Breed Comparison: Boxer Versus Patterdale Terrier

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022

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Boxer Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier.

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 Patterdale Terrier.

Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier

Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boxer is a medium-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier is a small-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 Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boxer to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

FactorBoxerPatterdale Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather1/54/5
Life Span10 to 12 years11 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Does NOT Drool4/55/5
General Health2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Height21 to 25 inches at the shoulder12 to 15 inches
Good For Novice Owners3/52/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
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
Easygoing2/52/5
Kid-Friendly4/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/54/5
Does NOT Shed2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/55/5
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 Playfulness5/54/5
Weight60 to 70 pounds11 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years12.5 years
Average Price$1530$640
Price Range$1000 – $1800$500 – $688
Temperament Score83.9 percent80.0 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

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 Patterdale Terrier

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier

Below is a list of where the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier are most different:

  • Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
  • Boxers adapt well to apartment living. However, Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier.

    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 Patterdale Terrier weighs 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Patterdale Terrier is 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Boxer versus Size of Patterdale Terrier

    Lifespan of Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terrier is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Patterdale Terrier is 12.5 years.

    The Patterdale Terrier live longer than the Boxer.

    Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier

    Temperament of the Boxer Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Boxer has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boxer is 83.9 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boxer and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 472 Boxers and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Boxer versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $640. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $500 – $688. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 24 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boxer is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Boxer Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1530 $640
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $500 to $688

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boxer and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Boxer puppies or how many Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier

    Boxers do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boxers shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boxer or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Boxers are very easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boxer or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boxers good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Boxer Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Boxers are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Boxer or the Patterdale Terrier

    Boxers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Boxers and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Boxer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers?

    Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boxer vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Boxer Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boxer or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Boxers are OK for new dog owners.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Boxer to other breeds:

    Boxer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Boxer versus Pomeranian     Boxer versus German Longhaired Pointer     Boxer versus Karelian Bear Dog     Boxer versus Hovawart     Boxer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Boxer versus Pharaoh Hound     Boxer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Boxer versus Pug     Boxer versus Standard Schnauzer     Boxer versus American Hairless Terrier     Boxer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Boxer versus Pointer     Boxer versus Belgian Tervuren     

    Conclusion: Boxer versus Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.