As a medium-to-large dog, the Boxer’s average lifespan is around 10 to 12 years (around 70 to 84 in dog years). That puts it on the shorter side of how long dogs live on average. But many Boxer dogs can, and do, live longer. At the same time, some boxers will live less than 10 years. Boxer dog lifespan all depends on a number of factors, including environment, genetics, diet and more.
A female adult boxer dog weighs on average between 55lbs to 65 lbs. A male adults boxer dog weighs between 65lbs and 85lbs. Larger dogs typically have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs, and the Boxer follows this general rule. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that influence the average age of a boxer.
What factors influence Boxer dog lifespan
As a larger breed, boxers are vulnerable to certain health conditions. They are energetic and playful, which is what we love about them. But they also put more pressure and strain on their hearts and other vital organs compared to smaller dogs. Unfortunately, boxers are also more prone to cancer. The science on why this is the case is still developing, with some researchers placing an emphasis on genetic factors and others a greater emphasis on environmental factors.
Genetics certainly play a role. What we know as today’s Boxer was bred in the 19th century in Germany and is a cousin of the many different types of bulldog. As a result, many of the genetic conditions that affect bulldogs can also impact boxers. This includes Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can lead to severe breathing difficulties in flat-faced dogs like the boxer.
But environmental factors are also important when considering the lifespan of a boxer. A balanced, healthy diet is crucial in extending your boxer’s lifespan and helping to prevent persistent boxer dog stomach noises. Too many treats or unhealthy meals can result in obesity, both in humans and in dogs. A lack of exercise for your boxer can have a negative impact on your boxer’s lifespan. The average lifespan of a boxer will improve for eating healthily and getting regular exercise, whether that’s on leash or off leash.
What do Boxers usually die from?
Cancer is the number one health condition associated with boxer dogs. An extensive 20-year research study by the University of Georgia found that 44.3% of boxers died from cancer. The study, which was published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2011, tracked 82 different dog breeds and more than 70,000 dogs in total and found that boxer lifespans were among the most susceptible to cancer of all breeds. Brain cancer and mast cell tumors are more common in boxers than any other purebred dog breed. White boxers are particularly prone to skin cancers.
How do boxer dogs compare to other dogs in terms of their susceptibility to cancer? In 2004, The Kennel Club and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association scientific committee worked with scientists at the Epidemiology Unit at the Animal Health Trust to conduct a study of UK purebred dogs. They found the median age of a dog’s death to be 11 years, 3 months. Of the 15,881 dogs in the study, 27% passed away due to cancer. You can see how that number (27%) is lower than the 44.3% of boxers that died from cancer.
Another issue for boxer dogs is Degenerative Myelopathy, which has been widely reported in Boxers of middle and advanced age, according to The American Boxer Club. DM is a neurological disease impacting the spinal cord and nerves coordinating the rear quarters. Over time, boxers suffering with DM lose the ability to walk and become incontinent. Some boxers use custom-made carts with wheels to retain a degree of mobility. The good news for boxer owners is a blood test has been developed to predict the likelihood of your Boxer developing this condition. This means Boxer breeders are working hard to make sure that future generations of boxers are not affected.
Signs a boxer is dying
Each dog may respond to its final days in its own way. It is important that you are vigilant to your boxer’s health and seek the professional advice of a vet. However, in general, there are a handful of signs that indicate a boxer dog is dying. These include:
- Prolonged lethargy and significantly decreased energy levels
- Stops eating and drinking
- Struggles to walk under its own power
- Incontinence
Not all boxers will necessarily display these signs, and displaying these signs does not necessarily mean your boxer is dying, so it is important to always seek the expertise of a vet if you are concerned about the health of your dog.
Why do Boxers have so many health issues?
Like many purebred dogs, they are prone to health conditions that can impact a boxer’s lifespan. This is due to improper breeding practices. For almost 4,000 years we have been breeding dogs to emphasis certain traits that we want—whether it be a faster, stronger dog for clearing farms of pests or a docile temperament suitable for friendship and family life. But many modern breeds—including the modern boxer—have suffered from selective inbreeding. This has created genetically caused problems. In recent years, steps have been taken to combat this problem. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has introduced screening standards in an effort to eliminate certain inherited diseases in boxer dogs.
