Boxer
BOK-sur
Fun-loving, Bright, Active, Loyal. Originally bred for bull-baiting, later as butcher's helpers and guard dogs.
An adult Boxer weighs 65-80 lbs (male) or 50-65 lbs (female), needs 1,020-2,070 calories daily, and lives 10-12 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is cancer (especially mast cell tumors). All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Boxer needs 1,020 to 2,070 calories per day. An average male (72 lbs / 32.9 kg) needs around 1,630 kcal; a female (58 lbs / 26.1 kg) roughly 1,370 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Boxer. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Boxer typically lives 10-12 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are cancer (especially mast cell tumors) and heart conditions (aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy), which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Needs 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Boxers are perpetual puppies; many remain playful and energetic well into middle age. They love running, playing, and roughhousing but should avoid intense exercise in heat. Working breeds like the Boxer were developed for specific physical tasks. They need purposeful activity, not just wandering around a yard. Structured exercise with clear tasks, such as carrying a dog pack on hikes, pulling a cart, or advanced obedience training, satisfies their need to work. Without sufficient exercise, the Boxer is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Boxers have a short, tight-fitting, shiny coat. Origin: Germany.
Boxers are brachycephalic, making them heat-sensitive. They're known for their 'kidney bean' dance of joy and their tendency to sit on people's laps despite their size. White Boxers (about 25% of all Boxers born) have higher rates of deafness.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Boxers. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Tools for Boxer owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect to feed your Boxer between 1020 and 2070 calories per day. A 72-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Growth-phase nutrition matters enormously for large breeds. Puppies need controlled growth to protect developing joints. Active dogs need more; seniors and less active individuals need less. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 65-80 lbs (29.5–36.3 kg). Females run lighter at 50-65 lbs (22.7–29.5 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
For Boxers, cancer (especially mast cell tumors) tops the list of breed-associated health conditions. Talk to your vet about screening options and early detection strategies for cancer (especially mast cell tumors). Other conditions seen in the breed include heart conditions (aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy), hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
A Boxer thrives on 60 to 90 minutes of daily physical activity. Good activities for this breed include structured tasks, cart pulling, obedience drills. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised Boxer will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026