German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Australian Cattle Dog or Deutscher Boxer? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer" Compare German Shepherd and Blue Heeler. Which is better: German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	German Shepherd	Blue Heeler	Boxer
Origins	Germany	Australia	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	2	518	11
Reviews	21	2	8
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer breeds.	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Australian Cattle Dog Cattle Dog Queensland Heeler Red Heeler	Deutscher Boxer German Boxer
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Medium	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	30-62 pounds (13-28 kg)	Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	46 pounds (20.5 kg)	Male: 65 pounds (29.5 kg), Female: 59 pounds (26.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer? German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer height comparison:	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)	Male: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)	Male: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$2000	$400-$800	$600-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer?	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.	Very frequent: The Boxer is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which is easiest to train?	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train. See more.	Boxer dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed is most alert?	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Boxer dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed is most protective?	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Boxer dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer? Compare temperaments.	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Active Protective Alert Intelligent Hard working Resourceful	Playful Energetic Intelligent Confident Friendly Loyal Fearless Brave Bright
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer?	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	High: Boxer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer social needs comparison:	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial. See more.	Boxer dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Boxer dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Boxer dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Boxer rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed is most playful?	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Boxer is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.	Apartment-friendly dog the Boxer breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed is most flexible?	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Boxer dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.	Boxer dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which has lowest bite risk?	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Boxer has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which uses mouth most during play?	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Boxer dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Boxer bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed lives longest?	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boxer: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which has fewer health issues?	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.	The Boxer is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Boxer should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo	No data available	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Bloat Deafness Demodectic Mange Aortic Stenosis Boxer Cardiomyopathy Corneal Dystrophy

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which breed is most active?	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.	Boxer dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.	Boxer dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer?	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.	Boxer dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Boxer's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which needs most food?	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Silver	Blue Red speckled Blue speckled Blue Mottled Red Mottled	White Fawn Brindle
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Boxer requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which drools least?	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Boxer is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Boxer has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fuzzy	Dense	Waterproof
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which requires most frequent baths?	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer? German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or {name3 shedding:	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately. See more.	Boxer dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which is best with kids?	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Boxer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Boxer dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer? Which dog is more friendly?	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Boxer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer?	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Boxer dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Boxer?	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Boxer dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer?	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Blue Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Boxer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Blue Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Boxer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.	Boxers are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which has best nose work ability?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which is best for SAR work?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Boxer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which has most puppies?	6-10 puppies	1-7 puppies	2-10 puppies, average 6
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

German Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Boxer Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Boxer. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America	No data available	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry

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