Boxer Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

30-32 kg

Height

53-61 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Boxer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

If you’re looking for a loyal and playful pup, look no further than the Boxer! Despite their jowly expression and muscular physique, Boxers are fun and loving. Although they’re still classed as Working Dogs by the American Kennel Club, they make perfect family pets.

Dog owners must conduct thorough research before taking on the responsibility of a new pet. Even within the same breed, every dog has different needs when it comes to feeding, grooming and exercise.

To make your life just that little bit easier, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know about Boxer dogs, from their history to their grooming needs. You’ll be a Boxer expert in no time!

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!

What is a Boxer breed?

Boxers are a short-haired and square-jawed breed. These muscular dogs range in size between medium and large. All Boxer puppies are born with a very powerful jaw with mandibular prognathism (an underbite).

Though there are no official sub-breeds of Boxer, there are different types that are recognized by Boxer breeders and pet parents. These are:

German Boxer: These dogs are slightly larger than other types of Boxer, with denser bones and more pronounced muscle.
UK Boxer: Established by the Kennel Club as a pure breed in 1948, the British Boxer has a sleek and lithe appearance. It is the smallest type of Boxer, with shorter and leaner legs.
American Boxer: This recognizable type of Boxer has a wider snout and a distinct lack of wrinkles in its coat. Its coat is also shinier and stronger than other types of the breed.
Brindle Boxer: Brindle Boxers have fawn fur with dark stripes, and white patches on their legs and chest.
White Boxer: White Boxers are almost entirely white in colouring, and they lack the black mask that nearly all other Boxers have.
Fawn Boxer: This common type of Boxer has a red-tone coat that can be anywhere from auburn to light tan. A Fawn Boxer also tends to have white patches on its legs and stomach.

Learn more about: Boxer Colours

Who is a Boxer 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.

Boxer Grooming & Shedding

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.

Learn more about: Boxer Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Boxers bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Boxer dog?

Boxers are a heavily built and muscular breed. While a male adult dog tends to weigh between 30 and 32kg on average, female Boxers weigh between 25 to 27kg.

They are a medium to large dog breed. While a female Boxer dog usually stands between 53 to 61 cm tall, a male is 56 to 64cm tall on average.

Learn more about: Boxer Size & Weight Chart

Are Boxers easy to train?

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.

Learn more about: Boxer Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Boxers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Boxers enjoy problem-solving, though many dogs have a stubborn streak which 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.

Learn more about: Boxer Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Boxer have any common health issues?

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.

Learn more about: Common Boxer Health Issues

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 does a Boxer need to be fed?

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.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Boxer? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for 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 $1,000 and $5,000 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.

Learn more about: Boxer Prices In Australia

Boxer FAQs

Are boxers good guard dogs?

Boxers are protective, and this makes them a great guard dog choice. They are also known to be patient and loyal to children.

Where can I find a boxer puppy?

In Australia, you can choose between adopting or shopping for a puppy. Depending on your preference, you can either buy from a reputable breeder or re-home a Boxer rescue.

How smart are boxers?

According to a study of dog intelligence by Stanley Coren, Boxers have average intelligence. They ranked 90th out of 138 breeds.

Because they were bred as working dogs, the Boxer dog breed is intuitive and an easy learner.

Do boxer dogs have an attitude?

Generally, a Boxer dog’s attitude reflects its breeding. For example, a Boxer from a calm and loving home will have a gentle and playful nature, while a dog with stress in its past will be more prone to aggression or fear.