Boxer

• Bathing: Unless they happen to splash in a particularly muddy puddle, it’s OK to bathe your dog once a month. Always use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo. 
• Brushing: Brush your Boxer a few times a week using a rubber curry brush or a grooming glove to keep their moderate shedding in check and their coat healthy.  
• Dental care: Boxers sometimes have dental issues that stem from being a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, so dental hygiene is extremely important. Brush their teeth daily with a vet-approved toothpaste like PetSmile Professional Toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when your Boxer puppy is young, so they get used to the experience.  
• Nail care: Boxers need their nails trimmed about once a month. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces when your dog plays. 

Start obedience training with your Boxer puppy early with cues like sit, stay, and come. If you adopt a Boxer when they’re older, start then—it’s never too late to teach your dog.  

These pups are prone to jumping and leaping in excitement, so you’ll probably need to teach them to stay off the counters—and people—with the “off” cue. Boxer puppies can also be a bit mouthy, which is an important habit to stop quickly so they don’t accidentally bite once they get older.  

Smart and natural problem solvers, Boxers will likely be easy to train. Always use positive reinforcement—praise, training treats, and favorite dog toys—to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior.  

Regular socialization with other dogs and people, as well as introducing them to new places—think public parks, dog parks, and dog-friendly hiking trails—will help your pup acclimate to polite society.  

Your vet can give you tips for socializing your dog. Proper socialization is especially important for Boxers, who have a natural inclination to greet people by jumping on them (it’s not the very best of manners, but they mean well).   

Every dog, Boxers included, needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).  

A breed-specific diet, like Royal Canin’s Boxer Breed Health Dog Food, can be a great way to make sure your Boxer gets  the right amount of protein to maintain muscle mass as well as nutrients that contribute to heart health. But talk to your vet about what’s right for your individual dog. 

It’s important for pet parents to know that Boxers can develop a serious medical condition called bloat, in which their stomach distends with food and/or gas. Bloat can be life-threatening, but there are ways to reduce the chance of it happening: 

• Feed your Boxer at least twice per day instead of just one big meal. 
• Avoid elevating your dog’s food bowl and, instead, use a slow feeder bowl to stop them from scarfing too quickly.  
• Don’t let your dog exercise for two hours before and after they eat. 

Boxers are smart, active dogs who need a solid chunk of exercise every day, whether it’s multiple walks or short, brisk runs when the weather’s nice (but not too hot; Boxers don’t do well with heat). They’ll also love running around the backyard if you have a secure, fenced area, and they’re big fans of playing fetch.  

Boxers are speedy—they’re one of the fastest dog breeds and can reach speeds of over 30 miles per hour!—so you’ll need to keep them on a sturdy leash in unfenced areas.   

Mental stimulation goes hand-in-hand (or paw-in-paw?) with exercise, and these clever pups need lots of it. Boxers love interactive toys and games, and they’re great at dog sports that challenge their minds, like flyball and agility trials.  

As your Boxer bounds around, be alert for signs of overheating. Their flat muzzle makes it difficult for this breed to regulate their temperature, so it’s up to you to keep them cool and safe. 

Your Boxer would ideally love a house with a big yard—and if there are trails where they can explore and sniff outdoors, they’ll love to join you on them, too. 

They don’t do well in the summer heat, and cold weather can be difficult for them, too. So, as a pet parent, be mindful of the weather before heading outside with your Boxer dog.  

Boxers usually make great family dogs, as they’re playful and high energy. However, tiny tots might be too fragile for this rambunctious pup, so they might get along best with older kids who can match their energy.