Normally, every mamal can swim (even elephants!).
But if you want a dog that you know will enjoy swimming, a lab is the best choise. Don't expect a boxer to swim with you. (There maybe some execptions though)
On the other hand, lab's are generally not as protective as boxers. Let me refraise this : People think that labs are not as protective as boxers & it is what people think what determines their actions :D
If you really want a dog who loves to swim, combined with a 'don't mess with me' factor you must start looking elswhere.
A Rhodesian Ridgeback maybe ? :confused:
You will love your dog whether it is a Boxer, a lab or something else, because it is YOUR dog :rolleyes:
Cheers,
Laika, Luna & Tom
ps every dog that has the right education can get along with kids....as long as the kids are also educationed. :p