Boxer Information

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(German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer) The Boxer has a powerful, stocky body with compact muscles and square-shaped proportions. They have round, brawny necks that are well-muscled and do not possess any dewlap. Their front limbs are straight and parallel and their tails are carried high. The tails of this breed are usually docked, and the heads of this breed are proportioned to the size of the dog’s body. Their lower jaw curves upward and extends beneath their upper jaw, and neither teeth nor tongue are visible when the mouth is closed. Their large noses are dark in color and feature a pair of wide, open nostrils. The Boxer’s glossy, close-fitting, short-haired coat exists in a number of colors including fawn, brindle, red, and white. White markings may be present.

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White boxers are more prone to deafness than other colors. Boxers are more prone to being blind than most other breeds, especially white boxers. In the early 1900's white boxers were preferred over brindle, fawn, and red but things are a little different now. White boxers that are more than 3/4 white cannot show through CKC (Canadian kennel club) and a lot of high end breeders immediately spay/neuter the white boxers due to their recessive traits.

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The Boxer is good-natured, high-spirited, playful, and curious. They are highly intelligent and eager to learn, but they can also be free-willed and sneaky. This breed is good for competitive obedience. They love bonding with their family, and they are excellent family pets. They get along wonderfully with children and are generally friendly towards other dogs and animals. Boxers like to use their front paws to get into things and move things from place to place. They have a sense of humor and are quite goofy, and they have been known to pick up just about anything and carry it around with them. They are very protective over their family and home, but visitors are almost always welcomed enthusiastically. This breed makes a great guard dog. They should be trained and properly socialized from a young age so that they don’t jump up on people. They love to jump and they can be overly boisterous. This breed requires a dominant owner and firm, consistent training.

Boxers are usually friendly, although there are some that are more reserved, perhaps slightly protective. It's important to firmly train and socialize them from birth. They are very boisterous during the first 2 to 4 years of their lives, and can knock small children down on accident. Boxers adapt well to families but it may be wiser for people with toddlers to get an older, more mature dog. With patience and leadership, the boxer is a great all around family dog. They love to be the middle of attention and are also known as the "clown of dogs."

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21 – 25 inches
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53 – 110 pounds

Males: 65-75 pounds Females: 55-65 pounds
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General Health

The Boxer is prone to cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis, and epilepsy. Like other larger dog breeds, hip dysplasia is also a concern. Between the ages of one and eight years, the Boxer is more likely to develop tumors than other breeds. They have a tendency towards developing allergies and heart problems. Boxers may drool or snore and/or have excessive flatulence. White varieties of Boxers are prone to deafness. This breed typically lives for 11 to 14 years. They average 6 puppies per litter.

This breed typically lives for 10 to 15 years on average. It is very important to purchase from a reputable breeder that screens their dogs for demodex or also known as red mange. Boxer bloat easily if they eat table scraps, especially spicy foods. Seek the advice of your veterinarian if this should happen. They should never be allowed to eat anything but a premium dog food. Feeding twice a day is also helpful. Let them digest their food before any strenuous play. Boxers are prone to having breathing problems and need extra care in heat. They should not engage in strenuous exercise when it's hot and always give them plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

It is important to get a puppy from a breeder which submits their breeding stock to rigorous heart testing. A responsible breeder will have had a Holter monitor test done, an echocardiogram. More recently breeders have their stock's DNA tested for the ARVC gene. These test will ensure there is no genetic heart defects such as Boxer Cardiomyopathy being passed on to puppies.

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The Boxer’s ancestors are the Bullenbeiszer and the Barebeiszer. Both of these dogs were powerful, German mastiff-types. Later, the Boxer was crossed with ancestors of the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The breed was initially utilized for hunting and bull baiting purposes. They were also known to pull carts. As time progressed, the Boxer’s ancestors were used as cattle dogs, and their job was to round up livestock. Because of their adaptability and eagerness to learn, the breed often appeared in the circus and theater. The first studbook for the Boxer was started in 1904. This development led to the creation and stability of the breed’s standard. The contemporary Boxer is very gentle, loving, and makes a wonderful family companion. The Boxer has a number of natural talents including guarding, watching, police and military work, search and rescue, obedience, and trick performing.

