If you’re a high-energy person then you probably want to avoid dogs that enjoy long hours of snoozing, and instead, you need a playful dog companion that loves to stay busy. Then the Boxer is the ultimate dog breed for you or a dog similar to the Boxer.
The Boxer isn’t just energetic but it’s also a very affectionate dog that enjoys spending time with their owner. Plus they also have a very unique and charming appearance. From their adorable, square-shaped head and dark eyes that are always in puppy eye mode, to their sturdy build that exudes strength!
So, if you’re looking for a breed that shares the same characteristics, or you want something larger or smaller, then you may be wondering what are some dogs that look like Boxers?
Most brachycephalic dogs look like the Boxer, this includes large breeds like the English Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, and Presa Canario, or medium-sized dogs like the American and Continental Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, American Pitbull Terrier, or smaller breeds like the Boston Terrier and Brussels Griffon. You may also want to consider popular Boxer mixes.
If you’re looking for a breed that has a similar appearance and physical characteristics to the Boxer or you love their personality then it’s worth exploring the 14 breeds on our list. But first, we will take a closer look at the Boxer breed itself, and at the very end, we will also discuss whether choosing a dog breed that looks like the Boxer is a good idea for you!
What Are Boxers Like?
Before we look at each dog breed that’s similar to the playful Boxer, it’s important to become a bit more familiar with the breed itself.
So, what is the Boxer like?
- Origin: Germany
- Type: Medium to large
- Height: 21.5 to 25 in (54.6 to 63.5 cm)
- Weight: 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
For those of you who love dogs with short muzzles, and a strong and muscular physique then the Boxer is the perfect representation of that. While the Boxer is on the larger side, it’s not a huge breed, which is probably why they don’t just sit around lazily. Instead, the Boxer loves to run around and they are extremely playful so they need someone who can keep up with their high energy.
Aside from their physical needs, the Boxer is very affectionate and they tend to do really well with children, but it’s never a good idea to leave them alone with kids, because no matter how gentle and good your dog may be, accidents can happen, and the Boxer loves to jump so the impact alone can lead to a small child getting hurt.
This goofy and happy breed isn’t as wary of strangers as some of the breeds on our list, and they are great for those of you who are looking for a very loyal companion but that can come with a few drawbacks, like being a bit too clingy and if they are left alone for too long they can get destructive.
This Boxer is willing to be part of the class just to be close to his owner!
The Boxer might be a great dog, intelligent and quick to pick up on training, but they still need an experienced owner and someone who is willing to put in the time and work to train them and of course exercise with them.
It’s also important to mention the fact that this is a brachycephalic breed which means that they can face breathing issues and for that reason, they don’t deal well with warm weather. Their short muzzles also need extra care, if the folds and wrinkles aren’t cleaned properly and kept dry this can lead to skin irritations. But other than that as a shortcoated breed, the Boxer has minimal grooming needs.
Finally, before we move on to our list I think it’s worth mentioning that there are different types of Boxers out there and each has certain unique traits of their own.
When we’re talking about the official Boxer breed we usually refer to the German Boxer, and this breed is larger and thicker than the American Boxer and with a smaller snout. The English boxer is actually the smallest of the Boxer breeds more slender, and some can be even more athletic.
You might also have heard of the white Boxer, but white is not one of the standard acceptable colors, like fawn or brindle, with white markings.
14 Dogs That Look Like Boxers
Now that you have a better idea of what the Boxer is like, their appearance, personalities, and needs it’s time to explore the 14 breeds on our list!
1. Bullmastiff
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Type: Large
- Height: 25 to 27 in (63.5 to 68.5 cm)
- Weight: 100 to 130 pounds (45 to 59 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
The Boxer does have a unique look, but that doesn’t mean they don’t share the same traits with other breeds. Let’s take the Bullmastiff, for example, these dogs are pretty much a larger and bulkier version of the Boxer. After all, they share the same mastiff-type ancestors.
While the Bullmastiff call also be dorky and enjoys expressing their love and enthusiasm, they are not as energetic as the Boxer, but that doesn’t mean they spend their whole day sleeping. These are both working dogs and they need specific tasks to remain occupied and happy.
Then again if you’re a super active person, or you want a really active dog for your outgoing family, then the Bullmastiff might not suit your needs, instead, they are calm and easygoing which makes them great walking partners. Additionally, this breed needs an experienced owner and someone that has the time to keep up with their training and their strong will.
