Expert: Renee Cox - 6/6/2008

Question
Why does my boxer (male, 1 yr.) lean on me with his back half? He'll try to step his back leg over me and lean on me with his butt. If he can't he'll just lean on me with his hind quarter. It feels like he's protecting me (by facing outward) but I'm wondering if it's something else. Thanks :)

Answer
Hi Jennifer. A lot of Boxers do this, all of mine do. It's a breed characteristic. Some people feel that it's just a sign of affection. Other feel that it may be a dominance thing. They may just be trying to get your attention, or they may just be lazy. :-) I have noticed that mine do this when there are strange dogs, or men around. Pay attention to when your boy does this, and it will be obvious why he does it. If it's usually when there's a strange animal/person around, he may be trying to protect you. If he does it when you're alone, he may be trying to get your attention. I think that Boxers are a lot like cats, in that they are always rubbing up against you. :-)