Dog breed · Working
Boxer
Playful, loyal, boisterous
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–32 kg (55–71 lb)
- Height
- 53–63 cm (21–25 in)
- Life span
- 10–12 years
- Origin
- Germany
By Maya HartThe coat
Short · White muzzle and chest
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Boxers right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Quick to learn
- Sheds little
- Next to no grooming
Be ready for
- Happier with space and a garden
- Needs a lot of exercise every day
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Boxers weigh 25–32 kg (55–71 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Boxer
Boxers are clowns with a guardian’s heart: bouncy, affectionate and endlessly entertaining, but strong and exuberant enough to knock over a toddler in excitement. They mature slowly and need both physical exercise and games that make them think.
Their short muzzle makes them more sensitive to heat than many large breeds. Lumps are common in older Boxers, so any new lump should be sampled by a vet.
Health to know about
- Boxer cardiomyopathy (heart rhythm disease)
- Aortic stenosis
- Cancers, including mast cell tumours
- Breathing problems in hot weather (short muzzle)
- Hip dysplasia
Care in short
- An hour or more of active exercise daily
- Avoid exercise in the heat
- Heart screening (Holter monitor) from middle age
- Consistent, fun training — they stay puppyish for years
Kit for a Boxer
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for busy minds
Treat-dispensing puzzle toy
4.5Turns part of a meal into a ten-minute job for clever, energetic dogs.
- Adjustable difficulty
- Easy to wash
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
| Trait | Boxer |  Staffordshire Bull TerrierCompare |
 RottweilerCompare |
 Great DaneCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 25–32 kg (55–71 lb) | 11–17 kg (24–37 lb) | 35–60 kg (77–132 lb) | 45–80 kg (99–176 lb) |
| Energy | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Boxer get?
Adults usually weigh 25–32 kg (55–71 lb) and stand 53–63 cm (21–25 in) tall.
How long do Boxers live?
Typically 10–12 years.
Are Boxers good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Boxers shed?
Not much.
What health problems are Boxers prone to?
Boxer cardiomyopathy (heart rhythm disease); Aortic stenosis; Cancers, including mast cell tumours; Breathing problems in hot weather (short muzzle); Hip dysplasia.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts