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Size

Boxer Dog Size

Overview

The Boxer is considered to be a medium sized dog breed, although some would assume he would be classified as large.
 
With this said, there is still a lot of confusion and concern, among owners, regarding size.

“Medium” is a broad term to apply to a dog’s physique, so let’s look into this further.

This classification of all “medium” dog breeds range from 35 to 65 pounds (15.8 to 29.4 kg). 

This said, there can be a huge difference that involves structure, frame (skeletal size) and body composition. 
The average Boxer dog size is at the very top of this range for those considered to be medium (almost surpassing it and being in the "large" breed group)…and with some, they will indeed tip over the line...

Although this does not change their group classification.

One must remember that even though there are breed standards, each dog is an individual and there will be some who are a bit smaller and some who are a bit larger…Also, growth often happens in rapid phases.

Let's look at all the elements of this, including:
  • Expected Weight and Height
  • Why appearances will vary
  • What to expect at different ages

Expected Size Per the Breed Standard

Per AKC guidelines, the following is Boxer dog size for adults:
  • Males: Adult weight will range between 60 and 70 pounds (27 to 32 kg). Their height, measured at the shoulder will range between 22 to 25 inches (56-63 cm)
  • Females: Adult females will range between 55 to 65 pounds (25-29 kg). Their height, measured at the shoulder will range between 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm).
Keeping this in mind, one can have a female that is 24 inches and 55 pounds…and another that is 21 inches and 65 pounds. This means that with both fitting into the standard, one will be short and stocky…the other taller and leaner. 

Therefore, with there being some wiggle room regarding the numbers, Boxers will have varied frames. 

The neck size of a full grown adult Boxer dog will be from 13 to 22 inches (33 to 55.8 cm).

Elements That Affect the Size of Boxer Dogs

When breeders bred specially for show (and remember that when they do so, only a small percentage of the puppies will actually be top show quality), the dogs in general will be on the smaller end of the size scale and a bit more chiseled than their counterparts.

When Boxers are bred not for show, but rather for a stronger sturdier appearance, this is often referred to as working lines and not show lines. With the goal of remaining in the size range standard, these dogs will (in general) be at the top of the size scale and have more bulk.

Therefore, who you purchase your Boxer from and what their breeding program goals are will play a role in the ultimate size of your dog. 

One must remember that show line breeders will have many puppies who are just wonderful, but falling a tad short of what is needed to conceivably win a ribbon, will be sold as pets (breeding rights will not be given).  See Also: Boxer Dog Dwarfism
Size of a Boxer Dog

Growth Rates

1. In general, the smaller a dog’s final adult weight, the sooner he or she will stop growing…therefore if your Boxer is genetically predetermined to be 60 pounds, he will still be in a growth stage at the age of 17 months as opposed to another that is genetically predetermined to be 50 pounds.

2. Final Boxer dog size cannot be determined for several years. Most puppies will grow in both height and weight until the age of 18 months (minimum) and 24 months (maximum). Now, this refers to most…there will always be exceptions.

But growth does not stop there…After full height is reached, the Boxer will then continue to grow in girth until the age of 2 to 3 years old. With many, the time between 1.5 years and 3 years old will be time when the chest area really fills in and becomes broad.

3. Even when a Boxer is done developing in both height and weight, the growth plates will not fully close until the approximate age of 18 months…For this reason, one must take care to not over-exercise the dog. Exercise is very important and essential for good health…

With this said, a daily walk, a 20-30 minute cardio burst that can be achieved by playing fetch and normal activities such as command training is the limit of what a younger than 18 month old should be expected to do.
Boxer puppy at 3 months old
3 months old - small, square and compact.
Boxer dog at 6 months old
6 and 1/2 months - Long, lean and ready to fill out.

Boxer Dog Size Progression

It's hard to believe this is the same dog!  The first photo is Tyson at 3 months old. As you can see, his body has not yet caught up to his head. He's square, compact and of course, awesomely handsome.

Jump ahead just 3 and 1/2 months and you have a completely new dog at 6.5 months old. Just look at how he's grown in size.  His body has certainly caught up, in fact he's growing in size so rapidly, it may be up to 6 months for him to be able to fill out.  He's long, lean and getting powerful. 

Photos courtesy of Sairaj
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