Boxer: Temperament, Training, Grooming, Nutrition

Q: Are Boxer dogs dangerous?

Boxers have received an unfair reputation as dangerous and aggressive over the years. However, these characteristics are not in their nature. Whilst a powerful and muscular breed, the Boxer temperament is actually playful, loving and loyal and they make ideal family pets. However, it’s worth noting that Boxers are strong, powerful dogs so need a fit and healthy owner who will be able to manage them.

Q: Are Boxer dogs friendly?

When it comes to their families, Boxers are nothing if not loyal and this fun-loving breed is one of the friendliest. However, their intense loyalty can make the Boxer wary of new people and animals and early socialisation is key to nurturing a friendly, confident pet.

Q: Are Boxer dogs good with cats?

Boxers are generally friendly with anyone they consider to be part of their “pack” – cats included! Boxer dogs are usually a good fit for multi-pet households, but beware – their boisterous behaviour and playful nature might prove too much for other pets!

Q: When do Boxer dogs stop growing?

As a larger breed, Boxers can take a bit longer to reach their full size. Most Boxers will be fully grown by between 18 to 24 months. A typical height for an adult Boxer is between 53 to 63 cm and they can weigh in at anywhere between 25 and 32 kg.

Q: Why do Boxer dogs hug?

The typical Boxer “hug” is also known as a “box” – it’s where they get their name! This is when a Boxer will sit or stand on their hind legs and kick out their front paws. As a playful breed, it’s no surprise that one of the main reasons a Boxer will adopt this stance is when they’re ready for games. However, this affectionate breed has also been known to use their front paws to “hug” their humans when they want some attention.

An adoring pet with boundless energy and a mischievous sense of humour

Intelligent, playful and energetic, Boxers can adapt to most environments as long as they get plenty of exercise. They might come from a hunting background, but their even temperaments make them kind and charismatic pets.

Vital Stats

Size:	Medium to large
Coat:	Short and smooth, with minimal grooming required.
Exercise:	2 hours a day
Life span:	10+ years
Flat-faced:	Yes, consider this breed's additional health needs before buying
Breed group:	Working
Temperament:	Playful, energetic, confident

Size 53cm
-
63cm Coat Short
coat Exercise 2hrs Life span 10+years Flat-faced Yes

Boxer Temperament & Personality

Boxer dogs are loyal, loving and athletic. This firm, muscular breed is considered a good dog for families, especially if you have an active lifestyle.

When properly socialised, Boxers are patient and protective making them a good fit for households with children and other animals, including cats.
This breed’s loyalty is returned by their owners – it is said that once you have a Boxer, you’ll never have another breed.
Boxers are known for their high-energy personalities, so be prepared for plenty of walks and playtime to keep this fun-loving canine out of mischief!

Because of their loyalty, Boxers can be wary of strangers, but will rarely show aggression. Good socialisation from an early age will help your Boxer take meeting new people and pets in their stride.
Despite their size and muscular build, Boxers have a tendency to think they’re lapdogs, and will try to lie as close to you as possible for maximum cuddles.

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Boxer Training & Exercise

Bright and willing to learn, Boxers have been used as military messengers, guide dogs and in rescue operations. They thrive on human interaction and playtime, including running after tennis balls and even swimming.

Training tips

An intelligent breed, Boxers love to learn – tap into this from a young age by taking them to puppy obedience classes from around 3 to 6 months old. This will help you teach them the basic commands and provide essential socialisation experiences for your pup!
Whilst they are intelligent and loving, Boxers can also exhibit a stubborn streak. For this reason, they respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.
Since Boxers are stocky, muscular dogs, early lead training is essential, before they get too strong to manage.
Boxers can take a while to housetrain and crate training is recommended for this breed.

Keeping them happy

Boxers are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a short snout. This can mean they are prone to overheating, especially in hot summer months. Make sure they have access to plenty of water as well as shady spots to escape the heat.
Due to their loyal natures, Boxers can be prone to separation anxiety so are usually happiest in households where someone will be around most of the day. If you do have to leave your dog alone for a few hours, make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them busy or have someone check in on them.

