Boxer Breed Facts

The Boxer breed originated in Germany during the 19th century and was originally bred for dog fighting and apprehending game while hunting, explains the American Kennel Club. Introduced to America after World War I, Boxers became popular pets during the 1930s.

  1. Size

    • The average height of a Boxer at its shoulders is 23 to 25 inches in males and 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches in females, reports the American Kennel Club. Males average weights of around 70 pounds, while females weigh an average of 60 pounds.

    Appearance

    • Boxers are typically a light brown color and may have black markings or light stripes on their bodies. The breed is very muscular, has dark eyes and often features cropped ears.

    Time Frame

    • The average life span of Boxer dogs is 11 to 14 years, explains BreedInfo.com.

    Temperament

    • Boxers are loyal dogs and are good with children, making them suitable for families, explains CanisMajor.com. The breed has a lot of energy and requires obedience training to learn self-control.

    Considerations

    • Boxers are prone to hypothyroidism (decreased production of certain hormones) and to hip dysplasia (a type of joint problem), cautions CanisMajor.com. Because of this, regular checkups are important for the health of Boxer dogs.