Boxer

A boxer is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

The typical life span for a boxer is eight to 12 years.

Typical Behavior

Boxers are playful, energetic dogs and wonderful companions for children especially. Most boxers are even tempered, demonstrating any sign of aggression only when they sense their “people” are threatened. They are especially protective of children. Boxers usually create mischief if left alone; their favorite place is with people.

Care Requirements

Boxers require regular exercise, daily feeding, access to fresh drinking water at all times and at least one visit per year to see a veterinarian for a health checkup and required vaccinations. They also need daily playtime and interaction with people.

SPCA International strongly recommends that you have your dog spayed or neutered. There continues to be serious overpopulation of companion animals for which permanent homes cannot be found. This means that every year, millions of animals are euthanized in shelters before they have the chance to live a full and happy life.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

Boxers like having a space of their own. This could be a dog bed or a crate that may have been used to housebreak the dog. Exercise is important for the health and well-being of a boxer. A large outdoor play yard would be appreciated by a boxer, as well as daily walks to the dog park.

Dietary Requirements

Because most boxers have a tendency to become obese, their diets must be closely controlled. The boxer puppy should be fed a diet prepared for large-breed puppies, or regular adult dog food of less than 25 percent protein, to help avoid joint problems that can occur when puppies grow too fast. Offer food two or three times a day and take away what the dog doesn't eat after 10 minutes.

Financial Considerations for a Boxer:

Veterinary

Regular veterinary care is recommended for all dogs, including boxers. A yearly checkup runs approximately $150 to $250; year shots are approximately $60 to $75; and internal and external parasite preventatives are approximately $120 to $190.

Boxers have a tendency to develop health issues that can lead to major veterinary costs – including allergies, bloat, cancer, cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia – and should be seen more than once a year by a veterinarian as they age.

It is also strongly recommended that your dog be spayed or neutered. At your veterinarian clinic or local animal hospital, the cost for these services should run between $250 and $400 for a spay and $200 and $350 for a neuter. If you need financial assistance, there are low-cost spay and neuter clinics in most areas that will help you defray the expense to between $50 and $175 for a female dog (depending on weight) and between $45 and $175 for a male dog (depending on weight).

Grooming

The boxer requires minimal grooming because its fur is short and sleek. Brushing and bathing is needed occasionally, but normally a professional groomer is not required. If you use the services of professional groomer, the cost should run approximately $30 to $40 for this small, short-hair breed.

Animal Sitter

A professional dog sitter, a friend, neighbor or a boarding kennel can be used to care for your boxer in your absence. Professional dog sitting or doggy day care can cost between $5 and $15 per hour or between $30 and $60 per night for an overnight stay.

Food

The cost to feed a boxer will vary depending on the quality of the food you feed the dog. Veterinarians recommend feeding a high-quality food which helps prevent health problems.

Other Supplies:

Generally, a boxer requires food and water dish; a collar with current identification; a leash; a dog bed; a dog house if spending time outdoors; toys; grooming supplies; and a pooper scooper and bags.

Interesting Facts about Boxers:

• Boxers originated in Germany.
• Boxers were bred to be fighting dogs, hence their name.
• White boxers are usually either deaf or blind and in some cases both.
• Boxers are the seventh most popular dog breed in the United States.
• Boxers were used to deliver handwritten messages for the military on the battlefields during World Wars I and II.