Does your family have just the right amount of love to offer an energetic, bouncing Boxer? Before buying from a registered breeder, consider how much you might have to spend to adopt the pooch, keep it fit and safe, and provide the quality of life it deserves.
Boxer prices in Australia vary depending on whether you are buying from a registered breeder or adopting, how old they are and their coat colour. Prospective Boxer dog owners can buy a puppy for approximately $1,500 – $6,000, depending on the price factors.
Boxers are a very popular breed in Australia, and because of their demand, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for a Boxer puppy from a registered breeder. This is quite a wide price range, and along with demand, there are certain things that go into determining the price, such as lineage, breeder reputation and more. On the other hand, adopting a Boxer from a rescue organisation is a more affordable option, with fees ranging from $250 to $600.
You may see Boxer puppies being sold for prices between these ranges on private listings, but these are likely from unregistered breeders. We do not recommend buying any dog breed from an unregistered breeder, as the best breeding practices are often not followed, and health screenings may not have taken place, which could potentially lead to behavioural and health issues in the future.
When buying a Boxer from a registered breeder, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000. There are many things that determine the price (which we’ll look at in more detail later), but, in short, these include the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s bloodline, pedigree certifications, and the cost of any health screenings. For example, Boxer puppies from champion bloodlines or with superior pedigrees are likely to sit at the higher end of the price range.
Adopting a Boxer from a rescue shelter will come with an average fee of $250 to $600, which is a lot less than buying from a registered breeder. This might still seem like a wide price range, but this adoption fee will often cover desexing, vaccinations, and microchipping. Also, younger dogs may have a higher adoption fee due to demand, while older Boxers may be cheaper to make up for any medical needs the new owner will be responsible for once rehomed.
There are a few different factors that impact the cost of a Boxer, whether you’re purchasing from a breeder or an adoption shelter. Some of these include:
Boxer puppies from well-known, reputable breeders tend to be more expensive because they have more experience and adhere to responsible breeding standards. They also invest more in their dog’s health, socialisation, and training, and many are also registered with reputable organisations like the Dogs Australia / The Australian Kennel Council. Basically, the higher quality the breeding stock and the more registrations and health screening the parents have, the more towards that $5,000 mark the puppies will be priced.
It’s not just health screenings and registrations that add to the price, though. Boxer puppies from championship bloodlines or with superior pedigrees will also cost a lot more as they are often bred for show or performance. If you’re not looking for a show-quality Boxer but one to call your pet, you’ll likely find these by looking for puppies from a registered breeder selling at the lower end of the price range or by adopting from a shelter.
Something else that will push the price of a Boxer puppy up is whether or not the breeder has conducted health tests for genetic conditions common in Boxers, such as cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. These tests, along with vaccinations, microchipping, and deworming, push the cost up towards the higher end of $5,000.
Boxer puppies typically cost more than older dogs, as they are in higher demand. However, adult boxers (aged 6 months+) that have undergone obedience training and socialisation might also be priced higher as the breeder will have put extra time and effort into them. When it comes to rescue shelters, a younger Boxer is likely to have a higher adoption fee than an older Boxer, but keep in mind this might be because an older dog comes with more ongoing costs, like medical check ups and specialist food.
No matter if you’re buying a Boxer from a breeder or through a shelter, before you bring them home, you’ll need to know what ongoing costs and essential supplies your new dog will need to stay happy and comfortable. These include:
Dog crate: $120 – $300 for a well-ventilated, sturdy crate that provides a secure and comfortable resting space.
Dog bed: $80 – $200 for a durable, chew-resistant bed that supports a Boxer’s joints and muscles.
Dog collar/lead: $50 – $110 for a strong, adjustable collar and a lead suitable for an active breed like a Boxer.
Feeding bowl: $30 – $60 for a stainless steel or ceramic elevated bowl that can help prevent bloating after eating.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $20 for a doggy toothbrush and toothpaste that will maintain dental health and prevent gum disease.
Dog car harness: $30 – $70 for a crash-tested, adjustable harness to keep your dog secure while travelling.
Puppy treats: $10 – $30 per month for high-quality, natural treats that can be used for training and rewarding good behaviour.
Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for absorbent, leak-proof training pads to help with early house training (if needed).
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $15 – $30 for a gently, hypoallergenic formula designed for short-haired breeds.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $20 – $50 for grooming tools to keep coats healthy and nails trimmed.
An adult Boxer should weigh between 25kg – 32kg, depending on their size and sex, and on average, they’ll need around 2-3% of their body weight in food per day (500g – 600g). Based on this, you can expect to spend $75 – $180 each month on dog food when following these diet plans:
It’s important to note here that these costs can vary quite a lot based on brand, food quality, and portion sizes. We recommend consulting your veterinarian to discuss the best diet and food for your Boxer.
As with any other breed, routine veterinary care is important to keep your Boxer healthy and prevent further health issues. Here’s what you can expect to pay for these routine procedures:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 per visit for a general health assessment, weight check, and early detection of medical issues.