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The smooth, glossy, short-haired coat of the Boxer is easy to groom and take care of. Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathing only as necessary are sufficient methods of upkeep. Avoid excessively bathing this breed. The Boxer is very clean and likes to lick and groom himself. They are average shedders.

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Ideal Environment

Boxers are content to live in a small household or apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are active indoors and are happiest with at least an average-sized yard. Because of their propensity to chill easily in cold weather conditions, the Boxer lives best in temperate climates. They are an active, agile, and athletic breed, and they enjoy daily work and exercise. They like to go for walks and play ball.

Boxers are not great swimmers, but they can be taught to be comfortable around water. They do not do well in hot weather.

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Boxer Q&A

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We are thinking of getting a friend for our 2 1/2 year old female non-dominant boxer. What breeds, other than Boxer, would typically get along with a boxer's unique personality?

I got my 2 year old boxer a Boston Terrier. It was love at first sight. My boxer is very loving, and although the little terrier is a lightning bold, she amuses the boxer no end and they spend a great deal of time kissing and rolling around, running and wrestling. They HATE to be seperated for any length of time.


I was told by the SPCA that breeding with my 5 year old boxer female is too old. Is that correct?

no it's just dapends on wether or not she is healthy


Are getting a boxers ears croped still in the norm?? I had a boxer as a kid and we had her ears croped but I notice alot of boxer owners are not doing this anymore.

i have a boxer pup and we are not cutting the ears, none of the other pups had their ears cut either, and nor the parents.


I have a neutered male boxer and I was curious to know if it would be wise to get a puppy that is also a male,what do you think?

it's usually best to get the opposite breed. but if you're interested in getting the same breed, make sure you introduce them in a neutral area before buying the puppy to make sure they get along.


I am fostering a 1 year old boxer, she is very well behaved but I do know she was left abandoned for a little while, and she is somewhat bony I can see her ribs and her spine poke through her fur, is this common in young boxers?When do females fill out? Ive been feeding her puppy food to get some meat on her bones but am wondering if I should switch to feeding her wet and dry food, she doesnt like the puppy food. What should I do?

You can still see my three year old female's ribs. Seeing the spine isn't good. Because they are naturally so lean, I was told to stand them up and if you can see a little belly, then they are okay. I took mine off of puppy food at one year. I'm big believer in just trying several different feeds to see which one they respond well to. Luckilly mine loves cheap dog food. Have you tried worming her?


our boxer has a tumor in his mouth, on his gum, it has to be surgically removed, i was wandering if this is common in boxers.

According to my vet, whom I trust, and my own experience with two of my boxers, the answer is 'yes, fairly common', and very easy to treat with minor surgery. Be aware, however, that the condition will most likely return. Even so, you should have it seen to early and as many times as your trusted vet deems necessary and safe; early surgery is brief and recovery quick, but left untreated too long, the condition is painful, interferes with eating and can lead to more serious problems or tougher surgery since bone may invade the growth.


Me and my partner are desperate for a boxer, its the only dog we have ever wanted and would love one!!! the only thing that stops us is the fact it would be left at home for about 5 hours, 4 days a week. would this be a big problem and should it prevent us from getting one? If so what other dog could be recomended.

Boxers do tend to get rowdy if left alone but if you exercise the dog well then he will probably fall asleep while you are away. Also introduce the dog early to chew toys it will help him/her relax.



Just watch her diet and dont put her in cold climates. i wouldnt deworm her or give her any medication without asking your vet first.


What tempature is too cold for a boxer?

60 degrees -50 degrees


If the mother Boxer has red mange can the puppies catch it? I was told that the male puppies couldnt and for the females you could get them fixed and it would be ok after that.....

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