Boxers are large muscular dogs but don’t let that put you off; they are playful, loving and friendly dogs. They are excellent watchdogs but will do their best to become a lapdog if you let them.
They are puppies until they are at least three years old, which means their playful ways will last longer than most other breeds. Boxers used to have cropped ears and docked tails, but the practice is now illegal in the UK, making them look a lot cuter without the barbaric practice.
Boxers love to be with their family; they have boundless energy but are fantastic and gentle with children. You will find it challenging to find a breed who is as loyal and as loving, but because of this, they hate being left on their own and can suffer from separation anxiety. Don’t get this breed if you work full time or are not around much.
They make excellent watchdogs, and due to their size and stature, it would be surprising to get any intruders with one of these around. They are used by the military, search and rescue and police work; they are both strong and courageous and will protect their families to the end. They can be un-trusting of strangers, so you will need to socialise them as early as possible to combat this.
They need plenty of exercise and playtimes, and they could make the perfect jogging partner. This is not a breed for couch potatoes. You will need to be able to commit to long walks and endless games to keep them happy.
They are good with other dogs, especially if they have been brought up with them; they may be aggressive with dogs of the same sex, so keep an eye on them. Cats should be OK, but let’s face it, most dogs will always find it fun to chase the neighbour’s cats, especially ones as playful as the Boxer.
They are intelligent dogs but can be very headstrong, you will need to discover their motivation reward early on to get the best out of them. You will need consistency and assert yourself as the top dog early on to get them to listen to you. Then you will have a lovely well-trained companion for life. They stay puppies for so long you have your work cut to get them to listen, but they are sweet-natured dogs, so they may not respond well to being harshly treated when training.
Boxers struggle in hot climates; their short noses mean they can’t cool air properly and are more likely to suffer from a heat stroke than any other breed, and their short hair means they aren’t very good in the cold. You shouldn’t leave them outside for a long time.
Boxers have short hair but shed quite a lot all year round; if this is a problem, you may want to look at a different breed. Combing at least weekly or daily will really help with the situation.
Boxer Dog Stats
The Boxer originated from the smaller type of Bullenbeisser, which was a type of Bulldog used for bear and bull baiting. The Boxer became an escort and protection dog when this practice was banned. The British Bulldog contributed to the development of the modern Boxer, but this took place before the contemporary low-slung British Bulldog evolved.
- Size – 58cm – 61cm
- Weight – 28kg – 35kg
- They live for 8-10 years