Vaccinations: $150 – $250 for core vaccinations and optional boosters, which protect against parvovirus, distemper, and leptospirosis.
Worming and parasite protection: $20 – $50 per month for preventative treatments against fleas, ticks, and various worms.
Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): $300 – $600 for professional teeth cleaning under anaesthesia.
Pet insurance: $50 – $100 per month, depending on your chosen coverage, e.g. accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions common in Boxers.
Boxers have short coats, and they don’t require the same level of grooming as long-haired breeds. However, regular upkeep is still needed to keep both their coats and skin clean and healthy. Services and their average prices for these include:
Boxers are highly intelligent and energetic dogs, and without proper training this energy can be misplaced into bad behaviour. As such, investing in training can help with behaviour and obedience, and there are several options available, including:
Basic obedience training prices: $150 – $250 for a 6-week group class that covers basic commands like sit, stay, and recall.
Puppy training class prices: $150 – $250 for a 6-week course that focuses on socialisation, helping young puppies learn good manners and how to interact nicely with other dogs.
Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $80 – $150 per session for private lessons tailored to fix behavioural issues like separation anxiety or aggressive behaviour.
Owning a Boxer comes with not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing financial responsibilities, including budgeting for food, veterinary care, training, and grooming. By understanding these costs upfront, you can ensure your Boxer has a happy and healthy life in your care, but keep in mind they have an average lifespan of 10-12 years, so you’ll need to be comfortable covering these costs for a long time.
Adopting Boxer puppies from a registered breeder means you should be able to see and meet the pups’ parents and ask about their bloodline. Every dog is different, but if the parent dogs have a good temperament, chances are the puppies will too.
If you are buying Boxer puppies from a breeder registered with the Australian National Kennel Council, expect to spend between $3,000 and $6,000.
Buying from a registered breeder will cost more since you are paying for the knowledge and peace of mind that the puppy comes from healthy stock.
Since Boxers are among Australia’s most popular dogs, many owners find themselves with an unintentional litter, all needing new homes. In this case, expect to pay closer to $1,500 – $2,000.
Boxers are popular, but sometimes they prove a little too energetic and, unfortunately, end up in animal shelters. Contact local dogs’ homes in search of a Boxer looking for its forever home.
Another key factor is the colour of the puppies. Boxer puppies can show many colour combinations, with three main colours:
Supposed ‘black’ Boxers appear rarely, though their fur is actually dark, reverse brindle and not black at all. Even so, the scarcity of ‘black’ or honey-coloured Boxer puppies can influence the price.
Within these colours, Boxer puppies may show markings in:
The pup’s age may determine if you are paying more for it to be vaccinated and vet checked before getting to its forever home.
Contact a local veterinarian to ask for a selection of trusted breeders in your area, or find a breeder online using an Australian National Kennel Council-certified website.
The best breeder will have organised health tests for their puppies and should be able (and willing) to introduce parent dogs. A trustable breeder ought to have bloodline documentation available as well.
Okay, it sounds bad, but ask about the return policy. If there is none, it might suggest the breeder has something to hide.
Aside from buying your Boxer puppies, there are many costs that come along with your new pet. Here are the main costs you can anticipate paying as a Boxer owner.
Boxer puppies require the right food to ensure they grow up fit and healthy. Sure, it can be an added expense but make sure to pick out a puppy-specific food; Boxer puppies are prone to permanent hip disease if their diet is too rich in calcium.
Your Boxer will be able to eat adult dog food when it reaches two years of age. Bear in mind your Boxer is a large dog, so it will need to eat a large portion. Choose a healthy food – probably not just the cheapest – so your canine chum gets all the vitamins and nutrients it needs.
Just like any dog, it is important to have a vet check your Boxer regularly to stave off avoidable illnesses. Your Boxer will need to be micro chipped and dewormed, as well as keep up to date with any required vaccinations.
The Boxer breed is prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid deficiency and degenerative myelopathy in older dogs. Treatment and health care requirements, including medication and special food, can prove expensive.
Boxers are a short-haired breed with minimal grooming requirements. Brush your pooch weekly with a rubber brush to remove dead hair.
On average, these dogs ought to have their ears cleaned, and their claws trimmed every 4-6 weeks. This can be done at home, but acclimatise your energetic dog at a young age so it will sit still… and save yourself the added cost of a professional groomer.
A Boxer is a large dog, and it will require a nutritious diet, regular veterinary care, and lots of attention. All of this costs money. However, if socialised from a young age, Boxer puppies can grow into loyal, loving family pets.
Boxer puppies are more expensive than many other dogs, but equally, their large size and energetic personalities often land them in animal shelters in need of a suitable forever home.
Contact local animal shelters to find a rescue Boxer and save those adoption fees to spend on giving your canine chum the healthy, happy life it deserves.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.
