Boxers 101

Working group

The Boxer is playful and loving with family and protective toward strangers. This muscular breed adapts well to most situations, although bouncy Boxers may be too physical for small children or unsteady seniors. Regular, strenous exercise will take the edge off their unending supply of joyous energy.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Boxers

Throws a punch now and then, but only playing

The Boxer will make you laugh and may hit you with a right cross when you least expect it – all in play. “Four on the floor” training is highly recommended. Trick-training is a natural for Boxers, who love to be the center of attention, but keep treats to a minimum to prevent obesity. As with other short-nosed breeds, Boxers need to be monitored in warm weather to prevent overheating.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
21.5 to 25 inches tall
Group Size Large
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
020
Weight
50 to 80 lbs
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Mature adult Boxer

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Boxer conditions

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Skin cancer

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Corneal (eye) ulcer

Senior Boxer

8+ years

Risk level for common Boxer conditions

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Neurologic cancer

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Lymphatic cancer

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Skin cancer

Boxer puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Boxer conditions

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Allergic reaction

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Foreign body ingestion

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Gastritis

Young adult Boxer

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Boxer conditions

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Allergic reaction

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Foreign body ingestion

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Skin allergies

Mature adult Boxer

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Boxer conditions

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Skin cancer

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Corneal (eye) ulcer

Senior Boxer

8+ years

Risk level for common Boxer conditions

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Neurologic cancer

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Lymphatic cancer

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Skin cancer

Boxer puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Boxer conditions

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Allergic reaction

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Foreign body ingestion

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Gastritis

Young adult Boxer

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Boxer conditions

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Allergic reaction

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Foreign body ingestion

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Skin allergies

2-Boxer laying down GettyImages-173894961

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3-Fun fact Boxer GettyImages-514132129

The Boxer was one of the first dogs used for military service, valued as a messenger dog, pack-carrier, and protector. One of the most famous of World War II was Babe, who warned U.S. Marines about an approaching enemy attack during the Battle of Guam. Her bravery and loyalty earned her the rank of Sergeant and a well-deserved place in history.

Boxer coat care and colors

The Boxer’s coat is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in perfect condition. Boxers come in both fawn and brindle, with black masks and varying degrees of white, typically on the chest and front legs and paws. The Boxer is a large dog, and that means large nails that need to be kept short. Avoid wrestling matches with adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.

Boxer exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

Boxers are high-energy dogs who need vigorous daily exercise, especially when young. With a tendency toward heat intolerance, this breed’s most active time should be on cool mornings.

Class clown

Trainability

Boxers are intelligent and learn quickly, but they also have a tendency toward independent behavior. Encourage good manners with praise and tiny treats.

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Boxer fun facts

Top girl names for Boxers

100%

of Boxers are female

0%

of Boxers are male

Top boy names for Boxers

Nationwide loves Boxers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Boxers

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