Boxer Dog

Temperament and Personality

Boxer Dogs are the natural comedians of the dog world, loved for their silly antics and playful personalities. They’re incredibly energetic and have endless enthusiasm for life, which is why the Boxer Dog breed temperament is the perfect match for active families who love to exercise, play, and of course, laugh. 

Having a sense of humour is essential to being a Boxer Dog owner, because these pups are known to have their own signature dance move called the ‘kidney bean’ – and no, we won’t do a demonstration! Excitable and fun-loving, there’s never a dull moment with a Boxer around. 

However, it’s not all fun and games. Boxer Dogs are highly intelligent with a rich, working background. They love to learn (if the reward is good enough) and enjoy pleasing their owner. These desirable Boxer Dog traits have seen them become amazing therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and are often used by the police and military. 

A confident, fearless dog like the Boxer needs an equally confident owner too, because this breed has a stubborn streak. They’re independent thinkers and will try to test the limits of what they can get away with, often just for the fun of it. Early socialisation is also crucial, as their protective instincts and potential for dominance could lead to some bossy behaviour around other dogs.

While they might be a little headstrong and too lively for some, there’s no denying the Boxer dog is a devoted and loving canine companion. They’re incredibly loyal to their owners, and will defend them with all their might. This means they can sometimes meet strangers with caution or indifference, but some Boxers will greet new people with open paws and enthusiastic jumps.

Either way, they’re a social, outgoing breed that thrives on love and attention from their families. Just don’t leave them alone for too long as they’re prone to suffer from separation anxiety. This causes a dog distress, leading to destructive behaviours such as chewing the sofa to shreds. 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a playful, enthusiastic pooch to join your pack, the Boxer could be the breed for you. 

Boxer Dog paw-sonality traits

• Loyal and protective

• Very energetic and exuberant

• Thrives on human companionship

• Very playful and comical

• Goofy sense of humour

• Kind and affectionate

• Confident and self-assured

• Intelligent and eager to learn

• Naturally athletic

• High prey drive

• Stubborn and strong-willed

• Strong and courageous

• Hates being left alone

• Can be very rambunctious

• Can be standoffish with strangers

• Potential for aggression towards other dogs

• Needs lots of physical and mental exercise

Boxer Dog pros and cons

Are Boxer Dogs good family dogs?

Absolutely! Boxer Dogs are the perfect addition to active families who have time to exercise, train, and play with their pooch. They’re loving, playful dogs who are always ready for fun and cuddles. The fun never stops with a Boxer around. Their goofy personalities will provide endless entertainment for the family, while their loyal, protective nature will ensure you always feel safe. Boxers are very lively and can be pretty boisterous, so they might not be suitable for the elderly or those with mobility issues who can’t give them the exercise they need to burn their energy.

Are Boxer Dogs good with children?

Yes, the Boxer is kind, patient, playful, and protective when it comes to children, making them a great buddy for kids. However, they’re strong, muscular, excitable dogs with a lot of energy, so they might be a little too rambunctious for toddlers. Homes with older children are generally more suitable. 

Are Boxer Dogs good with other pets?

Yes, if properly socialised from puppyhood, Boxers can live nicely with other dogs and even cats, especially if they’ve been raised together. However, due to their high prey drive, they’re generally not suited to homes with small pets like hamsters, rabbits, or guinea pigs. 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Boxer Dog properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Boxer Dog need?

A lot! Full grown Boxer Dogs need around 2 hours of physical and mental exercise a day. However, because they’re a brachycephalic breed, it’s best to space their walks and playtime throughout the day to prevent overheating. 

These are high-energy, naturally athletic dogs who need to let off steam through lengthy walks, romps in the park, and fun canine sports like fetch, frisbee or flyball. They also make an excellent jogging or hiking partner, as long as they get enough water breaks to rehydrate and rest.

Due to their prey drive, it’s best to let them off-lead in a secure, fenced-in area where they safely run, jump, and bounce about to their heart’s content.

Mental stimulation is also crucial for the intelligent Boxer, so provide them with plenty of enrichment games, puzzle toys, and trick training to ensure their brains get a good workout too.

Play hide-and-seek in the house using their favourite treats, as this requires both critical thinking and nosework – a great way to satisfy the Boxer’s hunting instincts! 