Exercise

Whilst Boxers do need lots of exercise (around 2 hours a day), moderation is key when it comes to this breed. Due to their short snouts and propensity for overheating, it is best to spread walks and exercise out throughout the day.
Between walks, make sure your Boxer’s brain is getting a workout too – this intelligent breed needs plenty of mental stimulation to stop them from becoming bored.

Game ideas

Boxers love to chase, so a simple game of “fetch” is enough to keep your Boxer happy. Just be careful your dog doesn’t overexert themselves and keep an eye out for signs of overheating such as excess panting.

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Training tips

An intelligent breed, Boxers love to learn – tap into this from a young age by taking them to puppy obedience classes from around 3 to 6 months old. This will help you teach them the basic commands and provide essential socialisation experiences for your pup!
Whilst they are intelligent and loving, Boxers can also exhibit a stubborn streak. For this reason, they respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.
Since Boxers are stocky, muscular dogs, early lead training is essential, before they get too strong to manage.
Boxers can take a while to housetrain and crate training is recommended for this breed.

Keeping them happy

Boxers are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a short snout. This can mean they are prone to overheating, especially in hot summer months. Make sure they have access to plenty of water as well as shady spots to escape the heat.
Due to their loyal natures, Boxers can be prone to separation anxiety so are usually happiest in households where someone will be around most of the day. If you do have to leave your dog alone for a few hours, make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them busy or have someone check in on them.

Exercise

Whilst Boxers do need lots of exercise (around 2 hours a day), moderation is key when it comes to this breed. Due to their short snouts and propensity for overheating, it is best to spread walks and exercise out throughout the day.
Between walks, make sure your Boxer’s brain is getting a workout too – this intelligent breed needs plenty of mental stimulation to stop them from becoming bored.

Game ideas

Boxers love to chase, so a simple game of “fetch” is enough to keep your Boxer happy. Just be careful your dog doesn’t overexert themselves and keep an eye out for signs of overheating such as excess panting.

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Boxer Grooming

Do Boxers shed? Yes, at certain times of year they can heavily moult their short hair; this is known as “blowing coat” and usually happens in spring and autumn.

Apart from in their heavy shedding seasons, Boxers are fairly low maintenance and don’t need much grooming. Brushing occasionally will help to keep shedding at bay.
Some Boxers will even lick and groom themselves, like cats do.

Boxers can be prone to sensitive skin, so it’s advised to only bathe them on a monthly basis if it’s necessary. Use a high-quality shampoo and rinse and dry properly to prevent any skin irritation. Pay special attention to drying their facial folds which can trap moisture and become infected.
Grooming sessions are a good time to check your Boxer’s ears for signs of infection such as black or brown wax or a strange smell.

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Boxer Nutrition

Boxer puppies continue growing for a long time, and will continue to broaden into adulthood, so it’s important to support their growth with the right nutrition.

It is recommended that the best meal plan for Boxers is a mix of wet and dry food. Crunchy biscuits will help to maintain good dental health, as Boxers can sometimes suffer from bad breath.
To reduce the risk of gastric problems, it’s best not to feed your Boxer dog immediately before exercise

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FAQs

Are Boxer dogs dangerous?

Are Boxer dogs friendly?

Are Boxer dogs good with cats?

When do Boxer dogs stop growing?

Why do Boxer dogs hug?

Help & Support page

FAQs

Are Boxer dogs dangerous?

Are Boxer dogs friendly?

Are Boxer dogs good with cats?

When do Boxer dogs stop growing?

Why do Boxer dogs hug?

Help & Support page

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Boxer insurance considerations

Boxers sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan dog insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.

Physical & online
consultations

Diagnostic
tests

Prescription
medicine

Surgery &
specialised care

Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

Hereditary
conditions

Behavioural
conditions

Congenital
conditions

Dental illness
& injury

Cancer
treatments

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An adoring pet with boundless energy and a mischievous sense of humour