Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022

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Boxer Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd? 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd.

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 Dutch Shepherd.

Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd

Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview

Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd are similar in size. The Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boxer to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd

FactorBoxerDutch Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather1/54/5
Life Span10 to 12 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Does NOT Drool4/54/5
General Health2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Height21 to 25 inches at the shoulder21 to 25 inches
Good For Novice Owners3/53/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/53/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/52/5
Does NOT Shed2/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/54/5
Easy To Train4/55/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Weight60 to 70 pounds50 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1530$1450
Price Range$1000 – $1800$800 – $1500
Temperament Score83.9 percent96.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health TestsNo DataNo Data
*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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.

Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Dutch Shepherd, we still believe that the Boxer is a better pet than the Dutch Shepherd.

This is because Boxers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Boxer will come out on top.

Also, we are biased in favor of the Boxer :-). We are for the Boxer. So get a Boxer!

Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd

Below is a list of where the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd are most different:

  • Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
  • The Similarities Between the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd.

    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 Dutch Shepherd weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Dutch Shepherd is 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Boxer versus Size of Dutch Shepherd

    Appearance (Colors) of the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd

    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

    Dutch Shepherd Colors

    The Dutch Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brindle
    • Black
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • White / Cream

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

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Brindle
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • White / Cream

    Lifespan of Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd

    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 Dutch Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Dutch Shepherd is 13.5 years.

    The Dutch Shepherd live longer than the Boxer.

    Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd

    Temperament of the Boxer Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Boxer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 472 Boxers and 26 Dutch Shepherds.

    Price of Boxer versus Price of Dutch Shepherd

    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 Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1450. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of the Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 164 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boxer is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Boxer Dutch Shepherd
    Average Price $1530 $1450
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $800 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boxer and Dutch Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Boxer puppies or how many Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boxer puppy or the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd

    Adopting the Boxer versus Adopting the Dutch Shepherd

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Boxers and many Dutch Shepherds 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, Dutch Shepherds are also available for adoption. For example, Gunner is a Male Dutch Shepherd that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dutch Shepherds like Gunner that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Boxer and the Dutch Shepherd can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Luca is an adorable Male Dutch Shepherd on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Boxers and Dutch Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd

    Boxers do not like to be left alone.

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boxers shed more than Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boxer or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Boxers are very easy to groom.

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boxer or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boxers good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Boxer Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Boxers are very easy to train.

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Boxer or the Dutch Shepherd

    Boxers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Boxers and Dutch Shepherds?

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Boxer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?

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

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

    Do Boxers Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boxer vs. Dutch Shepherd

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

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Boxer Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boxer or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Boxers are OK for new dog owners.

    Dutch Shepherds are OK 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 Dutch Shepherd. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Boxer to other breeds:

    Boxer versus Doberman Pinscher     Boxer versus Labradoodle     Boxer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Boxer versus Lowchen     Boxer versus Bouvier des Flandres     Boxer versus Portuguese Pointer     Boxer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Boxer versus Maltipoo     Boxer versus Korean Jindo Dog     Boxer versus Mal Shi     Boxer versus Pharaoh Hound     Boxer versus Clumber Spaniel     Boxer versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Boxer versus Peek A Poo     Boxer versus Pyredoodle     

    Conclusion: Boxer versus Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.