In terms of health, both breeds are considered typically healthy as long as you go to a reputable breeder, but that doesn’t mean they are not predisposed to certain conditions, like bloat, as well as cardiac, hip, elbow, and thyroid issues.
2. English Mastiff
- Origin: Britain
- Type: Large
- Height: 27.5 to 30 in (70 to 76 cm)
- Weight: 120 to 230 pounds (54 to 104 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 6 to 10 years
If the Bullmastiff is not large enough for you then you may want to check out the English Mastiff. This is a dog breed that is often described as a noble giant, plus it does have a very similar appearance to the Boxer, given their common Mastiff ancestry.
Of course, the two breeds are not identical, the Boxer is less wrinkly, more toned, and athletic, while the English Mastiff is more of a chill, couch potato type of dog that requires a moderate amount of exercise.
Because of their size alone, you need to make sure that you stay on top of their training, and as with a Boxer, you will need to make sure the English Mastiff is socialized early on. They also need an owner with prior experience that can implement gentle training techniques, otherwise, you may find their guarding and overprotective nature difficult to manage.
Along with the possible health issues that come with a brachycephalic breed, the English Mastiff snores and drools a lot, and they love to express their love by licking!
3. Presa De Canario
- Origin: Canary Islands
- Type: Large-sized
- Height: 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm)
- Weight: 84 to 110 pounds (38 to 50 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 11 years
Another large breed you may want to consider is the Pressa De Canario, this is a rare and loyal canine breed and one look is enough to see the resemblance they share with the Boxer. However, the Pressa De Canario is an even stockier breed with a muscular build.
This dog is confident and while the Boxer can be wary of strangers the Pressa De Canario is even more aloof so early socialization and proper training by someone with prior experience is a must!
The Pressa De Canario might not have the same energy levels as the Boxer but they still have a lot of energy, so they need an active owner that can provide lots of outdoor games. If you want a family dog this breed might not suit a family setting, not because they don’t get along with children, but because their size alone can be difficult to manage around little kids.
This breed can also develop certain health issues similar to the Boxer, so you need to make sure to look for a 100% reputable breeder to minimize the risk!
4. Cane Corso
- Origin: Italy
- Type: Large
- Height: 23.5 to 27.5 in (60 to 70 cm)
- Weight: 88 to 110 pounds (40 to 50 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 12 years
The last large breed on our list is the Cane Corso which to be fair also looks a lot like the Pressa De Canario, so subsequently it also looks similar to the Boxer, even though they have larger and longer snouts, as well as a more powerful build.
This breed is also extremely loyal and some might say even more protective of their loved ones. That’s why they do need proper training from someone experienced.
While certain large breeds that are on the lazy side can enjoy an apartment setting, the Cane Corso is more suitable for someone with a large fenced yard and you need to make sure you have what it takes to keep up with the Cane Corso’s energy like you would if you were to get a Boxer.
5. American Bulldog
- Origin: United States
- Type: Medium Sized
- Height: 16 to 21 in (40 to 53 cm)
- Weight: 49 to 66 pounds (22 to 30 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
If large breeds are not for you and you’re looking for a medium-sized dog similar to the Boxer then you may want to check out the American Bulldog.
Being a working dog the Americal Bulldog is very athletic, so make sure you can give them plenty of exercise to avoid destructive tendencies. Leaving them alone for too long can have the same result so this is not a breed for a very busy owner.
This is as you’ve probably guessed it a breed for an experienced individual that can put in the work to not only train but socialize the American Bulldog early on, otherwise, they can get quite wary of other people and dogs.
It may sound like the American Bulldog is not a good fit for a family, but that’s not true. This breed can be an excellent addition to an active household, but as with any breed, especially the breeds on this list, leaving your children alone is not advised.
Just like the Boxer, the American Bulldog is generally healthy thanks to the longer snout, but they can still develop certain health issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, itchy skin, and allergies.
6. Continental Bulldog
- Origin: Switzerland
- Type: Medium Sized
- Height: 16 to 20 in (41 to 51 cm)
- Weight: 50 to 80 pounds (22.5 to 36 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
While the Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century, the Continental Bulldog, or Conti for short is a much newer breed. Similarly to the Olde English Bulldogge, Conti was developed in an effort to get rid of the English Bulldog’s health issues.