If Boxer Dogs don’t get the exercise they need, you might see some unwanted behavioural issues, such as destroying furniture, digging up the garden, or scratching at doors. That’s why it’s essential to keep these dogs busy with plenty of activities – a walk around the block won’t do.

How do you train a Boxer Dog puppy?

Boxer Dogs are very intelligent, but they’re notoriously boisterous and rambunctious as puppies, which can make training a challenge. They need to be handled well from the get go to ensure they don’t become unruly and overly dominant, which is a possibility for this breed. 

The Boxer’s hunting background also plays a role in their trainability, as they’re strong-minded, independent dogs who like to think for themselves. A.k.a, they’re stubborn! Early, ongoing training, along with a confident approach, is essential to ensure they become obedient dogs.

However, with lots of consistency, patience, and paw-sitivity, Boxer Dogs can make exceptional students, which is why they’re a popular breed for the military, police, and search and rescue teams. They’re eager to learn new things, and in the right hands, they’ll also be eager to please.

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Boxer Dog training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats. Boxers are very food motivated, but they’ll also respond well to toys as a reward too.

2. Avoid harsh tones. Boxers are sensitive, proud dogs and won’t respond well to harsh tones or corrections. Use a cheerful, upbeat tone of voice, but remain firm and confident so they know you’re in control. 

3. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial for the self-assured, protective Boxer. There’s a possibility for them to display aggression to other dogs of the same sex, and they can be standoffish with strangers. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

4. Be consistent. Boxer Dogs are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential.

5. Get them used to a lead. Boxers grow into muscular, strong dogs who are also very excitable, so it’s important they know how to walk nicely on a lead without pulling. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable. Due to their strength, you should also invest in a heavy duty harness that allows for safe outdoor adventures.

6. Establish who’s boss. The smart and confident Boxer is a strong-willed dog that’s known to push the boundaries and dominate. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them. This will help them understand what's expected of them and reduce any unwanted behaviour.

7. Give their brains a workout. A tired Boxer is a well behaved Boxer, so channel their energy with lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Make training fun by playing games like tug-of-war where you can introduce commands in an engaging way. 

8. Teach impulse control early on. Boxers get over excited very easily, causing lots of jumping and pulling, so teach them the commands ‘wait’ and ‘leave it’ to instil patience and respect. This way, they know to be calm in order to get what they want. 

9. Be patient with potty training. Boxers can be a little slower to housetrain, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks, and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. 

10. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Boxer Dog be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Boxer Dogs need?

You’ll be pleased to know Boxers require very little grooming. They have a short, tight coat that sheds moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn.

Here are some grooming tips to ensure your Boxer looks their best all year round. 

• Use a grooming mitt or a soft bristle brush once a week to remove dead hair and keep their coat smooth. 

• Check their skin when grooming for signs of inflammation, redness, or lumps and bumps.

• Bathe as needed using a dog-friendly shampoo – but don’t overdo it as this could disrupt the natural Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up. 

• Remove dirt and debris from their muzzle wrinkles using a soft, damp cloth. Bacteria loves to grow in these areas, so it’s important to clean regularly.

• Clean their ears twice a month to reduce the risk of infection. Use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas, but don’t stick anything down their ear canal. 

• White Boxer Dogs will need dog-friendly sunscreen in the summer months to protect their sensitive skin.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent bad Boxer breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Boxer Dog colours

The two main colours for this breed are brindle (tan with black stripes) and fawn (tan), occasionally with white markings. Those with a richly coloured fawn coat might sometimes be called red Boxer Dogs. What you won’t see though is a purebred black Boxer dog. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, but some dogs may look like they have a black coat with a few fawn stripes. This is often referred to as ‘reverse brindling’, but it’s essentially a fawn coat with large quantities of black stripes. 

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Boxer Dog lifespan is between 9– 11 years. However, this brachycephalic breed is prone to a number of health problems prospective owners should be aware of. 

Common Boxer Dog health issues

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. The Boxer Dog is a brachycephalic breed, so is prone to respiratory issues due to their flat face, squished nose, and narrow airway. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome causes severe breathing problems. If you notice heavy or distressed breathing in your dog, seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet may recommend surgery to widen the nostrils or correct an elongated soft palate to improve breathing. It’s a routine procedure and can be done at the same time as spaying/neutering. 

