The Boxer is a medium-to-large breed from Germany, developed in the 19th century from the now-extinct Bullenbeisser hunting dog. Modern Boxers are cheerful, energetic, and famously affectionate — their tendency to stand on hind legs and 'box' with their front paws gave the breed its name. They are loyal family dogs who combine playfulness and protectiveness in an endearing, if sometimes silly, package.
Boxers typically live 10-12 years, shorter than many breeds. Our girl is eight and we're already aware that we're in the second half of her life. This isn't a reason not to get one — the years you have are spectacular — but go in with eyes open. The grief of a Boxer's relatively short life is real a…
Read full review →My Boxer is four years old and I still can't believe how much love he has to give. Every morning greeting is as enthusiastic as the first day. Every walk is the best walk ever. Every cuddle on the sofa is complete contentment. He's made me a more joyful person by proximity. The best possible compani…
Read full review →Our Boxer has the bark and the build to deter people who don't know her, but anyone who visits regularly quickly discovers she's all performance. She'd sooner lick an intruder than intimidate one. That said, she is alert to unusual sounds and will sound the alarm. Practical guard effect without any …
Read full review →The flat nose that makes Boxers look so characterful also means they're more prone to overheating and breathing difficulties. Our boy snores, overheats in summer, and needs to be watched carefully during exercise in hot weather. We avoid midday walks in summer and always carry water. Worth it for th…
Read full review →Nothing quite prepares you for a Boxer's zoomies. My girl does circuits of the garden at full speed with a look of absolute transcendence on her face. Then she sprints back, skids to a halt, and looks at me as if to say 'are you seeing this?' Her joy is completely infectious and genuinely one of my …
Read full review →Boxers form intense bonds with their families. Mine is calmly wherever I am — not anxious, just present. If I'm in the garden, he's in the garden. If I'm on the sofa, he's approximately on the sofa (largely on top of me). This devoted following is everything to some people. If you want personal spac…
Read full review →Boxers need good daily exercise but they're not marathon dogs. An hour of solid running or play daily keeps mine happy and well-behaved. She's athletic enough for serious activity but doesn't need the relentless input that border collies or huskies require. A good middle ground between couch potato …
Read full review →There is no better description for a Boxer than 'an athlete who thinks he's a lap dog.' My boy weighs 30kg and his default position is somehow draped across my lap with a look of pure contentment. He's goofy, affectionate, endlessly energetic outdoors, and completely calm indoors. I've never met a d…
Read full review →We got our Boxer when our kids were 5 and 7. She's been an absolutely perfect family dog — protective when it matters, gentle when it's needed, and utterly enthusiastic about playing with the children all day. She's never once been reactive or aggressive. Just permanently overjoyed to be alive and w…
Read full review →Boxers have a reputation for being stubborn but mine has responded beautifully to positive reinforcement. He's food-motivated enough that training sessions are highly productive and the enthusiasm he brings is infectious. He learned basic obedience quickly and now we're working on more complex comma…
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