Breed comparison
Boxer or Dogue de Bordeaux: Which breed should you choose?
Boxer and Dogue de Bordeaux are two dog breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.
Key takeaways
- Dogue de Bordeaux is larger: 45–52 kg compared with 25–35 kg for Boxer.
- Boxer costs less to buy: €800 – €1,400 compared with €1,000 – €1,500 for Dogue de Bordeaux.
- Boxer costs less day to day: about €170 per month compared with €221 for Dogue de Bordeaux.
- Dogue de Bordeaux needs less daily activity (3/5 compared with 4/5 for Boxer).
- For “Families and children,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
- For “Apartment living,” both breeds are tied (3/5).
- Boxer scores higher for “First-time owners”: 3/5 compared with 1/5 for Dogue de Bordeaux.
- Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 10–12 years.
Our verdict
Choose Boxer if you’re looking for…
- Active owner: They can offer it long walks, games and shared activities every day.
- Family with children: Its affectionate, protective and playful temperament fits well with family life.
- Present and involved household: It greatly appreciates human closeness and consistent training.
- House with outdoor space: Secure access to the outdoors makes its daily exercise easier without replacing walks.
Choose Dogue de Bordeaux if you’re looking for…
- Experienced people: The breed is better suited to an owner capable of handling a large, powerful dog with calmness and consistency.
- Families often at home: It thrives in a stable home where it can share the daily life of its loved ones.
- House with outdoor space: Its size and living comfort are generally better suited to a spacious home.
Detailed comparison
| General information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Germany | France |
| FCI group | 2 | 2 |
| Build | Large | Giant |
| Height at the withers | 53–63 cm | 58–68 cm |
| Weight | 25–35 kg | 45–52 kg |
| Coat | Short, close and smooth | Short, fine |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
| Average price | €800 – €1,400 | €1,000 – €1,500 |
| Monthly budget | ≈ €170 | ≈ €221 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Families and children | Excellent | Excellent |
| Daily exercise needs | High | Moderate |
| Apartment living | Good | Good |
| First-time owners | Good | Limited |
| Other pets | Good | Limited |
| Tolerance of being alone | Fair | Limited |
| Guarding instinct | Very good | Excellent |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
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