Boxer Dog Health

Boxers are inclined to develop cancers, cardiopathies like “Aortic Stenosis” and “Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy” (the alleged “Boxer Cardiomyopathy”), hypothyroidism, hip joint dysplasia, and chronic myelopathy (spinal cord injury).

Additional conditions that might occur are stomach bloat, intestinal issues, and allergic reactions (though this is perhaps more relevant to diet than breed). Entropion is sometimes encountered, which is a deformity of the eyelid calling for surgical correction. A few blood lines experience an inclination to develop spondylosis deformans, which is a fusing of the backbone. Trustworthy breeders utilise available tests to screen their breeding stock prior to breeding, and in a few cases throughout the lifespan of the canine, in an effort to minimize the occurrence of these diseases in subsequent generations.

Boxers are an active breed, and correct exercise and training is crucial for their continuing wellness and longevity. Care must be taken not to over-exercise young pups, since this can damage developing bones. However, once matured, Boxers can be first-class jogging or running partners. Because of their brachycephalic head and skull, they don’t deal well with high outdoor temperatures or humidity, and basic common sense should rule when exercising a Boxer in these conditions.

Recommended Reading:

A New Owner’s Guide to Boxers (JG Dog) by Richard K. Tomita

Dr. Ackerman’s Book of the Boxer (BB Dog) by Lowell Ackerman

Guide to Owning a Boxer: Puppy Care, Health, Feeding, Training, Showing, Breed Standard (Re Dog Series) by Patti Rutledge