How Fast Are Boxer Dogs?

Look at your puppy go! We love to watch our boxer dog speed around the yard or the dog park. They love to run and run, tongue wagging, legs pumping. But how fast are boxer dogs? Boxers can reach top speeds of 38mph to 45mph. For comparison, Olympic superstar Usain Bolt reached a top speed of 23.35mph during his record-breaking 9.58-second 100m dash at the 2009 World Championships. So the Boxer dog’s top speed would have left Usain in the dust!

While a boxer’s top speed when they are pushing themselves to the maximum is very high, it doesn’t mean they can run this fast over a long distance. Their boundless energy and enthusiasm allows them to reach these top boxer dog speeds, but they are able to sustain human running speeds (4mph to 8mph) for longer periods.

Let’s dig into why boxer dogs are so fast, starting with a boxer dog origin story that goes back to Germany…

Boxer Dog Speed: Why Are They So Fast?

Boxers are athletic dogs. They are relatives of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser, a powerful hunting dog from Germany of Mastiff descent, and the English bulldog. That linage gives the Boxer its deep-chest, its playful attitude, and its serious boxer dog speed. Back in the day, the Bullenbeisser breed was an excellent companion for hunters, with strong jaws, super agility and a rock-solid frame.

The boxer was used to help hunt large animals like deer and wild boars. As a result, they were extremely nimble but also very strong and capable of tracking their target over long distances and at high speeds. No wonder Boxers have so much energy! And no wonder they’re such hungry pups, I’m sure we’ve all heard the famous boxer dog stomach gurgling by now! Bullenbeissers were also very good guard dogs, intelligent and responsive to commands, which made them prized across Europe.

As boxers can trace their ancestry to the Bullenbeisser, they of course share many of those same traits. Boxers are not used to hunt big game anymore, but Boxers can seriously move when given the chance, showing off that boxer dog speed and endurance. So, while the Boxer dog top speed of 38mph to 45mph might surprise you, but it makes sense when you consider its breed history and lineage. It is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world, but not quite on the same level of the Greyhound or the Vizsla, two of the fastest dog breeds.

Are Boxers good running dogs?

Boxers are inquisitive, playful and have tons of energy. That is not necessarily a great mix if you are planning to take your dog on a run on a leash. The energy levels are great, but as we explain below, some of the Boxer’s other traits can make them difficult running companions that require patience, especially at first. They can be trained to become good running dogs, but there are a few things to consider before you decide to take your boxer out on a run or a jog.

Because the Boxer is descended from a hunting dog, it is prone to chase anything it sees out in the big, wild world. And as we’ve explained already, a boxer dog at full speed is a sight to behold! That is why it is not recommended to let your Boxer off leash unless it’s in a securely fenced area. Boxers love to roam, and if they see a squirrel or a lizard, they are off to the races. That same instinct also comes into play when you are trying to take your Boxer dog running. They will probably do OK for a period of time, but they’ll get easily distracted and may pull you off course when you least expect it. And don’t forget, they are very strong dogs. If you are jogging and your Boxer pulls hard on the leash in an unexpected direction, you’re probably eating dirt.

The second thing to consider is the Boxer’s genetic makeup. They are not particularly good endurance dogs when compared to some of their doggy cousins. They have excellent short-area quickness, agility, and speed over shorter distances. But they can get puffed out pretty quickly. And extended endurance exercise can put pressure on their heart and internal organs. The Boxer is prone to a number of heart conditions, so it’s important to keep this in mind before you take your boxer dog running.

Should I take my Boxer running?

If you have the patience to train your boxer to run alongside you, they can make good running companions. Many people feel safer when running with their boxer at their side. And a Boxer has lots of energy, so running can be a good way to help burn some of that off. It is recommended that a boxer should get 90 minutes to two hours of exercise per day, but this should not be all in one go.

There are also a few other things to consider when planning to take your boxer running:

• Temperature: Boxers are sensitive to heat and to cold. If it’s too hot outside, you risk exposing your Boxer to heat exhaustion when running
• Mealtime: Don’t take your Boxer out running immediately after mealtime. They need time to digest their food before you let them exercise. A short walk is fine, but anything more strenuous could result in Bloat, a serious medical issue that affects Boxers and requires immediate medical attention from a vet. You should also let your Boxer cool down after exercising before feeding them.
• Age: Boxers are prone to joint problems so pounding the road at a young age can result in problems down the line. It is better to wait until your Boxer is fully grown – aged two or three – before you take your boxer running. This way their bones and joints will be fully developed and less vulnerable to injury from a repetitive activity like running.
• Terrain: As mentioned above, road running can cause problems for the joints of both humans and dogs alike. If possible, run on trails or on grass to make it easier on your Boxer. 

What is a Boxer’s top speed?

The top speed of a Boxer will vary from dog to dog, just as the lifespan of a boxer dog varies. It will depend on the health of the dog, their genetic makeup, as well as environmental factors like diet and level of daily exercise. However, in general, a boxer dog speed of between 38mph to 45mph is typical for the average boxer. This puts the boxer dog’s top speed among the fastest in the world, when compared to its doggy cousins.