Which is Better between the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle?

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022

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Boxer Versus Miniature Poodle: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle.

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 Miniature Poodle.

Boxer versus Miniature Poodle

Boxer versus Miniature Poodle: Overview

Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle are similar in size. The Boxer and the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Boxer versus Miniature Poodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boxer to the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle

FactorBoxerMiniature Poodle
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather1/54/5
Life Span10 to 12 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather2/53/5
Does NOT Drool4/55/5
General Health2/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Height21 to 25 inches at the shoulderFrom 10 to over 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners3/55/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/55/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/54/5
Does NOT Shed2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Easy To Train4/55/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/51/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Weight60 to 70 pounds12 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1530$2500
Price Range$1000 – $1800$1500 – $3000
Temperament Score83.9 percent76.7 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 Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle is 88 out of 125.

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

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 Miniature Poodle

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle

Below is a list of where the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle are most different:

  • Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Miniature Poodles can tolerate hot weather.
  • Boxers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Miniature Poodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Boxers are very easy to groom. However, Miniature Poodles require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle

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

  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle are very easy to train.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Boxer versus Miniature Poodle

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle.

    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 Miniature Poodle weighs 12 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Poodle is From 10 to over 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Boxer versus Size of Miniature Poodle

    Appearance (Colors) of the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle

    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

    Miniature Poodle Colors

    The Miniature Poodle comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Bicolor
    • Brown / Chocolate

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

    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Gray / Blue / Silver

    Lifespan of Boxer versus Miniature Poodle

    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 Miniature Poodle is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Poodle is 13.5 years.

    The Miniature Poodle live longer than the Boxer.

    Boxer versus Miniature Poodle

    Temperament of the Boxer Versus the Miniature Poodle

    The Boxer has a better temperament than the Miniature Poodle.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boxer is 83.9 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Poodle is 76.7 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 76.7 percent, the Miniature Poodle has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boxer and the Miniature Poodle by measuring the temperaments of 472 Boxers and 73 Miniature Poodles.

    Price of Boxer versus Price of Miniature Poodle

    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 Miniature Poodle puppy is $2500. The price of the Miniature Poodle typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of the Miniature Poodle can be as low as $350 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1190 Miniature Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Poodle is more expensive than the Boxer.

    Boxer Miniature Poodle
    Average Price $1530 $2500
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1500 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boxer and Miniature Poodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Boxer puppies or how many Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Poodles

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

    Adopting the Boxer versus Adopting the Miniature Poodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Boxers and many Miniature Poodles 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 Murphy Ii that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Boxers like Murphy Ii on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Boxers, Miniature Poodles are also available for adoption. For example, Mochi is a Male Miniature Poodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Miniature Poodles like Mochi that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Boxer and the Miniature Poodle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Buddy is the name of another Boxer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Noel And Chuy is an adorable Male Miniature Poodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Boxers and Miniature Poodles are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Boxers and Miniature Poodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boxer versus Miniature Poodle

    Boxers do not like to be left alone.

    Miniature Poodles do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boxers shed more than Miniature Poodles?

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

    Miniature Poodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boxer or the Miniature Poodle?

    Boxers are very easy to groom.

    Miniature Poodles require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boxer or the Miniature Poodle?

    Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Miniature Poodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boxers good family dogs? What about Miniature Poodles?

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

    Miniature Poodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Boxer Easier to Train than the Miniature Poodle?

    Boxers are very easy to train.

    Miniature Poodles are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Boxer or the Miniature Poodle

    Boxers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Miniature Poodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Boxers and Miniature Poodles?

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

    Miniature Poodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Boxer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Poodle?

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

    Miniature Poodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Boxers Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Poodles?

    Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Miniature Poodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Poodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Miniature Poodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boxer vs. Miniature Poodle

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

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

    Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Poodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Miniature Poodles can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Boxer Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Poodle?

    Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Miniature Poodles adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boxer or the Miniature Poodle?

    Boxers are OK for new dog owners.

    Miniature Poodles are very good 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 Miniature Poodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Boxer to other breeds:

    Boxer versus French Bulldog     Boxer versus Bearded Collie     Boxer versus Shiranian     Boxer versus Cesky Terrier     Boxer versus Frenchton     Boxer versus Siberian Husky     Boxer versus Miniature Schnauzer     Boxer versus Greyhound     Boxer versus Dogo Argentino     Boxer versus Pomeranian     Boxer versus Basset Hound     Boxer versus Kuvasz     Boxer versus Basenji     Boxer versus Great Dane     Boxer versus English Setter     Boxer versus Pug     Boxer versus Lhasapoo     Boxer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Boxer versus Brussels Griffon     

    Conclusion: Boxer versus Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle better suits you and your family.