• Cancer. Unfortunately, cancer is the most common health issue associated with the Boxer Dog breed. They can develop cell tumours, lymphoma, brain tumours, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and mammary cancer (breast cancer). White Boxer Dogs are also more susceptible to getting sunburnt and developing skin cancer due to lower levels of melanin. Signs your Boxer Dog is dying of cancer include weight loss, lethargy, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, urinary incontinence, weakness, discharge, and excessive coughing. Treatments will depend on the type and severity of the cancer, but it could involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy. 

• Lumps and Bumps. Not exactly a technical term, but Boxers are prone to develop masses on their body. Warts, cysts, abscesses, lipomas, and tumours are common examples. Take your pooch to the vet if you spot any, as they might not be benign. 

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this typically affects deep chested breeds. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines. Signs include retching without vomiting, drooling, a distended stomach, and general abdominal pain. Urgent veterinary care is needed.

• Subaortic Stenosis (SAS). This is a genetic heart condition Boxer pups inherit from their parents, and develops during the first year of life. It occurs when blood can’t flow properly to the heart, resulting in heart damage and even sudden death. Puppies will usually have a heart murmur that can be detected during routine examinations, but some may not show symptoms until it’s too late. Responsible breeding is necessary to prevent this condition. 

• Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC or ‘Boxer Arrhythmia’). This is a genetic heart disease that mainly only affects the Boxer Dog breed. It occurs when fatty, fibrous tissue replaces normal heart muscle, leading to an irregular heartbeat due to abnormal electrical activity. Cases can be mild or severe, and many dogs may live with ARVC for years before showing symptoms. If detected, dogs can be treated with medication. 

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Boxer puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. The condition can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.

• Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease. This is where the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) that stabilises the knee breaks down over time due to degeneration, joint issues, genetics, or obesity. If it tears, the joint is destabilised, and surgery may be required. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent CCL disease. 

• Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

• Dental Issues. Boxers are prone to some genetic dental issues that can’t be prevented, such as gingival hyperplasia and dentigerous cysts. Their underbite can also cause dental problems such as over. Look after your Boxer Dog’s teeth by taking them for routine dental check-ups, and using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

• Deafness. Many white Boxer Dogs are prone to deafness due to the lack of melanocytes in the inner ear. Boxer puppies who are born deaf need unique training using signals and vibrations. Deaf dogs in general need more care and shouldn’t be allowed off lead. Responsible breeding is crucial to prevent deafness.

• Boxer Dog Eye Problems. Corneal dystrophy is an inherited condition where an opaque patch develops on the cornea. It affects the vision but doesn’t cause any discomfort. Treatment is only required if it becomes advanced. The shape of their skull and flat-faced nature also puts them at risk of developing corneal ulcers. A simple scratch can be all it takes, but it’s incredibly painful. If your dog is squinting a lot and has red, teary eyes, take them to the vet immediately. Corneal ulcers can be treated with medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or serious eye damage.

• Hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the thyroid gland to stop producing thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, lack of energy, skin and ear infections, dry skin, and thinning of the fur. Boxers usually develop symptoms when they’re middle aged, but it can be managed successfully with lifelong medication. 

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Boxer Dog a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Boxer Dog eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Boxer will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

As they’re prone to bloating, it’s best to feed full-grown Boxer Dogs twice a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly. 

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Boxer’s nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Regular exercise

These athletic doggos need lots of daily physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. 

Protect their joints

To help keep the hip dysplasia at bay, consider feeding your Boxer our Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing. 

Monitor weight

A healthy Boxer Dog weight is anywhere between 23kg and 32kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on their joints and internal organs, reducing their quality of life. 

Prevent bloat

These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart. 

Consider the weather

Brachycephalic breeds struggle with breathing and can easily overheat, so care should be taken when it’s hot. Don’t allow them to sunbathe outside and avoid walks in warm weather. Boxers also don’t do well in very cold weather either, thanks to their short, tight coat, so invest in a dog jacket to keep them snug on walks. 

