How Long do Boxers Live – Dogs Solution

Are you curious to know: how long do boxers live? Or what is the expected lifespan of a boxer dog? 

Although every dog’s journey is different, it’s essential to know how long they typically live and how to provide them with the healthiest, happiest years of their life. 

This blog is ideal for you if you want to keep your cheerful mini boxer breed dog for as long as possible. Let’s examine how long boxer dogs usually live and what you can do to ensure their well-being.

Fun Facts of Owing The Boxer: 

The ideal combination of intelligence and grace, Boxers are the whole doggy package.  As a member of the Working Group of dog breeds, Boxers are renowned for their friendly, energetic, and devoted personalities. 

Dogs with deep chests who often have silky coats are known as boxers. They are categorized as a breed of medium-sized dogs. Boxers usually weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and have a height of 21 to 25 inches. 

Regarding dog breeds, german boxer dogs provide the best of both worlds with their lively, sociable personalities & devoted, protective nature.

Boxers have excelled in every duty that has been assigned to them, from fighters on the battlefield to family-friendly dogs. 

History of Boxer Dog:

The Boxer breed, came from the Bullenbeisser, a Mastiff and English Bulldog cross, in Germany in the late 1800s. These dogs, recognized for their punching-like motion, were designed to be smaller and more flexible for multipurpose tasks. 

During World Wars I and II, boxers were introduced to North America where they were used as military canines and thereafter evolved into household companions, guard dogs, and even competitors in dog shows. 

A Boxer named Bang Away won 100 Best in Show honors in the 1950s, demonstrating the breed’s popularity. Boxers are still well-liked as family dogs and show dogs today.

How long do boxers live? 

Let’s find out the average boxer lifespan. A Boxer’s lifespan can vary significantly based on several factors, including where the dog was bred, genetics, and health. Nonetheless, they often have a 10- to 12-year lifespan.

Early in life, some Boxers experience serious health problems; in certain sad circumstances, their lifespans might be as short as three years or six months, mainly as a result of cancer or cardiac problems. 

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a possibility for Boxers beyond the age of eight, and early symptoms like a clicking sound in the back foot are common.

Purchasing a puppy from a trusted breeder who prioritizes health testing is the best defense against these problems. Although this may have a larger initial cost, it can prevent a great deal of heartache.

A full-grown Boxer dog can live up to ten years on average, but in some cases, they can survive up to twelve years or longer. According to reports, the longest-living Boxer lived to be eighteen years old, but this is highly unusual.

Regretfully, this breed does not generally live long lives. For example, my Boxer, Tony, barely reached the 9-year mark before DM took its toll. One of the difficulties in loving Boxers is their shortened lifespan, even though they are incredibly joyful dogs.

Boxer Dog Leading Causes of Death: 

A 20-year study conducted by the University of Georgia has revealed that the Boxer dog breed results in the greatest number of deaths among all dog breeds examined, with at least 100 individuals of each type—a total of over 70,000 dogs. 

Cancer at 44.3%.  

The fifth breed with the highest cancer death rate is the Boxer. This includes soft tissue sarcomas, bone cancer, breast and mammary gland cancer, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors (skin cancer). 

The boxer is the most familiar purebred dog breed to develop mast cell tumors. At age eight, my first boxer passed away from liver cancer. I felt very emotional while writing this blog; I couldn’t forget my 8-year-old Simba girl.

Neurological at 18.2%. 

Brain and spinal cord illnesses include intervertebral disc disease, which can cause paralysis, strokes, convulsions, degenerative myelopathy, encephalitis, laryngeal paralysis, and brain and spinal cord tumors.

Trauma at 7.0%. 

This covers trauma associated with vehicle accidents, such as getting struck by a car and suffering fatal injuries as a passenger in one. This includes stepping on, dropping, or causing other injuries to puppies while they are being mishandled. 

How to Help Your Boxer Live Longer? 

Even though the average lifespan of this breed is less than that of some other breeds, there are things you can do to extend the life of your Boxer dog. There are some tips to increase a boxer dog’s life span. 

Spaying or Neutering 

Boxer dogs are primarily killed by cancer, hence population control is essential to their longer lifespans. 

Early vaccines can lower the incidence of testicular, ovarian, and mammary cancer for both male and female dogs. Early vaccines can help lessen the drive to roam, which can cause harm or even death.

Nutrition is so important.

Manufactured foods, such as dog food, may contain coloring, fillers, and additives that make them unhealthy treats. 

These foods may include substantial amounts of toxins and may come from dead, dying, sick, or crippled animals. Selecting dog food that is 100% natural and balanced is essential. 

Allow to Exercise

Exercise may extend the years your Boxer dog lives and add to its lifetime costs. Frequent exercise tones all body muscles, including the heart muscles. Excessive physical activity is also not recommended. 

A balanced combination of a quick walk daily and cardio once or twice a week would be ideal. Playing sports like Frisbee or trail running for twenty minutes would fall under this category.

Car restraints

In the 1960s and 1970s, children were not belted up in cars, and safety equipment was not generally available. President Carter ordered that all cars have airbags and seat belts by 1983. In 1989, only children under 14 were required to wear them. 

Nearly 300,000 lives have been saved since then. Nevertheless, car accidents are killing dogs daily. These injuries include those to the head from airbags, collisions with trucks, and fatal injuries sustained when the dog’s head is out of the window. 

The third most common cause of death for Boxer dogs is trauma, which can be prevented by using a car safety belt.

Focus on Dental care

Dental care is essential for a dog’s health. Too much tartar and plaque may damage teeth and cause infections. Regular dental practices are necessary for Boxer dogs, such as brushing their teeth, using dental Water Additive, and getting professional cleanings every year or two. 

A “full dental” with scrapings, x-rays, and rinses is part of this. If sufficient home and medical care are not provided, a dog may suffer from gum disease, tooth loss, malnourishment, or even a blood infection that spreads throughout the body.

Improve emotional health

Mini-boxer dogs can become stressed and live shorter lives if they are lonely, confined, or exposed to harsh noises. They need affection, company, and nurturing. Boxers cannot inspect their ears for mites, shield their paws from ice melt, or extract poisons from chemically treated grasses. 

Canines cannot clean themselves or shield their paws from ice melt, so their owners bear the entire responsibility for their upkeep.

Last words: What is Boxer life expectancy?

There are several advantages and responsibilities associated with being a Boxer owner. These playful, friendly canines will make you laugh a lot. Although this breed has a short lifespan compared to GSD life expectancy, you can extend it by using the advice provided. Make sure you have the necessary time and, most importantly, energy to dedicate to this unique species!