Boxer

Good to know

• Playful and bouncy: they stay puppyish for years, and many like to bat at toys and people with their front paws when they play.
• High energy: they need plenty of daily exercise and play to stay calm and well mannered at home.
• Heat sensitive: with a short muzzle and short coat, they don't handle heat or extreme cold well.
• Family guardian: they are loving and patient with their families and alert watchdogs, so socialization helps them stay friendly.

Getting out with a Boxer

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Common health considerations

Inherited conditions to ask your vet about

• Boxer cardiomyopathy
• Cancer (mast cell tumors)
• Hip dysplasia
• Brachycephalic syndrome

Common issues

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Allergies

Bloat (GDV) risk: moderate. A swollen belly with retching but nothing coming up is an emergency: go to a vet straight away.

Not every Boxer will have these. Good breeders screen for inherited conditions, and your vet can advise on testing and check-ups.

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