Boxers vs. Pit Bulls: Health, Temperament, and Care Differences

Take your prospective pup to a veterinarian before making a final decision. It is good to know what you will be getting into before making a commitment. Boxers can fall prey to a number of ailments, including heart and thyroid difficulties, cancer, hip dysplasia, arthritis and, in white boxers, deafness. They also drool and can have extreme flatulence, depending on what they eat. Pit bulls are a healthy breed but they can get hip dysplasia, allergies to grass, cataracts and heart disease.

Lifestyle

The pit bull was once America's family dog, thanks to Spanky and our Gang. Their reputations have changed since then.

Take your boxer or pit bull out for walks, runs and play often. Boxers and pit bulls are energetic breeds. They can live in closed quarters, such as apartments, but expect both to need much exercise and play. The pit bull will need even more activity than a boxer, though both will require a significant amount. Neither of them like cold weather, perhaps due to their short coats. A fenced yard, lots of walks and a doggy-jacket for colder weather are important for both breeds.

A Word About Pit Bulls

Pit bulls make great family pets. They are loyal, friendly and intelligent.

Unfortunately boxers and pit bulls and other so-called "bully breeds" have a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous, and some people have misused and abused the breed in the past, changing how we see them. With love and care both these breeds can be wonderfully rewarding pets, but in certain neighborhoods there are trends to legislatively remove pit bulls from communities, called Breed Specific Legislation. If BLS is happening in your community, contact the Humane Society of the United States for information on how you can help.