are the perfect combo or funny, loving, cuddly and playful.

i defiantly say boxer dog and studies actually show that boxer owners are more interactive, almost always noticing other boxers and feeling compelled to say hello. i know of many boxer walking groups! although not part of one, i could see it as a good experience for the dogs

Answer 10

My friend has a cross between both dogs you have mentioned, it has the looks of a boxer but is clever and affectionate like a lab. very cute!

Answer 11

Boxers and Labradors are very different breeds, bred for very different purposes. You need to do your own research and decide which is more suitable for your lifestyle. Both also suffer from serious hereditary problems so make sure you find a reputable breeder who does all the necessary health checks before breeding.
http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/breederselection.html
http://www.boxerdogplanet.com/