Boxer
Boxers are one of the better choices for a family with children. Expect a big dog that is high-energy, sheds a normal amount and needs very little grooming. The big catch is company: this breed genuinely struggles when the house is empty all day.
The numbers
| Height | 23–25 in (male), 21.5–23.5 in (female) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65–80 lb (male), females about 15 lb less |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years |
Source: American Kennel Club breed standard.
What Boxers are actually like
Boxers were developed in Germany from old bull-baiting stock, then reinvented as working and companion dogs, and they kept the physical comedy along the way. The name most likely comes from the way they spar with their front paws when playing, standing up and batting — they genuinely do it. The breed is famous for staying puppyish for years and for being remarkably patient with children. The catch is the face. A Boxer is a brachycephalic breed, and the shortened muzzle means heat and hard exercise are riskier than for a longer-nosed dog; they also drool, snore and snort. Cancer rates in Boxers are high relative to other breeds, which is worth discussing with a vet early rather than late.
Day to day. High-energy — this is a dog that needs a real outlet every single day, not a stroll. Skip that and you get chewing, barking and digging, which is not naughtiness, it is boredom. On noise, it is about average for noise.
The coat, honestly. This breed sheds a normal amount and needs very little grooming. A brush a few times a week and the occasional tidy-up keeps it in good order.
Being left alone. Struggles on its own. If your house is empty from the school run until the evening, this is the breed most likely to be unhappy about it — and separation problems are one of the top reasons dogs end up back in rescue.
Training. Trains at an average pace. Consistent, reward-based training from day one does most of the work.
Get one if…
- You want a dog with a reputation for putting up with children
- Someone in the house genuinely wants to run, hike or train most days
- You want a dog whose coat looks after itself
- You have room for a big dog and a car it actually fits in
Think again if…
- Your daily walk is really a quick trip round the block
- Your house is empty from the morning drop-off until the evening
- A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year
- Drool on your trousers would bother you every single day
- You are in a flat, or nobody can physically hold this dog on a lead
Health worth knowing about
Every animal is an individual, and plenty of Boxers live long, healthy lives. This is here so nobody is surprised — ask a vet, and ask whoever you get the dog from what they have tested for.
What it costs to keep one
Rough running cost: $$$ (one of the pricier dogs on our list) — because it is a big dog, so food, medicines and anaesthetics all cost more, and the breed has known health issues that can mean extra vet visits.
Those are relative bands, not live prices. For real numbers across every pet we cover, see the pet cost study and the cost calculator.
Looking for one? Start at a shelter
Rescues do have Boxers and Boxer crosses, usually adults whose size, coat and temperament you can see rather than guess at.
Often compared with
❓ Common questions about Boxers
Is a Boxer good with kids?
Yes — Boxers have a strong reputation with children. As with any animal, an adult should supervise young kids and the dog together, and children need to learn to leave it alone while it eats or sleeps.
Do Boxers shed a lot?
A normal amount. Regular brushing keeps most of it off your furniture.
Can a Boxer be left alone during the day?
Not really. This is one of the breeds most likely to become distressed alone all day, and separation problems are a common reason dogs are given up.
Is a Boxer a good first dog?
It can be, with consistent reward-based training from the first day and realistic expectations about exercise.
Should I get a Boxer?
Boxers suit a home that moves a lot, is rarely empty, and is not fussy about coat care. Meet the dog itself before deciding. Get one if: You want a dog with a reputation for putting up with children; Someone in the house genuinely wants to run, hike or train most days; You want a dog whose coat looks after itself; You have room for a big dog and a car it actually fits in. Think again if: Your daily walk is really a quick trip round the block; Your house is empty from the morning drop-off until the evening; A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year; Drool on your trousers would bother you every single day; You are in a flat, or nobody can physically hold this dog on a lead.
📚 Where this comes from
We check our care advice against vets, animal charities, and government health guidance. Here is what this page is built on.
Vets, charities & official guidance
- Breed standards & vital statistics — American Kennel Club
- Preventing dog bites — AVMA
- Brachycephalic dogs policy — British Veterinary Association
- Puppy socialization position statement — AVSAB
- People foods to avoid feeding your pets — ASPCA
- Spaying and neutering — AVMA
Keeper & species-community guides
Checked August 2026. These are other people’s websites, and none of it replaces your own vet — if a pet seems unwell, call one.