Why the Boxer is Better than the Dogo Argentino as a Pet

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Boxer Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Boxer and for the Dogo Argentino. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boxer or the Dogo Argentino.

Boxer versus Dogo Argentino

Boxer versus Dogo Argentino: Overview

A very important difference between the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boxer is a medium-sized dog while the Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boxer belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Boxer versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boxer to the Dogo Argentino based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino

FactorBoxerDogo Argentino
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather1/54/5
Life Span10 to 12 years9 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather2/52/5
Does NOT Drool4/53/5
General Health2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Height21 to 25 inches at the shoulder23 to 27 inches
Good For Novice Owners3/51/5
Dog Friendly3/52/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/52/5
Does NOT Shed2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/54/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/53/5
Weight60 to 70 pounds80 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years12.0 years
Average Price$1530$2650
Price Range$1000 – $1800$1500 – $3425
Temperament Score83.9 percent89.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health TestsNo Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds1191
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boxer in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Dogo Argentino. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Boxer is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Boxer is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. So, you should get a Boxer!

    Boxer versus Dogo Argentino

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino

    Below is a list of where the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino are most different:

  • Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.
  • Boxers adapt well to apartment living. However, Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Boxers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino

    The Boxer and the Dogo Argentino are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino are most similar:

  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the Boxer versus Dogo Argentino

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino.

    The Boxer weighs 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Boxer is 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Dogo Argentino weighs 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. The Dogo Argentino is 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Boxer versus Size of Dogo Argentino

    Appearance (Colors) of the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino

    Boxer Colors

    The Boxer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Brindle
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Bicolor
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    The Boxer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Brindle

    Dogo Argentino Colors

    The Dogo Argentino comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Black

    The Dogo Argentino comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Black
    • Brindle

    Lifespan of Boxer versus Dogo Argentino

    The lifespan of the Boxer is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Boxer is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Dogo Argentino is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Dogo Argentino is 12.0 years.

    The Dogo Argentino live longer than the Boxer.

    Boxer versus Dogo Argentino

    Temperament of the Boxer Versus the Dogo Argentino

    The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Boxer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 percent while the temperament score for the Boxer is 83.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 83.9 percent, the Boxer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino by measuring the temperaments of 472 Boxers and 19 Dogo Argentinos.

    Price of Boxer versus Price of Dogo Argentino

    The average price of the Boxer puppy is $1530. The price of the Boxer typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Boxer can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1292 Boxer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2650. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $3425. However, the price of the Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 218 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Boxer.

    Boxer Dogo Argentino
    Average Price $1530 $2650
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1500 to $3425

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boxer and Dogo Argentino. For different price points, the charts show how many Boxer puppies or how many Dogo Argentino puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boxers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boxers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boxer puppy or the Dogo Argentino puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Boxer versus Dogo Argentino

    Adopting the Boxer versus Adopting the Dogo Argentino

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Boxers and many Dogo Argentinos are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Boxer named Pete that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Boxers like Pete on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Boxers, Dogo Argentinos are also available for adoption. For example, Solo is a Male Dogo Argentino that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dogo Argentinos like Solo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Boxer and the Dogo Argentino can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Cane is an adorable Male Dogo Argentino on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Boxers and Dogo Argentinos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Boxer versus Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Boxer is more popular with dog owners than the Dogo Argentino. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Boxer is 11 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 91 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Boxer

    Popularity of Boxer

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Year Boxer Popularity Rank Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank
    2013 7 no data
    2014 8 no data
    2015 10 no data
    2016 10 no data
    2017 11 no data
    2018 11 no data
    2019 14 no data
    2020 14 93.0
    2021 14 89.0

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boxer versus Dogo Argentino

    Boxers do not like to be left alone.

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boxers shed more than Dogo Argentinos?

    Boxers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boxer or the Dogo Argentino?

    Boxers are very easy to groom.

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boxer or the Dogo Argentino?

    Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Boxers good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?

    Boxers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Boxer Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?

    Boxers are very easy to train.

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Boxer or the Dogo Argentino

    Boxers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Boxers and Dogo Argentinos?

    Boxers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Does the Boxer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?

    Boxers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Dogo Argentinos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Boxers Bark and Howl? What about Dogo Argentinos?

    Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boxers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boxer vs. Dogo Argentino

    Boxers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Dogo Argentinos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Boxer Better for Apartment Owners than the Dogo Argentino?

    Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boxer or the Dogo Argentino?

    Boxers are OK for new dog owners.

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Boxer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Boxer compares to other breeds aside from the Dogo Argentino. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Boxer to other breeds:

    Boxer versus Siberian Husky     Boxer versus Plott     Boxer versus Pug     Boxer versus Samoyed     Boxer versus Hovawart     Boxer versus Portuguese Water Dog     Boxer versus Lhasapoo     Boxer versus Norwich Terrier     Boxer versus Affenhuahua     Boxer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Boxer versus German Pinscher     Boxer versus Standard Schnauzer     Boxer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Boxer versus Cavapoo     

    Conclusion: Boxer versus Dogo Argentino. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Boxer and the Dogo Argentino better suits you and your family.