| Height | 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male), females are about 15 pounds less than male [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Active / Bright / Fun-Loving [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 18 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Boxers are very playful, high-energy dogs. They need ample exercise every day, on leash or in a securely fenced area. The Boxer must never be allowed to run loose. [1]
Grooming
The Boxer's short, shiny coat requires very little grooming. A good once-over with a rubber curry-brush or a hound glove once or twice a week should keep him looking his best. The Boxer tends to be a clean dog, needing a bath only occasionally. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Boxer does not have a high tolerance for either extreme heat or cold, and he should always be kept inside the house as a beloved member of the family. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, thyroid deficiency, degenerative myelopathy, and certain cancers. The website of the breed's national parent club, the American Boxer Club, provides in-depth details about the breed's health and care. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, AS/SAS Cardio, Aortic Valve Disease, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) - DNA Test, Holter Monitor Testing for Boxer Cardiomyopathy, Annually, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Boxer in 1904. [1]
- It ranked No. 18 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 10 in 2015. [2]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Best Dog Breeds for Kids, Largest Dog Breeds” breed lists. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 8 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
Common questions
How long do Boxers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Boxer get?
AKC breed information lists height 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) and weight 65-80 pounds (male), females are about 15 pounds less than male.
How much are vet bills for a Boxer?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Boxer, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.