Growth Stages of Boxer Puppies

Understanding the growth stages of a boxer puppy can help you decide at what age a puppy will fit into the lifestyle of your home. A boxer puppy will react to its new home in a different way at each stage of development. Knowing this can help you make the best possible decision for your family and plan for your new family member.

  1. Birth To 2 Weeks

    • At this age, a boxer puppy is virtually helpless. His motions are restricted and the only thing he is aware of is immediate physical need. He whimpers or whines as a reflective behavior to indicate his hunger or need for bodily contact with his mother.

    2-3 Weeks

    • A boxer puppy will open his eyes at 2 to 3 weeks of age. Development is rapid during this week of his young life as he can now hear, see and walk. It is at this age that a boxers' teeth begin to appear, and he can be introduced to solid food.

    3-7 Weeks

    • This is the crucial stage of development when socialization begins to take place. The boxer puppy will begin to bond with a new person during this stage and will form relationships with other animals. He'll spend a great deal of time playing with his littermates. His hearing will become acute, and the puppy can be startled by loud noises. A boxer puppy in this stage should be handled well and often as it will set the stage for how easy he is to handle in the future. A boxer pup who is not socialized during this time may have a more difficult time socializing later.

    7-10 Weeks

    • Though his motor skills are not completely developed at this stage, a puppy now has a nervous system similar to an adult boxer. He should be weaned from his mother by now, and is mature enough to readjust to new situations. However, although you may be anxious to bring your new puppy home, a puppy should never be taken away from his litter prior to eight weeks, according to the website Petlvr.com. Not only does he need the hours of play and cuddling that his littermates will supply, but the puppy will learn his early social and elimination skills from his mother. If the puppy was successfully socialized during the 3- to 7-week stage, he will be excited to begin to form more human attachments, and you will find that he bonds with you quickly if you spend some time with him before bringing him home.

    10 Weeks-4 Months

    • This stage is a good time to introduce routine and discipline to your boxer puppy, as he will begin to feel assertive enough to test you. You will bond with your puppy as you train and praise him for his efforts. Remember that the effort you put into working with your puppy at this age will reap a lifetime of benefits.