Boxer Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Boxer?

Although the Boxer has a long history that stretches back to 16th Century Europe, the breed that we'd recognize today was perfected in Germany at the turn of the 19th Century. They were imported to the US after the First World War.

Boxers were originally bred for dogfighting. However, due to their intelligent and loyal nature, they came to be used as cattle dogs, war dogs, police dogs and guide dogs from the 1930s. They continue to be used by the police and military today.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) formally recognized the breed in 1904, and they're now considered to be the 10th most popular dog in the world!

Who are Boxer dogs best for?

People with Active Lifestyles

Because Boxers are high-energy dogs, they require a lot of exercise daily. A Boxer owner must be willing to take their pet out for long walks and allow them to run. They make the perfect outdoor workout companion!

Families

Well-trained Boxers love the company of children, making them an ideal family pet. A Boxer would love to be welcomed into a busy family- because having more people around means receiving more love and attention!

Anyone That Needs Some Extra Help

Because they were bred as working dogs, Boxers can be trained to help with tasks in the home. They can make good companions for the blind and anyone else who needs a loyal service dog.

How much grooming does a Boxer need?

Boxers' short, tight coats don't require regular haircuts. They are, however, moderate shedders.

You can easily groom your Boxer at home; you'll just need to bathe them, trim their nails and ensure you brush their coat regularly.

If you'd prefer, you can enlist the help of a professional dog groomer instead.

Do Boxer bark much?

Boxers don't bark very much. If your Boxer does bark, it means that they're trying to tell you something.

Barking aside, Boxers are quite vocal dogs. They're known to make all manner of growling noises. Rather than an expression of fear or aggression, these noises are just how many Boxers communicate.

Do Boxer bite?

If your Boxer puppy is biting you, try this popular training method. Use a protective layer (like a thick gardening glove) if your puppy's bites are strong enough to hurt.

1. Block using your hand. When your Boxer dog tries to bite while interacting with you, place your hand flat in front of his mouth to block access to the rest of your body.

2. Apply pressure. If he bites your hand (which is likely), press your flat hand into his mouth. Apply pressure where the upper and lower jaw meet until your pup spits out your hand. This won't hurt your dog but will feel uncomfortable and certainly take the fun out of biting you.

3. Repeat consistently. Next time your pup tries to bite you, repeat this process consistently. Remain calm and firm- if your dog senses excitement, you'll be encouraging him to bite even more by sending the signal that you're playing a game.

4. Use positive reinforcement. When your Boxer pup refrains from biting, praise him in a warm but calm voice. This will reinforce the correct behaviour in the dog's mind.

As with any training method, consistency is key. Provided you tackle your Boxer's biting issues correctly at the puppy stage, training should be quite straightforward.

What is the temperament & personality of a Boxer?

Boxers enjoy problem-solving, though many dogs have a stubborn streak that can make them uncooperative with certain tasks.

Classed as a high-energy dog breed, Boxers are also very energetic; they love to run and play for hours on end.

If they are socialized from a pup, most Boxers get along with cats and other dogs, although some Boxers can exhibit aggression toward unknown animals. If this is the case, they shouldn't be left to run unattended around other pets.

What is the weight & size of a Boxer?

Boxers are a heavily built and muscular breed. While a male adult dog tends to weigh between 65 and 80 pounds on average, female Boxers weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.

They are a medium to large dog breed. While a female Boxer dog usually stands between 21 to 25 inches tall, a male is 25 inches tall on average.

How much training does a Boxer need?

A boxer dog has a lot of energy, so you must channel it correctly. For best results, engage your pup in training classes and early socialization with other dogs.

Boxers may engage in destructive habits when they're bored, so avoid repetitive training routines. Instead, challenge your dog's intelligence with puzzles and problem-solving (though be aware that Boxers can be very stubborn!). Boxer dogs also enjoy agility, obedience, and herding exercises.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Boxer?

Boxers have a genetic predisposition to certain illnesses and conditions, which range in severity. These include:

• Elbow and hip dysplasia

• Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

• Degenerative myelopathy

• Skin cancer

• Breathing difficulty, due to their face and snout shape

Because Boxers are susceptible to several worrying conditions, regular veterinary checkups are crucial. Purchasing health insurance for your pet is also strongly recommended.

What is the lifespan of a Boxer?

The average Boxer lifespan is between 10 and 12 years- though some dogs have lived to the ripe old age of 15 or 16!

Sadly, cancer is the leading cause of death for Boxers. Studies have found that up to 45% of Boxer deaths are due to cancer.

How much should you feed a Boxer?

Each Boxer's feeding routine will vary, depending on the size of the dog and how active it is.

Because Boxers are predisposed to canine bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), it's a good idea to provide your dog with an elevated food bowl. This reduces how much air they take in and will help to prevent GDV.

While most Boxers are fed dry dog food, they also enjoy wet food, cooked food, and raw food, like most dog breeds.

What is the price of a Boxer in Australia?

The price of Boxers varies, depending on sex and the type of pup that you'd like to buy. You can expect to pay anything between $1000 and $5000 for a Boxer pup.

Avoid breeders that offer very low prices. Though the price might be tempting, you'll likely be buying from puppy mills that breed Boxers unethically. This can also open the door to unexpected health problems down the line.

When finding a Boxer puppy, you can consult the American Boxer Club for a recommendation of reputable breeders and the best places to adopt Boxer rescues.