Overall this breed seems to be quite healthy, with a muscular and athletic build of good proportions. It’s somewhat smaller than the Boxer which can be a plus for those of you who prefer more compact breeds.
When it comes to personality Contis are not as shy as the Boxer, and they are considered quite friendly overall. They can be however stubborn in their own way so they should be raised by an experienced owner.
According to the breeders, “It is quite important to find and form the appropriate balance between learning/playing/resting time especially in their first year.”
7. Olde English Bulldogge
- Origin: United States
- Type: Medium Sized
- Height: 16 to 20 in (41 to 51 cm)
- Weight: 50 to 80 pounds (22.5 to 36 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years
While the Olde English Bulldogge is usually smaller than the average Boxer they are still a medium-sized breed with a stocky and muscular build.
Since this breed was created in an effort to eliminate certain health issues that the English Bulldog is known for, the Olde English Bulldogge is much healthier and they don’t seem to display any breathing restrictions in either heat or cold. That doesn’t mean that they can’t suffer from various conditions like the Boxer, of course.
Unlike the Boxer the Olde English Bulldogge needs moderate levels of exercise and they are more into taking naps and cuddling with their owners. So, you don’t have to be a very active person, you should however have prior experience with dogs.
If you’re seeking a loving companion that knows the balance between exercising and chilling on the couch then the Olde English Bulldogge might be the one for you!
8. American Pitbull Terrier
- Origin: British Isles
- Type: Medium-sized
- Height: 17 to 21 in (43 to 53 cm)
- Weight: 30 to 60 pounds (13.6 to 27.2 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 15 years
Boxers like most breeds on our list are known for their drooling, but if you’re someone who wants a dog that looks like a Boxer but doesn’t drool like one then consider the Pitbull Terrier.
This is a medium-sized breed that is slightly smaller than the Boxer and it’s pretty much just as energetic. Similarly, they require early socialization and obedience training from an experienced trainer in order to keep their aloof personalities at bay.
While this might sound intimidating, the truth is that Pitbulls are no different than other Bully type dogs, and they are truly loyal and happy-go-lucky companions if they are in the right hands of a loving and patient owner.
9. Boston Terrier
- Origin: United States
- Type: Small-sized
- Height: 15 to 17 in (38 to 43 cm)
- Weight: 12 to 25 pounds (5 to 11 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Large or even medium-sized dogs aren’t for everyone, but if you still want a dog that resembles the Boxer then you need to check out the Boston Terrier. Their faces are quite similar, with the same short snout and large dark eyes!
The Boston Terrier is a great apartment dog, and while they won’t be able to keep up with an extremely active individual they make great walking partners! Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they want to stay idle either, so make sure you offer them plenty of mental stimulation through games and try not to leave them alone for too long.
This breed is also a great addition to a family with kids, and while you don’t have to worry about their size, you still need to make sure that your children know how to behave around dogs.
When it comes to training this is probably one of the few breeds on this list where prior experience is not necessary, but because the Boston Terrier has a stubborn streak you will need to put in the time and effort to properly train them.
Being a brachycephalic type dog, the Boston Terrier, similarly to the Boxer may struggle with breathing especially during hot and humid weather so you may want to be careful to not overexert them during high temperatures.
10. Brussels Griffon
- Origin: Belgium
- Type: Toy group
- Height: 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm)
- Weight: 8 to 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
If you want an even smaller breed with the same dorky smooshed face like the Boxer then you may become extremely fond of the Brussels Griffon.
Compared to all the breeds on this list this is the hairiest doggy, unless you go for the petit Brabancon.
I do have to warn you that this breed can be too clingy and they enjoy being showered with attention and love. They also love exercising, and while they may not be as athletic as the Boxer, they love to run around as much as their tiny feet let them.
The Brussels Griffon is the only breed on our list that is perfect for a new dog owner with no prior experience, but keep in mind that these dogs are really sensitive, and you need to be careful when training them, basically, avoid harsh corrections!
Boxer Mixed Breeds
If you love the unmistakable looks of the Boxer then perhaps you should check out a few popular Boxer Mixes!
11. Bullboxer
The Bullboxer is a cross between the Boxer and the American Pit Bull Terrier and while their appearance is often similar to the Boxer that’s not always 100% the case since they are a crossbreed after all.
