Black Lab and boxers both have a friendly and playful nature. They are both loyal dogs that love people and affection. Both breeds are also protective of their family, home, and territory. However, there are some major differences between a boxer and a Labrador retriever. Here’s everything you need to know about these two breeds to make an informed decision about which dog will be the best pet for you.
What Is a Boxer?
The boxer was supposedly bred in Germany but as you can see they have had a lot longer history than that. These are intelligent dogs who are faithful, and very clean.
In the popularity contest, this breed came in at #11. Also, they are very alert dogs making them perfect for the watchdog duties around your home. Then, once taken home they need only minimal grooming.
Plus, they are kid-friendly so having a boxer in your home does not make the home life risky for children.
What Is a Black Lab?
The Black Lab has its origins in Canada and was bred from a water dog. They too are very friendly, kid-loving, and intelligent. They are easy to train and love being with their families.
It is said that they can learn up to 300 human phrases. Also, they have more than enough energy and need lots of time outside to get rid of that excess. These dogs are very good hunters and can retrieve games without harming them.
How Are They Different?
The boxer is a very lean dog and can weigh about a few pounds lighter than a Lab. That depends on their diet of course. Then the Boxer costs less than a Lab making them the more economical choice.
Plus, the boxer is a brave and fearless pet often taking its duty of being a watchdog very seriously. In intelligence levels, the Boxer registers about level 3 while the Lab registers at level 5.
How Are They Similar?
These dogs are about the same when it comes to their masters and their families. They are good with children and are very loyal. Both are friendly and like to play, while being very sensitive animals.
Plus, they both need a lot of social interaction to maintain their friendliness and get rid of any excess energy. Along with that, these two dog breeds do not bark a lot. The biting level is also low in these two dog breeds.
What’s Better About a Boxer?
This dog breed is very alert. That is good when you are not paying attention. They will alert you to danger quite quickly. Then they are very strong dogs with a bite that can be firm and not shaken off easily.
Then they are fearless dogs often brought into battle to help their masters win the war. A Lab may go into battle but try to win friends instead of harming the enemy.
Black Labs, Yellow Labs, and Chocolate Labs may each have a different coat color, but just how different are they? Read out post “Black Lab vs Yellow Lab vs Chocolate Lab” to learn more.
What’s Better About a Black Lab?
These are gentle dogs that are perfect around families with small children. They are very adaptable and can live in smaller spaces than most other dog breeds.
Then this dog breed loves to hunt, fish and swim. They are very active dogs that will chase small animals away from your property. Also, they are very loyal pets that make sure their family is safe and protected.
Who Should Get a Boxer?
Families who want an affectionate dog that doubles as a watchdog. The love this breed has for its master is almost second to none. They are a very playful breed and may be best for families with older children.
Also, this dog is for those families who do not want to do a lot of grooming. The boxer needs minimal grooming to stay looking good.
Who Should Get a Black Lab?
Those families who have smaller children. The Black Lab is very patient with the little kids and can take what they dish out for the most part. Also, a family that does a lot of outdoor activities would be best for this dog breed.
Labs love to be outdoors doing different activities. They love the water and it is hard to get them to come out of the lake, etc. This is the perfect dog for families that love to swim.
Comparison chart
| Category | Black Lab | Boxer |
| Grooming | Needs little | Needs little |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Intelligence | Very high | Moderate |
| Training | Easy to train | Not so easy to train |
| Barking | Barks sometimes | Not a barker |
| Watchdog ability | Moderate | Very high |
| Adaptability | Very good | Very good |
Boxer Vs Labrador Size
These two breeds come in many sizes. The Boxer can range from 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 60 to 90 pounds. On the other hand, the Labrador can range from 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 55 to 90 pounds.
Which Dog Is Better a Labrador Or Boxer
The Labrador Retriever is an excellent option for first-time dog owners, in contrast to the Boxer, which is not suggested for new or inexperienced owners. Both the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever are excellent choices for families with young children. For Grooming, the coats of both breeds are low maintenance.
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Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives.