The regal Boxer is a lovable, loyal breed that takes well to training. They can make lovely companions for the right home. But how big do Boxers get? Are there important growth milestones Boxer parents should be aware of? Of course, every pup parent wants to be sure their puppy is on track for proper growth and development, but that looks different for all breeds. I’ve done the research and have created this Boxer growth chart and overview to use as a guide as your pup ages. Get yourself in a cozy spot, and let’s get into the details.
How Big Do Boxers Get?
Contents
Boxers are a medium to large dog breed. They are quite muscular and reach between 55 to 80 pounds on average. Males are slightly larger and weigh between 65 and 80 pounds on average. Male Boxers stand between 23 and 25 inches tall from paw to shoulder. Females are also muscular and of significant size, weighing between 55 and 75 pounds on average. Female Boxers stand between 21 and 24 inches tall from paw to shoulder. In general, the breed has a sturdy, muscular build, though some are tall and lean, while others are short and stocky.
What To Expect
Before getting too far into it, I must point out that while growth charts like this one are helpful tools, every dog is an individual, and growth stages can vary. This information is beneficial to keep you informed and prepared for what’s to come as your puppy develops. Puppyhood is the most important stage of Boxer development.
Reminders
In this article, I explain the growth patterns of a typical, healthy Boxer puppy. It’s important to remember that every puppy is an individual and will develop at a different pace based on their genetics, environment, health, and other contributing factors. All puppies experience growth spurts and plateaus. They may seem to double their size in a week and then not put on a pound for one or two. In general, fluctuating growth like this is normal and not a cause for concern unless you notice extreme changes.
Boxers do not mature fully at 12 months old, unlike some other breeds. Boxers take between 18 and 24 months to reach full physical growth and can take up to three years to reach full maturity. It’s important to remember this because Boxers remain puppies a lot longer than many other breeds. Although they are generally considered adults around 15 months old, it’s important to remember that they still have a significant amount of maturing to do, even if they look and act like adult dogs.
Several factors impact puppy growth, including health, genetics, nutrition, physical activity, and the home environment. It is important that your Boxer eats food that is formulated for large breed dogs, as well as for the appropriate life stage. Nutrition is one of the most significant factors when it comes to a puppy’s health development. You must also ensure that your puppy is safe and not at risk of injury or illness from being exposed to unhealthy animals or conditions.
Boxer Puppy Growth Timeline
Below, I have created a general timeline of expected growth milestones for your Boxer puppy. I provide a quick overview of your pup’s developmental stages for the first year of their life. You can learn more about the different first-year milestones to expect in this first-year puppy guide.
Birth To 2 Weeks
Boxer puppies are quite small when they are born. They are also born with both eyes and ears completely sealed, and are effectively both blind and deaf. At this phase they are quite helpless and depend solely on their mother and caregivers to survive. They will nurse and sleep, without much other activity.
- Males weigh an average of 0.5 to 1 pound
- Females weigh an average of 0.5 to 1 pound
1 Month
At one month, your pup should be able to see and hear and will have gained a little more bulk. They are still fully dependent upon their mother and caregivers for sustenance and safety. While they may be a little more active, they will continue to spend the majority of their time nursing and sleeping.
At the four-week mark, it’s time to consider starting the weaning process. While they will still get the bulk of their sustenance from their mother’s milk, you can start to introduce soft dog food. Puppy kibble soaked in puppy milk formula or a wet puppy food recipe is best. The winning process will start now, and it should take a few weeks to transition puppies fully from their mother’s milk or formula to puppy food.
- Males weigh an average of 5-10 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 4-8 pounds.
2 Months
At two months old, the weaning process should be close to completion. Puppies should be getting the majority of their nutrition from puppy mush and puppy-formulated food. Your pup’s appetite is much bigger now, and they are highly motivated by food. While they do not need to depend on Mom for milk anymore, they are not quite ready to be fully separated from her. If you have yet to contact a vet, it is time to reach out and inquire about puppy shots and an initial exam.
It is also time to start teaching your puppy basic commands and obedience training. Potty training should also have started by now. Training is a process and takes time, so expect a few puppy accidents to last for the next couple of months.
- Males weigh an average of 10-20 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 8-16 pounds.
3 Months
By three months old, Boxer puppies are sturdier on their feet and are starting to explore their surroundings. They are also quite playful with their litter mates and are not as dependent upon their mother dogs for comfort. As long as they have had their puppy shots and exams, puppies can be placed in new homes at this time. Along with significant progress in housebreaking, Boxer puppies are likely in the process of teething. This may trigger an increase in chewing and mouthing behavior. Your pup will gain notably in size during this time, and you will also start to see rapid mental development as they take in the world around them.
- Males weigh an average of 20-28 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 16-26 pounds.
4 Months
Boxer puppies are growing by leaps and bounds during their fourth month. They are more coordinated and in control of their legs and feet and are starting to develop very close bonds with siblings and their owners.
Obedience training and house training should be well underway. It is also time to start socialization so that your pup behaves well in different situations, such as at the veterinarian, at the dog park, and when visiting friends. Your puppy’s behavior may be very similar to that of a young toddler: sporadic with a short attention span and rapid bursts of energy.
Learn all about socializing your puppy in our expert-written guide.
- Males weigh an average of 28-35 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 26-34 pounds.
5 Months
It’s hard to believe that your cute little puppy is the same bundle of lanky energy in front of you today. Your pup is an energetic, excitable, and rapidly growing canine force. Potty training should be an old habit by now, and it is important to keep offering your pup positive reinforcement.
Obedience training, leash training, and basic commands all must be practiced and reinforced. One thing to be careful about is chewing and biting behavior. This can be triggered by puppy teething but is also common in puppies of all breeds. You must reinforce proper behavior expectations, especially around children and other pets.
It is also time to discuss spaying and neutering with your veterinarian. Because Boxers take longer to mature fully and due to high cancer rates in the breed, some veterinarians recommend waiting to do these procedures until a dog is two years old. Other veterinarians recommend this process between 6 and 12 months old. Take some time to discuss with your veterinarian what the right choice for your puppy is.
- Males weigh an average of 35-41 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 33-37 pounds.
6 Months
At six months old, your puppy is growing and developing quite a personality. They may act a lot like a human teenager. Your pup still has a voracious appetite and may have developed an attitude. They need consistency, repetition, and positive behavior reinforcement regularly throughout this time. If you have not already started leash training, now is a good time to do so.
Your pup is not quite ready for the dog park and likely has not yet completed their puppy vaccinations. For their safety, it is best that you do not take them to the dog park until they are fully vaccinated and you have the okay from your veterinarian. Additionally, if your pup is still intact, it’s best to think twice about taking them around other dogs in such a large setting.
At six months of age your Boxer puppy has reached about 75% of their full height.
- Males weigh an average of 42-48 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 38-43 pounds.
7 Months
Your pup continues to grow and, at seven months, is starting to look more like an adult pup and less like a puppy. However, they are still puppies at heart and mentally and are not fully in control of their bodies or behavior. It is very important that your pup has regular physical activity and a healthy diet. They can still experience growth spurts at this time, so it is not unusual to see rapid weight gain over the next couple of months. Continue to reinforce training, and slowly add new skills as your pup masters others.
- Males weigh an average of 48-54 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 44-50 pounds.
8 Months
Your bond with your pup is very strong at eight months. You have set behavior expectations as well as a solid schedule of feeding, walking, and playtime. If you have to leave your Boxer at home for long periods of time, you may want to consider crate training them due to a tendency to develop separation anxiety. Because they are large dogs, you will need an extra large crate. If you are not comfortable with crate training them, you also have the option to set up a safe room in your home. This will give them a place to be while you are away where they are comfortable and will not get into trouble.
- Males weigh an average of 54-57 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 50-52 pounds.
9 Months
Nine-month-old dogs are much more mature, although they still have several puppy tendencies. They are generally calmer and fairly set in their ways. By now, your pup will have identified favorite toys and walking routes and should understand basic behavior expectations. If your pup is anxious or destructive, consider getting them interactive toys and heavy-duty chew toys.
- Males weigh an average of 57-62 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 52-56 pounds.
10 Months
Most physical growth has slowed by now, but your Boxer puppy is still filling out and getting larger. These changes will be less obvious than they were a few months ago. They can handle longer walks and more rigorous play, but be careful not to overwork them as their bones are still growing. It’s important to continue to feed your Boxer puppy-formulated food at this time. A large-breed formula is best to help support bone health, heart health, proper growth, and high energy levels.
While your pup understands commands and is used to routines, expect some testing of behavior boundaries. This is normal for any breed. Remember, your pup is like a boisterous teenager right now.
- Males weigh an average of 62-65 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 56-59 pounds.
11 Months
Your Boxer puppy is well into adolescence at 11 months old. They will continue to grow physically, steadily gaining both weight and height. Boxers tend to have a stubborn streak, and this may rear its head from time to time. Remember that even though your pup looks like a fully grown dog, they still have over a year of mental maturation to go. It is very important to keep up with regular, consistent training. Positive reinforcement continues to be the best method to train your pup into a well-behaved, obedient, and friendly companion.
- Males weigh an average of 65-68 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 56-60 pounds.
1 year
It’s time to party! Your puppy has reached the one-year mark. While they are not fully physically or mentally mature, by most measurements, they are considered an adult dog. Keep in mind that the breed stays quite playful and puppy-like well into adulthood. Expect to see weight gain and a little bit of growth in height over the next several months. This growth will be less obvious, but you will eventually start to notice your pup filling in over the next year and a half. At this point, your pup should be fully vaccinated and most likely will have undergone the spay or neuter process.
At age one, your Boxer is considered by many to be an adult dog; however, mentally, the breed is more like a 16 or 17-year-old teenager. Your pup looks like an adult dog and has some consistent behavior norms and expectations, but likely still has a bit of puppy independence and stubbornness. Over the next few months, you will see this behavior start to calm down. Boxers are not truly adult dogs until they reach about two years old. If you still have behavior concerns at this time and haven’t yet consulted a professional trainer, it’s time to do so.
Because Boxers can be very energetic and are prone to anxiety, they may become destructive and fearful in new situations and when left alone. Reinforcement of behavior expectations is essential throughout their first few years of life due to their longer puppyhood.
- Males weigh an average of 65-70 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 59-62 pounds.
12 – 18 Months
You can expect to see additional weight gain of between 10 and 20 pounds during this time. Height will also steadily and slowly increase. Along with that, your pup’s features will fill out, most noticeably, their chest starting to become very wide and muscular. It is not unusual for Boxers to experience growth spurts up until they are two years old.
- Males weigh an average of 65-75 pounds.
- Females weigh an average of 62-70 pounds.
Your Adult Boxer
At two years old, Boxers have reached adulthood in terms of size and weight. They still have some mental maturing to do, but physically, you should not expect much more growth. While they will still retain a playful temperament, most of the puppy behavior and acting out should be gone by now. Boxers are energetic and active pups throughout their lives. However, as your dog reaches the two- and three-year mark, their behavior is more consistent, and they are less likely to act out or try to test boundaries.
Boxer Growth Chart – Weight & Height
| Age | Male Weight (lbs) | Male Height (inches) | Female Weight (lbs) | Female Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 weeks | 0.5-1 | 3-4 | 0.5-1 | 3-4 |
| 1 month | 5-10 | 4-6 | 4-8 | 4-6 |
| 2 months | 10-20 | 7-10 | 8-16 | 6-9 |
| 3 months | 20-28 | 10-13 | 16-26 | 9-11 |
| 4 months | 28-35 | 13-15 | 26-34 | 12-14 |
| 5 months | 35-41 | 15-17 | 33-37 | 14-16 |
| 6 months | 42-48 | 17-19 | 38-43 | 16-18 |
| 7 months | 48-54 | 19-20 | 44-50 | 18-19 |
| 8 months | 54-57 | 21-22 | 50-52 | 19-21 |
| 9 months | 57-62 | 22-23 | 52-56 | 20-22 |
| 10 months | 62-65 | 22-23 | 56-59 | 22-23 |
| 11 months | 65-68 | 22-24 | 56-60 | 21-23 |
| 1 year | 65-70 | 23-24 | 56-62 | 21-24 |
| 12 – 18 months | 65-75 | 24-25 | 62-70 | 21-24 |
| 2 years | 65-80 | 24-25 | 55-75 | 21-24 |
Factors To Consider
I’ve covered the general puppy growth milestones and timeline, however each dog has a unique set of circumstances that also factors in to how large they will grow, and how long it will take them to reach adult size. These factors include genetics, nutrition, growth rate, activity level, and overall physical health.
Genetics
Genetics plays a very large role in how large your pup gets and how fast they get there. You can look at your pup’s parents and siblings from previous litters to get an idea of how big your pup might be. Bloodline and genetics also help determine a dog’s health, which can impact growth.
Nutrition
Nutrition is another huge factor in how large your Boxer puppy grows. Because they are medium to large-sized, muscular, highly energetic dogs, they require protein-rich food. Your Boxer’s diet should also include high-quality fats, fiber, carbohydrates, and a healthy blend of vitamins and minerals.
Boxers are among the breeds with a high risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease that affects the heart muscle. In the Boxer breed, this condition is often caused by genetic factors; however, ensuring that their diet has a healthy level of the amino acid taurine can be beneficial. Taurine is often added as a supplement for Boxers who are undergoing treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy. Taurine naturally occurs in animal muscle tissue, so animal protein is very important for the breed.
Our experts’ reviews of the best dog foods for Boxers include more information about nutrition and the best dog food options for Boxer puppies, adults, and seniors. Before adding supplements or making major changes to your dog’s diet, it’s best to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian and ensure any changes you’re considering are healthy for your dog’s growth and development.
Growth Spurts & Plateaus
It is normal for puppies to rapidly gain weight and grow slowly for a short time. These are referred to as growth spurts and plateaus, and these are perfectly normal. They can occur at any time in your dog’s development, even past the first year mark. It is essential to monitor your dog’s growth patterns, and if you have concerns, discuss them with your veterinarian. However, puppyhood is the most rapid time of growth and development, and it will often seem like your pup has put on 10 pounds overnight.
Neutering & Spaying
One thing to keep in mind is that spaying and neutering a puppy has an impact on growth and development. Undergoing these procedures at too young an age does not necessarily impact size, though it does have an impact on a dog’s overall health as an adult. Doing it too early can often impact bone growth, leading to joint health issues later in life. Learn more about the cost of spaying or neutering a dog and if pet insurance covers spaying and neutering your dog.
Physical Health & Activity
Dogs who are physically healthy overall, live an active lifestyle, and are supported by proper nutrition tend to grow larger and stronger. This is true for any breed. Dogs with poor health or underlying diseases may see slow growth and weight issues. Those who are too active can sometimes overwork themselves, impacting muscle function and growth patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s normal for pet parents to have questions about their dog’s growth and development. In the section below, I’ve answered several frequently asked questions about Boxer growth. If I didn’t get to yours, or you have any relevant Boxer growth information to share, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
When Do Boxers Stop Growing?
While Boxers are generally considered adults at 12 months, they actually take several months longer to fully mature, both physically and mentally. On average, Boxers will continue to grow until they are between 18 months and two years old.
What Is The Average Weight For A Boxer?
The average weight for a healthy adult male Boxer ranges between 60 and 70 pounds, though some do reach as large as eighty. Males generally stand between 23 and 25 inches tall. The average weight for a healthy adult female is between 55 and 65 pounds. Females stand between 21 and 24 inches tall.
How Do I Know If My Boxer Is Overweight?
There are a few ways to tell if your dog is overweight. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs when you pet their sides. If you cannot feel the ribs, there is fat around the rib cage, and your dog may be overweight. Additionally, if your dog has a round waistline, with no clear definition between chest and stomach, they may also carry extra weight. Overweight dogs may also have fat pads along their hips and legs. Dogs who have too much weight tend to have low energy and very low endurance levels for physical activity. Overweight dogs tend to move very slowly, don’t engage in much physical activity, and sleep excessively.
If you think your pup is overweight, work with your vet or a pet nutritionist to develop a treatment plan. We also cover ways to help your dog lose weight, which includes both diet and exercise adjustments.
See Some Adorable Boxer Pups In Action (Video)
Check out some incredibly cute Boxers and their antics in this fun video.
Boxer Health Conditions To Be Aware Of
Boxers are a fantastic breed but prone to a few health conditions. Three of the most major are aortic and subaortic stenosis, degenerative myelopathy, and hip and elbow dysplasia. Along with that, they are prone to skin allergies, hypothyroidism, some cancers, and canine bloat. Keeping your pup healthy is a big job and can be quite costly. Pet insurance may help cover some of the care costs, especially in an emergency. Learn more about the best pet insurance for Boxers in our detailed guide.
Keeping Your Boxer Healthy At Every Age
A lot of importance is placed on puppyhood. However, keeping your Boxer pup healthy is a lifelong commitment. Healthy nutrition from day one is a huge factor, as is a healthy lifestyle. Because the breed is prone to some health conditions, working closely with your veterinarian throughout their lives is essential to keep them healthy. Learn more about the financial commitment of a dog, and if you are welcoming home your new puppy soon, we’ve got plenty of Boxer dog name ideas. Best of luck to you and your pup on this exciting growth journey.
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Danielle has been an animal lover and advocate since she was a young child. She has given many strays and rescue animals a happy home, including those with special medical and physical needs. She believes every animal deserves a chance at a happy life and is thrilled to dedicate her time to providing pet owners with helpful information. Danielle is a skilled researcher with over a decade of experience and a background in education and behavior. She works alongside a dedicated team, including her two pups, Daisy and Falkor, to bring our readers the most accurate, up-to-date information.