Having a dog that is a mix of highly affectionate, goofy, and athletic breeds means that your Bullboxer will most likely share those characteristics. That being said you can never know exactly what temperament, or health you’re going to get, so you need to be very careful when looking for a breeder.
One thing is certain, the Bullboxer needs an experienced owner that can handle their possible stubbornness or aloofness around strangers. But if you’re willing to put in the work then you are going to end up with a great family dog!
12. Boggle
The Boggle is a mix between a Boxer and a Beagle. Again with this kind of mix, you are more likely to end up with a very energetic dog. While this breed can vary quite a bit in physical appearance their size should be more manageable since they tend to be somewhat smaller than a purebred Boxer.
If you have kids you may want to socialize them as early as possible since Boggles tend to do better around adults, but you shouldn’t have any major issues if you stay on top of their training and they are introduced to a variety of people and kids early on.
Their stubbornness can be an issue if you’re new to dog training, so you may want to go with a more laid-back breed, but if you have prior experience then you are going to love this loyal and playful mixed breed!
13. Boxador
The Boxador is another popular Boxer breed and it’s a mix of the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever. While you can’t be sure what this mix will look like or what type of temperament they will have they are known to be somewhat easier to train, but you will still have to have some experience in dog training.
The Boxador is usually the same size as the Boxer, and it’s an equally energetic breed that loves to play and spend time with their owners. You also need to make sure you can dedicate a large portion of your day to the Boxador since they can get destructive when left alone for too long.
You also need to make sure the breeder you go to is reputable, otherwise, your Boxador may end up facing serious health issues!
14. Boxweiler
While there is a great number of Boxer mixes out there the last one we want to mention is the Boxweiler mix which is a quite popular cross between the Boxer and Rottweiler.
Given the nature of the two breeds, this mix is likely to end up a large, and friendly dog that loves to spend time with their family doing physical activities. Unlike some lazy breeds the Boxweiler prefers to stay busy working, so various games and activities that mentally stimulate them are a must!
You also need to be a responsible and experienced owner that can deal with their possible stubbornness.
Are Miniature Boxers Real?
The miniature Boxer is not a real breed, or at least it’s not a purebred dog, instead, it’s a mix of a Boxer and other small breeds like the Boston Terrier, the Pug, the Rat Terrier, and possibly others.
This means that things can become quite confusing when looking for a miniature Boxer, since you have to make sure that the breeder is decent and that the mixed dog is going to be healthy with a proper temperament.
Because this is not a recognized breed by any official kennel, you should be wary of online scammers. The people that claim that their dogs are miniature Boxers may be lying and instead selling mixed breed dogs that simply resemble a Boxer, but they have no Boxer ancestry in them at all!
Should You Get A Dog Breed Similar To A Boxer?
Before you set your mind on one of the above dogs you need to make sure that this is the right breed for you, not only in terms of their similarity to Boxers but also their mental and physical needs.
We have a number of different breeds here, some are more high-energy dogs like the athletic American Bulldog, some are really large like the Cane Corso, and might not fit your apartment lifestyle, while others like the Brussels Griffon might be too small to keep up with your outdoorsy hobbies.
These breeds do have a few things in common. Most of them are not fit for inexperienced first-time owners, so if you’ve never trained a dog before these dogs might be a lot to take on, and if you still want to own a dog that looks like a Boxer you will have to make sure you have the time and energy to invest into their training, and most likely money since as a newbie you will need help from a professional.
Another thing you need to be aware of is the one thing that unites these breeds and that’s their short snouts. While some may have fewer issues with being brachycephalic, most breeds on our list may experience health issues like breathing problems, digestive issues, eye diseases, exercise and heat intolerance, sleeping difficulties, skin and ear diseases, as well as dental diseases.
Additionally, you may need to be prepared for some serious drooling and snoring!
So, while having an aesthetic preference when it comes to dogs is completely normal, you still need to make sure that the breed that looks like the Boxer is the right dog for you and that you are the right owner for the dog you choose!
Closing Thoughts
While the Boxer is an amazing dog, silly and super energetic, that doesn’t mean there are no other breeds that look and act like the Boxer. Hopefully, this list helped you become more familiar with the dog breeds that are similar to the Boxer, and you’ve found the one that speaks to your heart the most.
Of course, looks aren’t everything, and before you set your mind and your heart on one of the 14 breeds on our list, consider their unique needs and your own abilities as an owner!
