A side-by-side comparison of the Boston Terrier and Boxer across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Overall, Boston Terrier wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Boston Terrier
3 wins
Boxer
0 wins
More family-friendly
These breeds score equally well with families.
Lower maintenance
Boston Terrier sheds less and needs less grooming overall.
Longer-lived
Boston Terrier typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
Boston Terrier tends to bark less.
More trainable
These breeds are equally trainable.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 11–24 lb | 15–17 in | 13 yr | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | |||||||
| Large | 55–71 lb | 21–25 in | 10–14 yr | ✓ | — | — | — | — | — |
Dog Cost Calculator
What a dog really costs — upfront, monthly, and lifetime — adjusted for your country and dog size.
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How much to feed your dog per day, from daily calorie needs (RER/MER) and your food’s calories.
Dog Age Calculator
Convert your dog’s age to human years using the modern, size-adjusted formula.
The Boston Terrier and Boxer are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Boston Terrier wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.