Boxer vs Labrador Retriever
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Boxer | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Large | Large |
| Adult weight | 22.7 to 36.3 kg | 24.9 to 36.3 kg |
| In pounds | 50 to 80 lb | 55 to 80 lb |
| Adult height | 55 to 64 cm | 55 to 62 cm |
| Energy | High | Very high |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Short smooth | Short double |
| Shedding | Low | High |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Reliably good |
| Country of origin | Germany | Great Britain |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the Boxer is 22.7 to 36.3 kg and the Labrador Retriever 24.9 to 36.3 kg.
- The Labrador Retriever needs more exercise: very high energy against high for the Boxer.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- The Labrador Retriever usually lives longer: 11 to 13 years against 10 to 12 years.
Temperament
Boxer: Equable, biddable, fearless and self-assured, lively and strong with natural guarding instincts.
Labrador Retriever: Good tempered and versatile, valued equally as a family companion, guide dog, service dog and working gundog.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Boxer
- Hip dysplasia, which breeding stock should be hip scored by x-ray before mating
- Elbow dysplasia, which breeding stock should be elbow graded by x-ray before mating
- Hereditary eye disease screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Breathing difficulty linked to the flat face (brachycephaly), graded by a vet on an exercise tolerance test
Labrador Retriever
- Hip dysplasia, which breeding stock should be hip scored by x-ray before mating
- Elbow dysplasia, which breeding stock should be elbow graded by x-ray before mating
- Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Exercise induced collapse (EIC), detectable by DNA test on both parents
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Boxer or the Labrador Retriever?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 22.7 to 36.3 kg for the Boxer and 24.9 to 36.3 kg for the Labrador Retriever, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Boxer or the Labrador Retriever?
The published life expectancy is 10 to 12 years for the Boxer and 11 to 13 years for the Labrador Retriever. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Boxer or the Labrador Retriever better with children?
They score the same: reliably good with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin