Boxers and American Bulldogs

[Nerm]

The wife and I have a 3 year old female boxer and are considering getting a 7 week old american bulldog that someone we know is giving away. My question is does anyone have any experience or knowledge about combining the two? From what I have read the american bulldog seems to be very similar to the boxer personality wise so I wouldn't think it would be a problem, but figured I would post here for more input.

 

[MemphisBaker]

Our boxer used to be playmates with our friends American Bulldog. THey got along well, the only problem we had was that the American Bulldog was a much more aggressive than our boxer. He was constantly try to hump him, and at one point (sorry if this is gross) the American Bulldogs thing got stuck out.

Other than that they played well together, and yes both are bully breeds, but the American Bulldog is much more aggressive than the Boxer, by nature. The other thing is if you have small children, I would not receommend the American Bulldog around them. Boxers are GREAT with kids, but I cannot say the same about the American Bulldog.

Hope this helps, just 1 person's opinion. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[ehayes21]

My experience with American Bulldogs is quite the opposite as the above poster. All dogs and children should be supervised - AmBulls are actually very fond of children, their problem is that they forget how big they are. They are goofy, easy going, loyal and fabulous family dogs - I had two . As puppies they are a little on the difficult side to potty train, but their temperment is a lot like the boxer. They can be stubborn, they need early socialization and training, they need a kind and fair owner who can clearly set and enforce the rules, and they need a fair amount of exercise or a job to do or they will become destructive. Aggressive behaviors are usually due to a lack of training and socialization, not breed.
One suggestion, if possible, I would definitely see if you can leave it with it's mother another week or two - the longer it has the opportunity to learn how to be a dog from a dog, the better.

 

[K8IE]

My experience with American Bulldogs is quite the opposite as the above poster. All dogs and children should be supervised - AmBulls are actually very fond of children, their problem is that they forget how big they are. They are goofy, easy going, loyal and fabulous family dogs - I had two . As puppies they are a little on the difficult side to potty train, but their temperment is a lot like the boxer. They can be stubborn, they need early socialization and training, they need a kind and fair owner who can clearly set and enforce the rules, and they need a fair amount of exercise or a job to do or they will become destructive. Aggressive behaviors are usually due to a lack of training and socialization, not breed.
One suggestion, if possible, I would definitely see if you can leave it with it's mother another week or two - the longer it has the opportunity to learn how to be a dog from a dog, the better.

I have to agree. The American Bulldogs I have been around were very sweet, but powerful and also quite clumsy at times. And wow, those tails can hurt! We had to watch my son very closely around our friends big boy, because he was just a bull in a china shop. Very sweet and loveable, but he had a bit of "selective hearing" and liked to do things his way, so really needed a lot of work and patience. But overall, he was just a big mush. Is the pup you are considering a male? I ask this because female/female combos can quite often go wrong once the younger of the two reaches maturity, especially with these breeds. Not always, but many times there can be serious aggression between two girls. Just a heads up. Good luck if you do decide to get the pup, please let us know and post some pics!