Boxer Basic Breed Information
Name: Boxer
Breed Age: Recognized by the AKC in 1904
Average Height: 23-25” for males, 21.5-23.5” for females
Average Weight: 65-80lbs for males, 50-75lbs for females
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat Variations: Brindle, Fawn, White
*All breed information comes from the AKC website on Boxers
Fun Fact: Boxers can trace their ancestry all the way back to the war dogs of the Assyrian empire, around the year 2,000 B.C.
Boxer Breed History
The direct ancestor of the Boxer, the German Bullenbeisser, is a descendent from the breed of dogs (later named Molossian) used by the ancient Assyrians in war. The Bullenbeisser was a favorite of the German nobles for hunting and bull-baiting. After the Napoleonic wars of the early 1800s, the estates of noblemen were broken up and Bullenbeissers became more commonly kept as a family and guard dog. Modern Boxers were bred around the 19th century after a large increase in English dogs introduced the English Bulldog to Germany. It is thought that the cross-breeding with the Bulldog is what added the color white to the Boxer. Though unconfirmed, it is believed that the name “Boxer” came from the breeds habit of “boxing” with its front paws when it plays, similar to how a boxer moves their hands.
Boxer Strengths
- Highly intelligent
- Playful
- Great with children
- Good family dogs
- Loyal
- Patient
- Vocal, but they don’t bark excessively
- Don’t require much grooming
- Very attached to their owner and families
Boxer Weaknesses
- High energy, requires lots of stimulation
- Important to socialize at a young age
- Can have a mind of their own, and don’t respond well to repetition
- Can be destructive if left alone too long
- Some drool excessively
- Some snort and snore loudly
- They are sensitive to what they eat and can be quite gassy if given food other than their dog food
9 Common Boxer Health Concerns:
Click on the name of a health condition to read more.
Bloat
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- The official term for this health issue is GDV complex, or gastric dilation-volvulus complex. This disease causes the dog’s stomach to fill with air. This rise in pressure cuts off the blood supply returning to the heart, and this reduction in blood volume will send the dog into shock within hours. Watch your pup for a sudden enlargement of their abdomen, coupled with retching, restlessness, excessive salivating, and a tender belly. If you suspect your dog may be at risk for this health condition, please bring them in immediately for a medical evaluation!
Hip Dysplasia
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- Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal deformation, usually started by a dog’s genetics and exacerbated by weight, exercise, and nutrition. Hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joint, normally a ball and socket mechanism, does not develop properly. This causes the grinding of the bones in the joint, and can lead to total loss of function of the dog’s leg. Foods that help temper excessive growth can be helpful for puppies of breeds most at risk for hip dysplasia. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout the dog’s life is also crucial, as extra weight only adds more pressure to the at-risk joints. A veterinarian can also recommend joint supplements as part of a preventative treatment plan.
Allergies
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- Boxers experience allergic reactions to many environmental and food-related factors. Changes in skin texture and increased itching are some indicators that a Boxer may be having an allergic reaction.
Weather/Environmental Factors
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- Boxers are extremely sensitive to both heat and cold. They should not be left outside for long periods of time in any season.
Mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors
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- According to the National Cancer Institute, a mast cell is “a type of white blood cell that is found in connective tissues all through the body”. They continue, “Mast cells play an important role in how the immune system responds to certain bacteria and parasites and they help control other types of immune responses”. Mast cells release certain chemicals during a body’s immune response to allergens, including histamine. Mast cells are crucial components of the immune system, but if these cells release too much of their chemicals, they can cause serious issues and disruptions throughout the whole body. A mast cell tumor is, as you may guess, a tumor consisting of mast cells. If you suspect your pet may have a mast cell tumor, avoid touching the tumor and try to discourage your pet from scratching or licking the area as this can stimulate the tumor cells to release more chemicals.
Aortic stenosis/sub-aortic stenosis (AS/SAS)
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- From Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, “Subaortic stenosis is a narrowing (stenosis) of the area underneath, the aortic valve, that causes some degree of obstruction or blockage of the blood flow through the heart. The narrowing can be mild, moderate, or severe; if moderate or severe, it can force the heart to work harder and potentially be harmful to the heart’s health.” Boxers, being a larger breed of dog, are particularly prone to developing this condition. In cases of mild stenosis, your pet may not need treatment, however, monitoring the condition with a vet is essential to make sure it does not progress. In more severe cases, medications may be prescribed to help lessen the strain on the animal’s heart.
Hypothyroidism
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- A non-life-threatening disease. A dog suffering from hypothyroidism cannot produce enough of the hormone that controls their metabolism. Causes can include: a dog’s immune system attacks its thyroid glands, the thyroid glands shrank due to an unknown cause, or in very rare cases, a tumor that develops in the thyroid. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include hair loss on the dogs back half, loss of coat sheen, blackened or flaky skin, weight gain, muscle loss, frequent ear infections, cold intolerance, and a slower heart rate among other things. To diagnose this disease, a vet will have to do various blood tests on the animal.
Corneal Dystrophy
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- This is another inherited disease that Boxers are affected by. There are three types of corneal dystrophy, all named for their anatomic location. They are epithelial, stromal, and endothelial corneal dystrophy. This condition only requires treatment if it causes ulceration in the corneas, and most dogs that have corneal dystrophy don’t lose their sight or experience any other symptoms.
Boxer cardiomyopathy (BCM)
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- This is an inherited condition that sometimes causes a dog’s heart to beat erratically. A Boxer who is affected by BCM is at risk of dying without warning, as the condition is very hard to detect with no symptoms until the dog collapses. According to the Heart of America Boxer Club, “Some experts estimate that nearly 50 percent of the breed has this condition.” Researchers are still studying the causes and contributions to the disorder. It is important to have a Boxer evaluated for this condition before symptoms arise if at all possible.
Bring your pup in for regular health screenings to help keep them at their best!