---
title: "Boxer Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/boxer-breed/
description: "Boxer: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 10 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Boxer: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Boxer at about 53-63 cm tall and 25-27 kg (females), 30-32 kg (males), living over 10 years. It suggests at least 2 hours a day, and lists 7 health problems to watch, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and hip dysplasia. Minimum running cost: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Large |
| Average height | 53-63 cm |
| Average weight | 25-27 kg (females), 30-32 kg (males) |
| Average lifespan | Over 10 years |
| Exercise | At least 2 hours a day, split into several walks, plus training and play |
| Grooming | A weekly brush; sheds year-round; keep facial skin folds clean and dry |
| Cost | At least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Boxer breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/boxer).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in shorter-faced Boxers
- hip dysplasia (BVA/KC hip scheme)
- epilepsy
- eye problems such as corneal ulcers
- heart disease such as cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis
- skin problems including allergies and skin-fold dermatitis
- certain cancers

Source: [PDSA, Boxer breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/boxer).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 2 hours a day, split into several walks, plus training and play. Grooming: a weekly brush; sheds year-round; keep facial skin folds clean and dry. Source: [PDSA, Boxer breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/boxer).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as entertaining, loyal and eager to please, with a guarding instinct and a very high prey drive. PDSA says it would not recommend a Boxer for a first-time owner, and not for homes with young children or small pets. Source: [PDSA, Boxer breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/boxer).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Boxer breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/boxer).

## Questions people ask

How long do Boxers live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 10 years.

How much exercise does a Boxer need?

PDSA suggests at least 2 hours a day, split into several walks, plus training and play.

What health problems do Boxers have?

PDSA lists brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in shorter-faced Boxers; hip dysplasia (BVA/KC hip scheme); epilepsy; eye problems such as corneal ulcers; heart disease such as cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis; skin problems including allergies and skin-fold dermatitis; certain cancers.

How much does a Boxer cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Boxer breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/boxer), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Shih Tzu: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/shih-tzu-breed/)
- [Pug: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/pug-breed/)
- [Chihuahua: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/chihuahua-breed/)

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