Do dogs recognize their own breed?

[RoccoNYC]

I ask this out of simple curiosity. Today we had Rocco at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY with his trainer for his first session of outdoor training. It was a great success, my wife and I were both very happy. We were on one of the large fields, and there was easily at least 50 other dogs running around. We were walking Rocco and out of nowhere appeared another Boxer. When he showed up, we were in the middle of a group of 6 or 7 dogs, but this Boxer had his sights set on Rocco and came over and sniffed. Rocco seemed a little apprehensive about the other Boxer, so we kept him moving and the other Boxer was called back. My wife and I thought it was strange how he singled out his own breed and were curious if the dogs realize who is one of there own.

Sorry, its not an issue we need help with, just something we found curious.

Thanks
Patricia and Jason

 

[gmacleod]

I think the answer to that one is an unequivocable 'yes'

Boxers, for the most part, seem to love other boxers - above and beyond all other breeds. Making a bee-line for any others at the park, etc, is extremely common (to the point one might even call it a breed trait) and they seem very much to have the most fun playing with other boxers. Possibly it is because of the style of play (loud and in-your-face), which sometimes offends other dogs, but that boxers take well to.

LOL - there are also just a few cases of boxers who detest other boxers But those seem to be the small minority, and it's the above that is more the norm (but in any case, detesting them still indicates recognition!).

 

[laurelheebsh]

I've noticed that too! We belong to a boxer play group and usually meet at public dog parks. I swear that at those play dates, the boxers claim their own corner of the park and just have a ball playing together, practically ignoring all of the other dogs. Of course, it may also be because the boxer owners are clustered together, sharing funny boxer stories ;-)

 

[Maniago]

It is definitely true, at the vet's they always love to see the other boxers more than any other dog.

 

[iluvfrankie]

Ive always wondered this too bu people have always laughed at me when i asked it! Awh thats great to know!
My girl always thumps them in the face- some cower and hide while others punch her right back!!!

It makes me smile so much to know this!

 

[argosrocks]

id have to agree

 

[JWalkBoxers]

It is definitely true! We took Ripley to the dog park for the first time on Saturday. Even though there were about 20 dogs there, the two boxers that were there came running up to him immediately. As soon as new boxers came in, they too would run up to the other boxers. It's like they gravitate toward one another. I love it!

 

[BigDies]

Well it seems my Diesel is in the minority. We would love another boxer but he's yet to find one he gets a long with for any length of time. Seems he prefers to be the only obnoxious one haha.