Boxers approach life with a playfulness and exuberance that is a stark contrast to their rough, square-jawed appearance. Boxers are perpetually happy to be doing anything – whether it’s tasks assigned to them for work, or spending time with their human companions. 

The typical Boxer is a highly intelligent, alert, and loyal animal, prone to clownishness and playfulness. They make great family dogs when their owners are able to give them the attention and training that they need. Boxers require a significant amount of mental stimulation and socialization to reach their full potential. 

Boxers are not inherently aggressive, though they can be protective when they are trained as guardians. They’re often gentle with children under their care, though they require early training to learn how to play with kids. Even then, their size and strength mean they should always be supervised when interacting with young children. 

Their high intelligence means that they get bored easily, and they need a lot of time and training with their owners to really thrive. 

In general, Boxers are highly active dogs that want lots of exercise and play throughout the day. However, there are some precautions that need to be taken due to the Boxer’s specific needs. 

Boxers have a shorter snout than most other dogs of their size and energy level, so they cannot be allowed to get too hot because their panting does not cool them down as effectively as other dogs. 

Boxers are athletic animals and love to jump, especially when they’re young. A high fence is necessary to keep them from running off to chase smaller animals, or a sturdy leash if they’re being brought out of the house for a walk. 

Giving your Boxer the amount of exercise they need will result in a calmer, more biddable dog. 

Boxers are relatively low-maintenance dogs due to their short coat and moderate shedding. A weekly brushing using a curry brush is usually enough for most Boxers, and will help to keep their shedding light. 

They enjoy grooming themselves in an almost catlike fashion, and are often clean without needing baths. Because their coat is short, their skin needs to be in top condition to protect them from the elements. If you do bathe your Boxer, use a gentle dog-specific shampoo to avoid drying out their skin.

The Boxer’s nails should be trimmed once a month if they are not worn down naturally. Brushing your Boxer’s teeth should be done daily if possible, to prevent tooth and gum disease. 

While they’re suited to a wide variety of working roles, training is important even for Boxers that are kept as pets. Their high intelligence means they require varied and interesting training, otherwise they may get bored. A Boxer is smart enough to make up their own games if they feel they aren’t getting enough mental stimulation, which may result in unwanted behaviors. 

Despite this, Boxers pick up training quickly, so you may run out of tasks for them before they get bored. They excel in agility and obedience, so training your Boxer for these sports, even if you do not intend to compete, may provide them with the required mental challenge. 

Some Boxers may have an independent streak that can make them uncooperative when they’re not in the mood for training. Positive reinforcement will go a long way toward motivating them to follow your cues.

Boxers have an average lifespan for dogs of their size, with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Boxers may be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia – a condition wherein the hip joint is not formed correctly, resulting in pain and lameness of the rear legs
• Hypothyroidism – a deficiency of the thyroid hormone that may cause lethargy, weight gain, and hair loss
• Corneal Dystrophy – any one of several inheritable eye diseases that cause opaqueness in the cornea
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus – also known as GDV or “bloat”, this is a life-threatening condition caused by the twisting of the stomach after eating too quickly

Boxers are brawny dogs with a love of both work and play. Their heights range from 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder for males, while females are around 21 to 23 inches in height. Males weigh between 60 to 80 pounds, and females are around 50 to 65 pounds. 

Their active nature means that they need quite a bit of space to live and play. An enclosed outdoor area with a high fence is a good option for most Boxers, as they love to jump and some can scale walls with ease. 

Boxers will need at least an hour of exercise a day, either in the form of brisk walking or outdoor play. Joggers and runners can take their Boxer along, so long as they keep the sessions short enough that the dog does not overheat. 

One specific trait of Boxers that has to be mentioned is their speed – they’re one of the fastest dog breeds, reaching 30 mph for some specimens. If you’re going to be taking your Boxer for a run, you’ll need to keep them on a leash or else risk being left in their dust.