Boxers are known to be extremely loving, goofy pets. As a Boxer owner, you probably never experience a dull moment with your furry friend. However, you also may have noticed some jealous behavior in your Boxer, too.
While some breeds are more subtle with their displays of jealousy, Boxers are probably one of the most obvious about being jealous. Not necessarily in an aggressive way — more than likely in a hilarious way. Doing things like groaning when you give someone else affection and squeezing in between you and your partner are things that are so ridiculous, it’s hard not to laugh when your Boxer behaves that way.
Boxers aren’t considered one of the most jealous dog breeds, but they certainly do seem to demand a lot of attention. If they don’t feel they’re receiving enough attention, they won’t hesitate to let you know. In this article, you’ll learn what natural Boxer behaviors can evolve into jealousy, signs, and what your pup needs from you to fix it.
Do Boxers Have a Jealous Temperament?
The Boxer temperament can usually be described as playful, loyal, active, affectionate, and alert. These pups have a muscular, medium-sized build and were bred to hunt large animals. However, they soon became commonly used in many jobs, including police dogs, war dogs, guard dogs, and guide dogs.
The reason it’s important to know the history of the Boxer breed is because it can tell you a lot about their behavior. Their history shows you that Boxers are excellent companions for humans. It would make sense if this naturally strong bond could lead to the Boxer wanting to be their human’s number one partner, and being jealous if they’re not.
Do Boxers Get Along With Other Dogs?
Like most dogs, how well your Boxer gets along with other dogs depends on how well they were socialized as a puppy. In general, though, they are pretty good natured with other dogs. They even play well with small pups, like the Shih Tzu.
However, they do have a reputation of having an increased risk of not getting along with large adult dogs of the same sex. Boxers can also be almost too playful at times, which can lead to them missing cues from the dog they think they’re playing with. This can lead to a fight, even though it probably wasn’t the Boxer’s intention.
Signs of a Jealous Boxer
Now that you know more about the Boxer’s history, temperament, and how they interact with other dogs, it’s time to learn the signs of jealousy. Even if the jealous Boxer comes across goofy and playful to humans, jealous behavior should always be corrected. Here are the signs you have a jealous Boxer on your hands.
1. Pushy Behavior
Perhaps one of the most common manifestations of jealousy in Boxers is pushy behavior. Though it’s one of the more “cute” ways a dog can act jealous, it’s still important to correct your pushy pup. Examples of pushy behavior include:
- Nudging, pawing, barking, and/or jumping on you to get your attention.
- Dropping a toy in your lap to play with them.
- Putting themselves in between you and the pet or person you’re talking to.
- Asserting themselves in a non-aggressive but still direct manner to direct your attention back to them.
2. Whining and/or Groaning
If your Boxer makes a groaning sound when you’re interacting with another pet or a person, it can be a sign they’re jealous. Groaning in particular usually means the Boxer wants your attention. Whining is also an example of a dog vocalizing their displeasure at seeing their owner give someone else affection.
3. Aggression
Though there may be times the Boxer doesn’t mean to instigate a fight with another dog, there can also be times that they do mean to. As previously mentioned, Boxers have historically worked very closely with their humans. As a Boxer’s owner, they may see you as their number one, and feel they are your number one.
As a result, your Boxer may feel overprotective of you, or just downright envious of the attention you’re giving to someone else. Aggressiveness includes mild behaviors like barking and jumping, as well as more serious behaviors like nipping, biting, and lunging at the other dog. It’s not that your Boxer doesn’t like the object of your affection, but if they feel their position in the home (and in your heart) is threatened, they may act aggressively jealous.
4. Resource Guarding
Resource guarding is another jealous behavior that can be amusing to observe your Boxer do. This behavior includes guarding their toys, their food, their favorite lounging areas, and their favorite person — you. As their owner, you are the Boxer’s number one resource.
While taking toys from the other dog may not seem like a big deal, resource guarding can escalate the situation. It may be a sign your Boxer is becoming increasingly more territorial. If the dog they’re jealous of pushes back, it could result in an altercation between the two pups.
5. Destructive Behavior
Boxer’s are actually known to be the breed that chews the most. They’re a breed that requires a lot of exercise because they have so much energy to burn. Destructive behavior can be a sign the Boxer is lacking mental and physical stimulation as well as a sign of stress.
Because the Boxer is usually a repeat offender of chewing shoes, clothes, home decor, etc., they know they will get a reaction from you when they do it. When jealous, they might become destructive simply to get your attention. Increased exercise with the dog or person they’re jealous of should help curb destructive behavior as well as help the Boxer bond with the new member of your pack.
In Conclusion
In general, Boxers are happy-go-lucky creatures that get along with most people and pets. However, their jealousy level probably is linked to their socialization level. It’s important to begin socialization and correct any jealous behavior early on in your Boxer’s life.