Protect their skin & coat

For dogs suffering from allergies, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or feed them hypoallergenic dog food. 

Look after their eyes

Boxer Dogs are prone to eye issues, so stick to plush toys that can’t scratch their eyes and avoid rough play. Regular eye tests can detect early signs of corneal dystrophy or ulcers, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

What is the Miniature Boxer Dog?

The standard Boxer Dog size is medium to large, weighing between 23kg and 32kg, and measuring 53cm-63cm in height. However, the Miniature Boxer Dog can weigh as little as 10kg. It’s a cross between a Boxer Dog and Boston Terrier, and is also known as the Boston Boxer. They tend to have a longer life expectancy than purebred Boxers, living between 12 and 15 years.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Boxer Dog’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Boxer Dog is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much does a Boxer Dog puppy cost?

The price of a Boxer Dog can cost anywhere between £400 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Boxer Dog is around £80.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £50 and £60 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a few health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Boxer Dog should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Boxer Dog Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Boxer Dog even more with these tidbits and tales about everyone’s favourite goofball!

• It’s not entirely certain where their name comes from, but there are a few theories. Some say it derives from their ability to stand on their hind legs and ‘box’ with their front paws during play. Others say it comes from the ancestry with the Bierboxer dog, which was a direct descendent of the Bullenbeisser. A third theory is that it stems from their working roots controlling cattle and the German word ‘boxl’, their slaughterhouse designation.

• When a Boxer gets overly excited, they’re known to do the ‘kidney bean dance’, which is where they twist their bodies into a kidney bean shape and start wriggling about. 

• They’re war heroes, having been used in both World Wars to carry messengers and packs, and to also attack when needed. 

• The Boxer Dog ancestry can be traced back to war dogs of the ancient Assyrian people of 2000 BC. Their most recent ancestor is the Bullenbeisser that dates back to the 16th century.

• The Boxer Dog’s bite force is around 230 to 250 per square inch (PSI). It’s pretty strong, but it’s nowhere near the Kangal, a Turkish breed with a PSI of 734. 

• The muscular Boxer Dog is naturally athletic, but have you ever wondered how fast a Boxer Dog can run? They’re one of the fastest breeds, with the ability to reach speeds of 38-45 miles per hour (mph).

• Boxer Dog tails are commonly cropped in places like the United States, however in the UK, tail docking is not permitted unless there’s a medical reason. 

• A Boxer called Brandy held the Guinness World Record for the longest tongue on a dog, measuring a whopping 17 inches long. 

• You can get Boxer Dog cross breeds. The Border Collie Boxer cross is called a Boxollie, the Labrador Boxer mix is called a Boxador, and the Dachshund Boxer cross is called a Boxshund! 

History and Origin

Originating in Germany, this energetic breed descends from a mastiff-type dog called the Bullenbeisser. This breed no longer exists, but they were strong, courageous and tenacious hunting dogs with the ability to tackle and hold down large game like wild boar, deer, and even bears. They were then used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. 

In the late 19th century, a Munich man named George Alt bred a Bullenbeiser called Flora with an unknown local dog breed. After a few generations, an English Bulldog called Tom was brought into the mix, and a puppy called Flocki was the first Boxer Dog to be entered into the German Stud Book. 

Boxer Dog characteristics, such as their underbite, short nose, and facial wrinkles, were all considered beneficial for hunting, allowing the dog to lock onto and hold prey while still being able to breathe. However, when terrier breeds began to dominate the hunting world, breeders focused more on developing the Boxer Dog’s brave, loyal traits to create a protective guard dog for owners. And it didn’t take long for them to find themselves indoors by the fire as a loving companion. 

By the early 1900s, they had rapidly gained in popularity as show dogs and family pets, spreading across Europe and the US. They were used as service dogs in the military during both World Wars, but they really skyrocketed across the globe after World War II when soldiers from all over the world took Boxer dogs back with them when returning home. 

Today, the Boxer’s bright, fun-loving temperament makes them a favourite in many homes. They retain their working dog roots while being affectionate, protective, and always ready to make you laugh!

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Boxer Dog. 

1. Research the breed. Boxers are friendly and loving, but they’re high energy, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Boxer Dog puppies, and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Boxer Dogs and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Boxer Dog, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Boxers in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.