Boxer vs Harrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Boxer
Working Group
Harrier
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Boxer Overview
Muscular and powerful, Boxers showcase a distinctive square-jawed face with an alert, intelligent expression. Their smooth coat, strong limbs, and graceful movement reflect their athletic heritage. Known for their expressive faces and playful demeanor, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility, featuring a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a short, tight-fitting coat.
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Boxers are less energetic than Harriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Boxers require less grooming attention compared to Harriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Boxers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Harriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Harriers adapt better to apartment living, while Boxers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Boxer and Harrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Boxer | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Boxer | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-64 cm | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm |
| Weight | 15-80 lbs 7-36 kg | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Boxer | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Bright, Fun-Loving, Active | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Boxer | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Boxer Temperament
The Boxer is known for being bright, fun-loving, active, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is characterized by being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Boxer and Harrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Boxer
Rating: 5/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Boxer
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Boxer
Rating: 4/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Boxer
Rating: 1/5
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Boxer
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Boxer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boxers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boxers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Harriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Boxer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiomyopathy
- Aortic Stenosis
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Hypothyroidism
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Boxer
Pros
- Great with children
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and playful
- Easy to train
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Prone to several health issues
- High exercise needs
- May drool significantly
- Temperature sensitive
- Can be stubborn
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Boxer and Harrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.