π₯ Boxer
Temperament
Bright, fun-loving, devoted, patient with children. Boxers love their family and are wary but rarely aggressive towards strangers. They can be pushy with other dogs (especially same-sex) without good socialisation.
Exercise
90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, plus mental work. Boxers excel at agility, dock diving and obedience. Brachycephalic features mean they're heat-sensitive β avoid midday summer exercise.
Grooming
Short, smooth coat β weekly brush is plenty. Bathe as needed, every 6β10 weeks. The famous "Boxer drool" requires bib towels for some lines.
Health
Boxer cardiomyopathy (annual heart screening recommended from age 2). Aortic stenosis. Mast cell tumours and other cancers. Hip dysplasia. Bloat / GDV. BOAS (mild compared to Bulldogs). Lifespan averages 10β12 years.
Full Boxer profile β
πΆ French Bulldog
Temperament
Affectionate, mostly quiet (rarely bark), playful. Frenchies thrive on close company and dislike being alone. They're generally good with children and other pets but can be stubborn β short training sessions and food rewards work best.
Exercise
Just 20β30 minutes of light walking daily, split into shorter bouts. Frenchies cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently β never walk them in heat (above 22Β°C) or strenuously. They're poor swimmers; never leave one near a pool. Mental enrichment matters more than physical exertion.
Grooming
Short, smooth coat needs only a weekly brush. Pay close attention to skin folds (especially the nose roll) β clean and dry weekly to prevent dermatitis. Frenchies are prone to allergies; a balanced diet and limited bathing (every 6β8 weeks) help.
Health
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) β many need surgery to widen nostrils and shorten the soft palate. Spinal issues (intervertebral disc disease, hemivertebrae). Heat stroke. Skin allergies. C-section delivery is almost universal. Insurance is significantly more expensive than most breeds.
Full French Bulldog profile β