Boxer
Boxer: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Boxer: a good fit for you
Boxer: could work, with compromises
Boxer: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Boxer is a German breed whose immediate ancestor is regarded as the small Brabant Bullenbeisser, a hunting dog; today the FCI standard describes it as a companion, guard and working dog.[1] In the standard’s words it should be fearless, self-confident, calm and equable, and its devotion and loyalty towards its master and household are famous.[1]
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
Boxer: origin and history
Huntsmen bred the Bullenbeisser to seize the game put up by the hounds and hold it firmly until they arrived.[1] Selection for wide jaws that could hold on produced a dog with a wide muzzle and an upturned nose.[1] According to the Royal Kennel Club, it is thought that the Bullenbeisser, whose name means ‘bull biter’, was crossed with the Bulldog, which provided the basis for the present-day Boxer.[2]
The AKC explains the English name by the way the breed spars with its front paws, like a prizefighter, when playing or defending itself.[3] Boxers have worked as police dogs, war dogs in both world wars, watchdogs and guide dogs for the blind, and the AKC registered its first Boxer in 1904.[3] Its FCI classification is Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs), Section 2 (Molossian type), subsection 2.1 (Mastiff type), with working trial.[1]
Fact sheet
- Origin
- Germany
- Size
- Large
- Height at withers
- 53–63 cm [1]
- Weight
- 25–35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Short
- Colours
- Fawn, brindle
- Low-shedding coat
- No
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needshigh
- Trainabilitymoderate
- Grooming needsvery low
- Sheddingmoderate
- Barkingmoderate
- Good with kidsvery high
- Good with other dogsmoderate
- Good with catsmoderate
- Apartment-friendlylow
- Copes with being alonelow
- Watchdog instincthigh
- Good for first-time ownersmoderate
- Affectionvery high
Boxer: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
With good preparation. It rates 3 out of 5 for first-time owners. Training takes patience and consistency (3 out of 5 for trainability). The guarding instinct needs early socialisation and calm, consistent handling.
How long can it be left alone?
2 to 3 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (2 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
About 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. Plan for off-lead running or games, not just walks on the lead. Until the dog is fully grown, keep walks short and avoid jumping to protect the growing joints.
How long does it live?
10–12 years is the typical life expectancy. That is shorter than the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). As with most large breeds, life is shorter than for small dogs. Breed-typical health risks: heart disease, cancer.
How big does it get?
53–63 cm at the withers and 25–35 kg. Size class: large.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 5 out of 5 with children. Its size and energy can knock over small children, so supervise play. The dog protects its family, so visitors and your children's friends need a calm introduction. With other dogs it rates 3 out of 5, with cats 3 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Moderately: 3 out of 5 for shedding. Grooming is quick: a brush once a week is enough.
Male or female?
57–63 cm at the withers for males and 53–59 cm for females, according to the breed standard. Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Boxer or Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Biggest difference: barking (moderate vs. low).
| Boxer | Rhodesian Ridgeback | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | 25–35 kg | 32–36.5 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
| Coat | Short | Short |
| Barking | Moderate | Low |
| Good with kids | Very high | High |
| Good with cats | Moderate | Low |
| Copes with being alone | Low | Moderate |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- love being outdoors and have 2 hours or more a day for exercise
- have children
- want an easy-care coat
- want a watchful dog
- want a cuddly companion
Boxer: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Needs about 2 hours of exercise a day
- Every day, in any weather, for 10–12 years. Without enough exercise and things to do, the dog gets restless and may start chewing or barking.
- Struggles when left alone
- 2 to 3 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
- Strong guarding instinct
- 4 out of 5 as a watchdog. The dog is wary of strangers and needs early socialisation and calm, consistent handling.
- Needs space
- 2 out of 5 for apartment living. The dog does best in a house with a garden or with fields on the doorstep.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Heart disease, cancer. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
Boxer: puppy price and monthly costs
£1,000 – £2,500 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Waggel). From £116 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £1,000 – £2,500 [4] | from £116 [5] |
| United States | $500 – $1,500 [6] | $116 [7] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [8] |
| Australia | no data | A$210 [9] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [10] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Heart disease [16]
- Breed-typical heart conditions. Regular heart checks are sensible.
- Cancer [16]
- A higher tumour risk, especially with age.
Health tests for the parent dogs
8 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center): hip X-ray (HD), heart exam, 24-hour ECG (Holter), thyroid test, and DNA tests (ARVC, DM).
- No health test is required for breeding in Canada (The Boxer Club of Canada, Inc.); the table shows what is recommended.
- No health test is required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand); the table shows what is recommended.
| Test | United Kingdom [17] | United States [18] | Canada [19] | New Zealand [20] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Recommended |
| 24-hour ECG (Holter)Heart rhythm problems and cardiomyopathy | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Thyroid testAutoimmune thyroiditis | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: ARVCArrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: DMDegenerative myelopathy | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: the kennel club lists these tests as advice and requires none, so every test is ○ recommended.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), heart exam, 24-hour ECG (Holter), and thyroid test. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- DNA results of both parents for ARVC and DM, or proof that both are clear by descent.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [21] [22] [23] [24]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [25] [26] [27]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [28] [29] [30] [31]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 144: Boxer (2008)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Boxer
- American Kennel Club: Boxer Dog Breed Information
- Waggel (UK pet insurer): Pet insurance - Boxer dog breed page
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance: Boxer: Everything You Need To Know
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- Canine Medicine and Genetics 10:6 (O'Neill DG et al., VetCompass): Demography, common disorders and mortality of Boxer dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK (2023)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Royal Kennel Club Health Standard: A complete guide to health testing for responsible breeding (2026)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center (CHIC): CHIC Program Requirements and testing statistics: Boxer
- The Boxer Club of Canada, Inc.: By-Laws (Section M – Code of Ethics) (2015)
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the BOXER (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.