Boxer Owner's Guide – Lifespan, Health Problems & Nutrition
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Beautiful, bouncy Boxers are a firm favourite with many pet owners! These dogs also have a reputation for being intelligent, loyal and loving companions.
If you are a new Boxer dog owner or you are considering adopting one, then it is worth understanding more about the care needs of this breed.
Nutrition is also a big area of concern for many pet owners - and rightly so! Diet can make a big impact on the health and well-being of your beloved Boxer.
We will explore this, as well as some normal Boxer stats, breed-specific health issues and your most asked questions, in our handy guide.
Table of contents
General Boxer Facts
Life expectancy
Over 10 years
Average height
Male dogs: 57-63cm (22½-25 ins)
Female dogs: 53-59cm (21-23 ins)
Average weight
Male dogs are approximately 30-32 kgs (66-70 lbs)
Female dogs are approximately 25-27 kgs (55-60 lbs)
Recognised coat colours
According to the Kennel Club breed standards, boxer breed colours should either be fawn or brindle. White markings are acceptable, but they should not make up more than one-third of the dog’s coat.
Fawn describes various shades from dark deer red to light fawn. Brindle is black stripes on any of the fawn shades.
Energy levels
High, usually requires more than 2 hours of exercise per day
Temperament
Athletic, loyal and affectionate
Most suited to
A large house with a large garden due to their size and energy levels
Boxer Vet Ratings
Adaptability ⭐⭐
(2/5 not so adaptable, will need space and plenty of exercise each day)
Friendliness/Social ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(4/5 most are friendly, but some can be standoffish to strangers)
Health ⭐⭐(2/5 prone to a variety of health problems)
Grooming Needs ⭐
(1/5 smooth coat requires little grooming)
Exercise Needs ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(4/5 need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation)
Boxer Background
Boxers originally descended from a very large mastiff-type dog called the Bullenbeisser (which means bull biter). This German breed no longer exists, but it was used to hunt animals like bears, boars and deer in the 1800s.
This dog could hold onto large game animals until their owners arrived. The Bullenbeisser was crossed with the Old English Bulldog to form a more loyal and modest-sized dog. This created the Boxer that we know and love today.
These are strong, energetic dogs; traits that have proved useful in a variety of settings. Boxers have been employed for tracking and guarding, as well as for work in the police and armed forces.
However, the Boxer dog temperament also means they have become very popular family pets. They are intelligent, loyal and affectionate. Their sleek coat and expressive faces also add to their appeal.
Lifespan of a Boxer
Boxers often live to 10 – 12 years of age with the right care. They are susceptible to a variety of health issues, however. It is worth familiarising yourself with these so that you can take early action - more on this later!
The size, height, and weight of a Boxer
Boxers are a large breed with male dogs reaching 57-63 cms (22½-25 ins) and female dogs averaging 53-59 cms (21-23 ins).
An adult male Boxer dog weighs approximately 30-32 kgs (66-70 lbs), with females weighing lighter at approximately 25-27 kgs (55-60 lbs).
These charts give an approximate idea of the expected weight range for your boxer dog puppy at key stages, based on these adult weights -
Female Boxer Weight Chart kg
Puppy’s age |
Small Female (adult weight 25kg) |
Large Female (adult weight 27kg) |
3 months |
8kg |
8.5kg |
4 months |
12.5kg |
13kg |
6 months |
18kg |
19.2kg |
8 months |
21kg |
23kg |
10 months |
22.5kg |
25kg |
12 months |
24kg |
26.5kg |
Male Boxer Weight Chart kg
Puppy’s age |
Small Male (adult weight 30kg) |
Large Male (adult weight 32kg) |
3 months |
7.5 kg |
8.5kg |
4 months |
11 kg |
13kg |
6 months |
19 kg |
21kg |
8 months |
24.3kg |
26kg |
10 months |
27.5kg |
29kg |
12 months |
29kg |
31kg |
If you wish to plot your puppy’s growth and get a more accurate idea of their predicted weight at various ages then take a look at these puppy growth charts.
Types of Boxers
While there is only one breed, there are three slightly different types of Boxer within this. These dogs are all still classed as Boxers but they have slight differences in physical characteristics and temperament.
German Boxer Dog
These dogs are renowned for their trainability. They have a slightly wider frame than English and American types. These are muscular, sturdy dogs with powerful back legs.
United Kingdom (English) Boxer Dog
The English Boxer tends to have a more compact build than the German variety, with smaller paws. They are best known for their playful and sociable personalities.
American Boxer Dog
These are slightly taller and leaner dogs, with a squarer look when viewed from the side. They often have a larger noses and longer muzzle, with fewer facial wrinkles. They are more independent dogs.
Popular Boxer Cross-Breeds
Boxers can be crossed with a variety of other dog breeds to make some unique mixes! Popular examples include –
- Boxer X Beagle = ‘Bogle’ or ‘Boxel’
- Boxer X Labrador = ‘Boxador’
- Boxer X Poodle = ‘Boxerdoodle’
- Boxer x Akita = ‘Boxita’
- Boxer x Mastiff = ‘Boxmas’
Grooming
Boxer dogs are low-maintenance with short, easy-to-care-for coats. Once weekly brushing should be enough to keep them looking good. As with all dogs, daily teeth brushing is recommended and nail clips as needed.
Do boxers shed?
Boxers shed moderate amounts all year round, but this may increase seasonally in spring and fall.
Common Boxer Health Concerns
Health issues in Boxers are sadly common. Here are just a few typical boxer health concerns -
Joint Problems
Many large breed dogs, including the Boxer, are prone to joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. Abnormal development of the affected joint(s) occurs leading to pain, mobility issues and the early onset of osteoarthritis.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Boxer dogs are brachycephalic , meaning that they have flattened faces and can suffer from BOAS. These dogs have compromised airways, such as narrowed nostrils, excess soft tissue in the back of the throat and a narrowed trachea (windpipe). This leads to issues like exercise intolerance, snoring, breathing difficulties and an increased risk of heatstroke.
Cardiomyopathy
Boxers are at risk of developing arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), also known as ‘boxer cardiomyopathy’. It is a hereditary condition that can cause symptoms like an irregular heartbeat, episodes of fainting, collapse, coughing and breathing issues. Screening tests exist but they are not perfect.
Tumours
Boxer dogs are very prone to certain cancers, including mast cell tumours and lymphoma. Many types of cancer can be treated, with a variety of surgical and medical options available. Seeking help early on will increase your dog’s chances of survival.
Recommended Dog Food for Boxers
The right nutrition is essential to support healthy growth, maintain correct body weight, and help protect joint and skin health.
Boxer Puppy Food
Your Boxer dog puppy requires the right amount of high-quality protein to support growth. The correct balance of calcium and phosphorus is also important to ensure healthy bone development in large breeds, including the Boxer.
Our puppy recipes will help to support your growing Boxer.
Adult Boxer Food
Boxers need a digestible diet with a good protein source. Ingredients rich in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin will support joint health. Working Boxers may require extra carbohydrates and fat to support their high-energy needs.
Our carefully formulated adult recipes manage all of this for you.
Boxer Supplements
Supplements containing ingredients like Green Lipped Muscle Powder will help promote healthy cartilage (the sponge-like cushion in your dog’s joints). Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil powder can help act as a natural anti-inflammatory which is useful for joint, skin and heart disease. Other ingredients like coconut oil and bovine collagen will further support skin, joint and gut health in your Boxer dog.
Check out this blog if you are unsure how much to feed your dog.
Summary
Owning a Boxer is a rewarding experience. These wonderful dogs are at risk of several health complaints, but the right care and nutrition can go a long way to supporting their well-being. If you want to find out more about how our recipes support your Boxer’s nutritional requirements, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQs
Are Boxer dogs aggressive?
Boxer dogs are not inherently aggressive dogs. They are known for their friendly, playful and affectionate nature. Of course, any dog has the potential to be aggressive, especially if they haven’t received the right early socialisation and training
What group is a Boxer dog in?
Boxers fall into the ‘working dog’ group. They were originally bred from hunting dogs, and they have been used for a variety of tasks over the years, including guarding, tracking and working with the armed forces.
Are Boxer dogs good family dogs?
These dogs are usually gentle and sociable which makes them a great choice for active families. Boxers require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation so they are often best suited to a family with older children.
Do Boxer dogs drool a lot?
Boxers do drool more than many other dog breeds, due to their facial structure and loose lips.
Are Boxer dogs easy to train?
Boxers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they are also strong, energetic and sometimes stubborn. Consistent positive reinforcement is necessary from a young age.
Are Boxer dogs prone to seizures?
Boxers are at a slightly increased risk of certain health complaints, including epilepsy and brain tumours. If your dog experiences seizures, your vet will suggest further tests to diagnose the problem and work out the best treatment plan.
About the author
Dr. Becky
Rebecca MacMillan – BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009. Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever, George!
