Boxer
Also known as German Boxer
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 63 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A medium-sized working dog, powerful and athletic, with a short muzzle and a short coat. Known for its playful, cheerful nature and expressive face, it combines boundless energy with great gentleness toward its family.
History and origins
Developed in Munich in the late 19th century from the Bullenbeisser, an extinct big-game hunting dog, crossed with the English Bulldog. A guard dog, it was one of the first police and military dogs in Germany, before becoming a very popular family dog.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and aortic stenosis
- Cancers (mast cell tumors, lymphomas)
- Hip dysplasia
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Boxer FAQ
How big does the Boxer get?
The Boxer stands 53 to 63 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 35 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Boxer shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Boxer live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Boxer need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Boxer good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Boxer live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are cardiomyopathy and cancers.
