Boxer Dog

Read our comprehensive guide to the Boxer breed, including information on predisposed health issues, exercise needs, family friendliness, grooming, history, overview & temperament.

Dog
17 Oct 2023

History of Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs have a long and impressive history and fall under the working dog category. Members of this breed are natural born hunters and can be traced back to the 1800s originating in Germany. A descendant of the now extinct Bullenbeisser and the English Bulldog, the Boxer dog’s characteristics and muscular physique means they were excellent at hunting and herding cattle. Throughout history, Boxer dogs have played a number of roles, including guard dogs, police dogs, and hunting dogs. Over the years, they have transitioned into fantastic family pets and companions due to their loyal and loving nature.

What to expect when caring for your Boxer

Common Boxer Health Issues

Boxer dogs are resilient, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Boxer dog owners may encounter issues with:

 

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome - Boxer dogs have short faces, which can cause them to experience breathing problems.

 

Bloat - This stomach related condition affects dogs with deep narrow chests, which means Boxer dogs are more prone to it than other breeds. When a dog eats too fast and bloats, the stomach can twist and the blood supply is cut off, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

 

Boxer Cardiomyopathy – This is a heart condition that rarely affects other breeds but is common in Boxer dogs.

 

Degenerative Myelopathy – This is a genetic neurological disease that is a common health issue for Boxer dogs.

 

Most of these conditions are genetic so it’s important to get your puppy from a reputable breeder. This way, you have full transparency when it comes to the health of your puppy’s parents, which in turn will highlight any red flags.

How Much Grooming Do Boxer Dogs Need?

Boxer dogs are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Owners can expect to adopt a six-week bathing schedule and weekly brushing. The coat of a Boxer dog is notoriously short and glossy, and while they do shed, this can be controlled easily with regular brushing.

 

How Much Exercise do Boxer Dogs Need?

Boxer dogs are known for being a high energy breed so you should aim for a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise per day to keep your pet healthy and happy. This medium-sized dog will be happy in any home environment, and they don’t need a great amount of space as long as there is a local outdoor space they can visit to regularly romp around.

  1. Boxer Personality Traits

    What to expect from your Boxer

    Boxer dogs are universally adored for their affectionate and often goofy temperaments. Despite their excitable and fun-loving personalities, this intelligent breed responds well to training. Boxer dogs are social creatures and thrive in a family environment and dislike spending hours alone at home without the company of their owners. A superb guard dog, Boxer dogs are fiercely protective over their home and family. Overall, this breed of dog is mischievous, high spirited and often clownish in nature. The average Boxer dog also doesn’t fully mature until they reach three years old, which is why this breed is often referred to as the Peter Pan of the dog world.

  2. Are Boxer Dogs Family Friendly?

    How will they behave around my family?

    Despite their medium sized muscular frame, sinewy build and boisterous temperament, Boxer dogs make superb family pets. While they show no aggression towards humans, it should be noted that they are better suited to families with older children as they are extremely energetic and excitable, which could lead to potential injuries should your playful Boxer dog collide with a small child or a toddler. However, they are notoriously gentle with children, making them the perfect addition for many families.

Key Facts Summary
Size:
21-25 inches
Weight:
24kg-34kg
Temperament:
Friendly and Fun loving
Lifespan
8-10 Years
Average Cost:
£600-£2100

Boxer FAQs:

Are Boxer Dogs Easy to Train?

Boxer dogs are rowdy and energetic and therefore can be quite the handful when it comes to training, but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible task. Their intelligence levels mean they react well to obedience training and reward-based training, so it is as simple as experimenting and finding a method that works for you and your pet. The good news for Boxer dog owners is that this breed is meticulously clean, so they take to toilet training quicker than other breeds.

 

Are Boxer Dogs Good for First Time Owners?

Yes, Boxer dogs make great pets for novice dog owners (as long as you live an active lifestyle) as they are loyal and loving companions.

How Long do Boxer Dogs Live?

The average lifespan of a Boxer dog is 10.5 years; (Boxers don’t usually have a long lifespan), but there have been exceptions to this rule. The oldest Boxer dog on record was called Maccabee, who reached the impressive age of 16 years and 9 months.

 

 

 

If you’re thinking of adding a Boxer dog to your family, don’t forget to consider getting pet insurance to protect against those unexpected vet bills. Take a look at your cover options with Asda Money Pet Insurance.

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