Part of the problem also dates back to the way that boxers were bred in the 19th century. The boxer dog origin story dates back to Germany and involves the use of boxers as hunting dogs. As a result, certain physical traits (like the flat nose) were emphasized as desirable even though they may have led to greater health problems down the line.
What health problems are common in boxers?
Unfortunately, boxers are at an increased risk of some medical issues. Some conditions that are common in boxers include:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) – this can lead to serious breathing issues in some Boxers with shorter faces.
- Hip dysplasia – this is when the hip joint (thigh bone and hip socket) doesn’t slot together perfectly. It ultimately weakens the joint and leads to arthritis. It affects many dog breeds.
- Epilepsy – a brain disorder causing seizures.
- Eye problems – such as corneal ulcers due to the shape of their skulls and prominence of the eyes.
- Heart problems – such as cardiomyopathy or aortic stenosis. Before breeding, parents should be screened.
- Chronic Kidney Disease – The American Boxer Club reports that boxers may be particularly predisposed to Kidney disease.
- Skin problems – these can include things such as warts, skin tags, skin allergies and soreness in skin folds around the face (skin fold dermatitis).
- Certain cancers
- Bloat – Bloat is a potentially fatal stomach condition that is prevalent in bigger dogs with deep chests, like boxers. Bloat is caused by unhealthy eating habits: for example, if a Boxer eats one big meal per day, or eats their meal too quickly.
- Ulcerative Colitis – boxers are particularly at risk. This is a digestive condition where ulcers develop in the intestine. It typically affects puppies aged 1 or younger.
If you are considering getting a boxer puppy, it’s important to research it properly and to go to a responsible breeder. They will screen their boxer stock for many of the health conditions described above, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, thyroid deficiency, degenerative myelopathy, and certain cancers. The American Boxer Club provides a comprehensive list of requirements for their Breeder of Merit programs. Take a good look to make yourself aware of the health conditions.
How to help your Boxer live longer
Exercise
Boxer dogs have a lot of energy. In fact, when you look at boxer dog speed compared to other breeds, they are one of the quickest and most agile. They are also extremely playful and fun-loving. As a result, it’s important to make sure they get plenty of exercise to help burn off some of that energy. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) recommends a minimum of two hours of exercise per day, and this can be on leash or off leash in a secure area. The boxer’s history as a hunting and working dog means that it is prone to chase game and other animals when given the slightest opportunity! Regular exercise can include walks, trips to the dog park, frisbee, or simply time to explore the yard and sniff all the world has to offer! Boxers are generally extremely happy to be outdoors!
Diet
Just like humans, boxers need a complete and balanced diet to remain healthy. The good news is there are a number of excellent commercial dog food options available for your boxer dog. The best are all-natural. Preparing your own meals for your boxer can be a great way to ensure it’s all-natural, just make sure to consult your veterinarian first. Treats can be a great training aid for your boxer but be careful to do this in moderation to prevent obesity. Treats should not make up more than 10% of your boxer’s calorific intake each day. If you are giving your boxer treats throughout the day, factor this in to your portion control at meal time. The PDSA recommends dividing your boxer’s daily food allowance into two meal times. And they like routine, so try to stick to the same times where possible each morning and evening.
Spaying or neutering
There is widespread scientific evidence that spaying or neutering your dog brings health benefits. The ASPCA states your female pet “will live a longer, healthier life”. Spaying can help prevent uterine infections and reduces the likelihood of breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50% of dogs. Spaying your boxer before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. Neutering your male boxer assists in preventing some prostate problems and can help prevent testicular cancer.
Dental Care for Boxers
Like many dogs, boxers are unfortunately prone to dental problems and canine tooth decay. Taking good care of your dog’s teeth is an important part of being a pet parent. Quality chew toys and bones can help to clean your boxer’s teeth by loosening plaque and removing chunks of food. You can also schedule dental care appointments for your boxer with a vet, where they will check on the health of your boxer’s teeth and provide recommendations. Do not begin your own boxer dental care treatments before consulting your vet.
