Boxer
The Boxer is a top-rated medium-sized dog. Their loyal and loving nature makes them great family pets for all types of households. They adore playing and thrive in busy environments. Originating from Germany, the Boxer belongs to the Working Dog group.
Boxer At A Glance
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | A playful and happy breed who has a protective nature. |
| Suitable | An active family who thrives on affection and love. |
| Health | The Boxer is typically a healthy breed of dog, but like all dogs, they can be prone to specific health issues. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Skin Conditions Allergy | $1,781.90 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $2,471.70 |
| Mass Lesion | $10,499.94 |
| Skin Condition Lumps | 2,848.45 |
| Arthritis | $2,030.00 |
| Eye Conditions | $2,255.00 |
| Ear Conditions | $743.58 |
| Neoplasia | $4,312.91 |
| Tissue Damage/Fracture | $1,356.00 |
| Skeletal Condition | $3,189.02 |
| Neurological Condition | $3,500.00 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
Being a brilliant, energetic dog, training is a must. Your Boxer will thrive in training, and it is advised to start at a young age to ensure you can adequately exercise your young dog as they grow. For medium-sized dogs, it is essential to teach them all the doggy manners that will develop them into well-adjusted and happy dogs. Boxers are easy to train and keen to work and learn besides their loyal owners. Consistent, early training is a must with this eager-to-please breed.
Grooming
The Boxer is an easy-to-maintain pup, grooming-wise. With a nice short coat, they benefit from a weekly rub down with a rubber glove to remove dead hairs. Due to their short coat, they shed very little hair. However, young pups and older Boxers will feel the cold during Winter, with many owners opting to utilise dog coats during this chilly time of year. Nail clipping is a must, as with all breeds. Having your young pup used to have a monthly clip will ensure good nail and foot health in your dog. Ask your veterinarian how to clip your pup’s nails correctly during a vaccination or next check-up.
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Common Health Complaints – Boxer
Boxers are generally a healthy and robust breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to specific health issues including;
- Heart Conditions - Boxers are prone to specific heart issues, including aortic stenosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), or Boxer Cardiomyopathy. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and appropriate exercise can help manage heart health. Responsible breeding can also help prevent some of these conditions. Treatment will depend on the condition and will be typically treated with medication and ongoing veterinary monitoring.
- Boxer Cardiomyopathy - This specific heart condition is more common in Boxers. It involves an abnormal heart rhythm and can lead to fainting or sudden death. Regular cardiac check-ups are essential for early detection.
- Hip Dysplasia – This is a common condition in many dog breeds, including the Boxer. It is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't correctly fit into the socket, leading to pain, lameness, and eventual arthritis. Treatment commonly involves surgery to correct the issue.
- Cancer - Boxers also have a higher risk of developing various types of cancer, including mast cell tumours, lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring for any unusual lumps or bumps are necessary. Treatment can involve surgery and chemotherapy.
- Gastrointestinal Issues - Boxers can be sensitive to certain foods, and some may be prone to conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Granulomatous Colitis (GC). Maintaining a balanced diet and monitoring for signs of digestive upsets is fundamental. It is essential to seek veterinary advice if you notice symptoms like weight loss, bloody diarrhea, or lethargy.
- Skin Conditions - Skin allergies and conditions such as Boxer dermatitis, also known as Boxer Bumps or Bacterial Dermatitis, can present in this dog breed. Regular grooming and quickly addressing any skin issues are essential. Treatment typically includes medication and medicated shampoos alongside veterinary monitoring.
- Corneal Dystrophy - This inherited eye condition can affect older Boxers, causing changes to the cornea and potentially leading to vision impairment and discomfort. Veterinary monitoring is vital for any eye condition and concerns.
- Degenerative Myelopathy – A condition affecting the nerves that typically lead to incoordination of the hind legs, leading to possible paralysis. Treatment includes weight management, swimming therapy, medication, and frequent veterinary assessments.
- Orthopaedic Problems - Boxers, particularly when young, can be prone to conditions like osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and arthritis. Monitoring their activity levels and providing appropriate exercise for their age can help prevent these issues.
Exercise Requirements
The Boxer is a high-energy dog and will require daily exercise. Training is also paramount. They will thrive from high-intensity activity, such as a run or brisk walk, followed by an off-leash romp at the park. Boxers also perform well in a range of dog sports.
Intelligence
Boxers are a very intelligent breed. Because of this, they will need to be kept well-trained and adequately exercised. A bored Boxer will find entertainment in other activities, such as digging, barking or becoming destructive if not correctly entertained.
Family Friendly
Boxers are a much-loved addition to any family. They are great with children, and their playful nature makes them an excellent companion for any age group. However, training is a must, as is exercise, to ensure your pup grows into a well-rounded dog. They are very affectionate with those they love.
Indoor/outdoor?
Unless they are roping around, constantly playing and heading off on an outdoor adventures due to their short coats, they will feel the cold and will typically prefer to be in the house lazing in the sun or sprawled out across the tiles in the heat of summer. They will feel the cold more than heavy-coated breeds, particularly at night and on a cold winter day. If you keep your dog outside for most of the day, consider a warm kennel area for the cooler months. Boxers, being a short-nosed, squishy-face breed (known as brachycephalic dog breed) they will also struggle in the heat, this can lead to breathing difficulties and heatstroke. Understanding this and adjusting their environment to suit is vital for the Boxer.
Responsible Breeding
It is crucial to only source your new Boxer from a reputable and experienced breeder to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems, and if you can, ask to view Mum and Dad. Contacting your local Boxer breed club can also help you research your Boxer breeder. Your Boxer breeder should have proof that they regularly screen their breeding dogs for genetic diseases to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments and a robust bloodline. It may take a little more time than a quick online purchase, but it can save you and your family from the pain and heartache a sick puppy or dog can bring.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for Boxers
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Boxers. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
Sources
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boxer/
https://www.purina.co.nz/find-a-pet/dog-breeds/boxer
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/boxer
