Which is Better Between the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer?

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Australian Shepherd Versus Boxer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer 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 Australian Shepherd and for the Boxer. 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 Australian Shepherd and the Boxer.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Boxer.

Australian Shepherd versus Boxer: Overview

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, 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.

Australian Shepherd versus Boxer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Boxer 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 Australian Shepherd and the Boxer

FactorAustralian ShepherdBoxer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/54/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Easy To Groom1/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 12 years
Height18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder21 to 25 inches at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners2/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
General Health2/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/51/5
Kid-Friendly4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
Does NOT chew on things2/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/51/5
Weight40 to 65 pounds60 to 70 pounds
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$1210$1620
Price Range$800 – $1500$1200 – $2000
Temperament Score82.2 percent83.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		• No Data
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)4248

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Boxer. 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Boxer is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Boxer is a better pet than the Australian Shepherd. So, you should get the Boxer!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Boxers adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Boxers are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather. However, Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer

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

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer 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 Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Boxer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Boxers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Boxers are 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Boxer

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Boxers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boxers is 11.0 years.

    Australian Shepherds live longer than Boxers.

    Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Boxer

    The Boxer has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boxer is 83.9 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 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 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 83.9 percent, the Boxer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 472 Boxers.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Boxer

    The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1210. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1764 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Boxer puppy is $1620. The price of the Boxer typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 636 Boxer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Boxer is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Boxer. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Boxer puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boxers

    A breakdown of the prices of Boxers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Boxer 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.

    The Intelligence of the Australian Shepherd versus the Intelligence of the Boxer

    `
    Australian Shepherd Boxer
    Intelligence Rank 42 out of 130 dog breeds 48 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Australian Shepherd has an obedience intelligence rank of 42 out of 130 dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Australian Shepherds tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Boxer has an obedience intelligence rank of 48 out of 130 dog breeds. The Boxer belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Boxers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Australian Shepherd is more intelligent than the Boxer.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Boxer

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Boxers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Boxers?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Boxer

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Boxers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Boxer?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Boxers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boxer?

    Australian Shepherds 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.

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

    Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Boxers?

    Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Boxer

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

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

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Boxer?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Boxers?

    Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Boxers?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Boxer?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Boxers are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Boxer?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Boxer?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Boxers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Boxer. 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 Australian Shepherd and the Boxer better suits you and your family.