Boxer
The clown of the working group — a bouncy, big-hearted goofball.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium-large · 53–63 cm |
| Weight | 25–32 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years |
| Energy | High — 1–2 hours/day |
| Shedding | Low–moderate, year-round |
| Coat | Short smooth coat · fawn or brindle, often white-marked |
| Group | Working · FCI №144 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Developed in Germany from the Bullenbeisser hunting mastiff, the Boxer went on to serve as butcher's dog, police dog and family guardian. What remains is a powerful, agile athlete with a comedian's soul: watchful with strangers, silly with its people, and famously among the last breeds to grow up.
Habits & quirks
The kidney bean
Too happy for a mere wag, a delighted Boxer folds itself into a wiggling crescent.
Paw play
It spars with its front feet like a prizefighter — the habit often credited with naming the breed.
The woo-woo
Not a bark, not a howl — an indignant talking noise reserved for demands.
Chin on knee
All that muscle ends in a soft head parked on your lap, eyes rolled up hopefully.
Care
| Exercise | One to two hours of vigorous play and walks daily — never in the heat of the day, as the short muzzle limits cooling. |
| Health | Ask breeders about heart screening (aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy); the breed also carries an elevated cancer risk. |
| Training | Bright but bouncy; channel the exuberance early with reward-based training and impulse-control games. |
| Weather | Short coat, short muzzle: too hot in summer, too cold in deep winter. A jumper helps; shade is essential. |
Common questions
Are Boxers good family dogs?
Excellent — playful, patient and protective, they adore children. Their bounciness just needs managing around toddlers.
Do Boxers need a lot of exercise?
Yes — one to two hours a day of play and walks. Avoid hard exercise in heat, as the short muzzle makes cooling harder.
How long do Boxers live?
Typically 10–12 years. The breed's main concerns are heart conditions and a higher-than-average cancer rate, so choose breeders who screen their stock.