My two favorite dog breeds are the Boxer and the Rottweiler. Eventually, I'd like to get a dog for my family, which now consists of a two year old daughter and another daughter due in just a few weeks. However, I'm torn between these two breeds. While it's been said that Rottweilers are good with children, I firmly believe Boxers are even more in tune with children than Rotties and thus, a better family dog in that sense.
However, as much as I love the way Boxers clown around, I can wrestle with them, and they're just the right size for me (I'm 5'6"), I question their guarding abilities, mainly because of their clownish nature despite their intimidating appearance, which an intruder or assailant may see right through. I don't want a dog who is going to cower away if somebody tries to break into my home or who won't protect my family if someone tries to kidnap my children.
I'm not saying I want an aggressive dog-at least by nature. However, I do want a dog that's willing to be aggressive enough to protect my family and who can properly and swiftly subdue an attacker.
I know it sounds like I'm looking for Cujo. I'm not. It has been my belief for quite a while that Boxers are the best all around breed, especially when it comes to children, but I don't want a dog who's all bark and no bite if it came down to it.
Rottweilers on the other hand, while exceptionally imposing and superior (in my view anyway) guard dogs are large and wouldn't be as gentle with my children as a Boxer would be. Is it at all possible that a Boxer is as aggressive toward an attacker as a Rottweiler would be? Can Boxers match their imposing appearance with a willingness and most importantly, the ability to protect his family? Thank-you for your time.
-Evan
However, as much as I love the way Boxers clown around, I can wrestle with them, and they're just the right size for me (I'm 5'6"), I question their guarding abilities, mainly because of their clownish nature despite their intimidating appearance, which an intruder or assailant may see right through. I don't want a dog who is going to cower away if somebody tries to break into my home or who won't protect my family if someone tries to kidnap my children.
I'm not saying I want an aggressive dog-at least by nature. However, I do want a dog that's willing to be aggressive enough to protect my family and who can properly and swiftly subdue an attacker.
I know it sounds like I'm looking for Cujo. I'm not. It has been my belief for quite a while that Boxers are the best all around breed, especially when it comes to children, but I don't want a dog who's all bark and no bite if it came down to it.
Rottweilers on the other hand, while exceptionally imposing and superior (in my view anyway) guard dogs are large and wouldn't be as gentle with my children as a Boxer would be. Is it at all possible that a Boxer is as aggressive toward an attacker as a Rottweiler would be? Can Boxers match their imposing appearance with a willingness and most importantly, the ability to protect his family? Thank-you for your time.
-Evan