Pitbulls vs. Boxer Dogs

Both boxers and American pit bull terriers (pitbulls) are popular pets in America. They both have short coats that are easy to care for -- and short faces that trigger aggression in longer-nosed dogs that have never seen a short-faced dog. Both pitbulls and boxers are intelligent and highly trainable dogs with lots of energy. But this is where the similarities end.

  1. Breed

    • Although boxers are a recognized breed around the world, American pit bull terriers are not. They are considered more of a type of dog rather than a breed. A breed is when two animals can predictably produce offspring that resembles the parents. This does not happen with pitbulls. No European kennel club recognizes the breed. Although the American Kennel Club does not recognize the breed, the lesser-known United Kennel Club does.

    Legality

    • Boxers are currently legal to breed, own and sell in most countries and cities in the world, as long as a landlord allows dogs on his property. But pitbulls--along with German shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans--are often banned from cities, towns, provinces or even entire countries. For example, pitbulls are banned in the UK. These bans are due to the pitbull's reputation.

    Size

    • Boxers are usually the same size and weight, while pitbulls can vary considerably. According to the American Kennel Club, boxers average 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. According to ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs, pitbulls come in so many different sizes that it is difficult to determine what the average size and weight are, but they are usually less than 24 inches tall and under 90 pounds.

    Color

    • Pitbulls come in any dog color and pattern known. The acceptable colors for boxers are all brown, brindle (black and brown striped) and fawn and white. Many boxers have white markings on the belly, legs and face.

    Health

    • Because of the limited gene pool, boxers are far more prone to health problems than pitbulls. Boxers have a much narrower waist than the average pitbull, which makes them prone to potentially lethal digestive conditions. Boxers also are prone to pancreas problems, deafness, brain tumors and heart conditions. One heart condition, cardiomyopathy, is so prominently found in boxers that its nickname is "boxer cardiomyopathy."