Thinking about adding a Boxer puppy to your family? You’re probably wondering how big he will get, when he will reach total growth, and how you can ensure your furry friend grows up to be a healthy, happy dog.
Pet parents can find out everything they need to know about Boxer growth, their size and weight, and how quickly Boxer puppies grow. Read on to learn more!
The Boxer dog breed is considered to be medium-to-large-sized.
Like most popular dog breeds in the medium-to-large size range, Boxers need more time to reach their full size, as larger dogs tend to grow slower than smaller dogs.
You can expect your Boxer to continue growing until he is between 18 and 24 months old.
The ideal adult weight for a Boxer will depend on whether they are male or female. The American Kennel Club lists the following as the Boxer breed standard:
A fully-grown female Boxer should weigh between 24.9 and 29.4 kilograms and stand between 54.6 and 59.7 centimetres tall.
Fully-grown male Boxers should weigh between 27.2 and 31.7 kilograms and stand between 58.4 to 63.5 centimetres tall.
Think your Boxer may be overweight? You can tell whether or not your Boxer is carrying too much excess weight by his ribs.
If you can’t feel your dog’s ribs, there’s a high chance he is overweight. On the other hand, if you can feel and see his ribs, he may actually be underweight.
If you’re unsure whether your pup is a healthy weight, you should check with your veterinarian.
Your dog’s diet plays an essential role in his growth.
You need to ensure that you are feeding your pup a high-quality diet appropriate for his age, calorie requirements and nutritional needs.
Many Boxers are prone to certain health conditions like hip dyslexia, bloat, arthritis, and cancer, that can influence their development.
The best way to ensure you get a healthy Boxer puppy is to take your pup for regular checkups with the veterinarian.
Boxers are very energetic dogs, which means they need plenty of room to run around and play so that they get enough exercise to stay in good shape and avoid weight gain.
Once your puppy is old enough, he will love going for long walks, hikes and jogs.
Clearly-visible ribs are usually an indication of your Boxer being underweight or malnourished.
However, if your pup is eating more than enough, it could be that his body is still filling out – especially if the dog’s age is under two years.
When in doubt, consult your vet – they are knowledgeable on dog nutrition.
Your canine companion must get a minimum of two hours of proper exercise daily. This can be split up into a few walks at the local dog park, which gives him plenty of opportunities to explore and sniff around.
Finding a secure area where you can give your Boxer a chance to engage in vigorous exercise by running off the lead will also be beneficial.
Getting him involved in dog sports is also a great idea to get rid of all that energy!
You can expect your Boxer to grow rapidly within the first six months of his life.
If you want to get a better idea of how big your pup may get, you can look at your Boxer’s paws and head.
For instance, your four-legged friend may look out of proportion for a while, but his smaller body parts should catch up to the rest within a few weeks or months.
Although the Boxer has the reputation of being an excellent guard dog and hunting dog, there’s a whole lot more to these delightful canines. These affectionate, friendly, high-energy dogs are extremely loyal to their human family members.
Whether you consider yourself young or old, a Boxer will be an excellent companion. With proper nutrition, exercise and care, your first Boxer puppy will develop into a happy, healthy pup! Always buy from reputable breeders. Alternatively, your National Breed Club or Local Boxer Club can point you toward a Boxer rescue.
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