We’ve often heard that “opposites attract,” and we can probably think of a few scenarios in our lives where that happened. However, even with that knowledge, it’s hard to imagine a lovely friendship between a Boxer dog and a small Guinea Pig. But it’s real—and adorable.
On November 27, 2024, A Boxer Named Steve (@aboxernamedsteve) shared a video of this unlikely duo, and it’s giving everyone the cuddliest feelings while reminding us of a very important lesson—take a look!
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At first, when getting a quick second glance at the video, it’s hard to spot the Guinea Pig that cuddled in.
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This is mainly because it’s not something we would necessarily expect to see, yet there it is—a big Boxer dog giving sweet cuddles to his new Guinea Pig sibling. The Guinea Pig looks like they could be a stuffy or other type of toy, but they’re real and charming.
The video’s caption says, “We brought two Guinea Pigs home this week, and this is Steve’s first meeting with one of them. He instantly became calm and careful to not move too fast and not scare him. Steve is literally a gentle giant.”
And that seems to be the perfect moniker for the large but sweet dog. Steve is gentle with the new Guinea Pig, who seems comfortable and at ease with their new big brother.
In the comments, other viewers were also taken by Steve’s gentleness. One person wrote, “How sweet!! We are such gentle giants! I always know to be careful not to jump around young kids,” and another shared, “My heart has just exploded… so cute.” Another viewer declared, “They are just the best breed ever!”
A Boxer dog’s temperament
There is no question that Steve is a gentle giant, and he’s tuned into the needs of those around him. It’s a sweet quality, but is this typical of a Boxer? The short answer is: yep!
According to the American Kennel Club, Boxers are described as being “active, bright, [and] fun-loving,” as part of the working group, they know how to find their place in the family.
According to the club’s measure, they’re not the best with other dogs, but they are known for being good with children. This breed’s gentleness is likely why it’s considered a good option for families with young kids—or, in Steve’s case, little siblings.
“Boxers are upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children,” the American Kennel Club writes. “They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly. Boxers do best when exposed to a lot of people and other animals in early puppyhood.”
PetPlan agrees and says that Boxers who are given the opportunity to be around younger kids and other pets when they’re younger tend to continue to have that same sweet gentleness.
The site explains, “When properly socialized, Boxers are patient and protective, making them a good fit for households with children and other animals, including cats.”
These pups are happiest in an active lifestyle since they’re known for their “high-energy personalities,” PetPlan explains. So, making time to go on adventures and walks is ideal for them. They also “have a tendency to think they’re lapdogs,” the site jokes, ” and will try to lie as close to you as possible for maximum cuddles.”
In Steve’s case, he’s probably so happy to have a little Guinea Pig sibling to cuddle, and if you’re looking for a cuddly dog breed, a Boxer might be the place to start.
