Boxer Boxer

Boxer

2
Playful Energetic Loyal Bright

About the Boxer

The Boxer was developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now-extinct Bullenbeisser — a powerful hunting mastiff — crossed with English Bulldogs. Standing 21.5–25 inches tall and weighing 50–80 pounds, the Boxer is a medium-to-large, well-muscled dog with a distinctive square head, undershot jaw, and alert expression. Their short, tight-fitting coat comes in fawn and brindle — sometimes with white markings — and requires very little grooming beyond occasional brushing.

Temperament & Personality

Boxers are playful, energetic, and utterly devoted to their families — they are often called the "Peter Pan" of dog breeds because they maintain their puppyish exuberance well into adulthood. They are exceptional with children, combining patience and protectiveness with a love of play that makes them natural family dogs. Boxers are alert and courageous, making them effective watchdogs, but they are also clownish and affectionate — they're famous for their "kidney bean" wiggle of excitement.

Pros

  • Outstanding family dog — patient, protective, and endlessly playful with children
  • Natural watchdog with a courageous yet non-aggressive temperament
  • Short coat requires minimal grooming effort
  • Energetic and athletic — great companion for running, hiking, and active play

Cons

  • Prone to cancer — one of the breeds most affected, particularly mast cell tumors and lymphoma
  • Brachycephalic tendencies lead to heat intolerance and breathing difficulties during vigorous exercise
  • Can be excessively boisterous and may accidentally knock over small children or elderly family members
  • Susceptible to heart conditions including aortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy

Boxers bring boundless energy and unconditional love to every family — browse adoptable Boxers on Puplister and find your playful companion.

Boxer Quick Facts

Size
50–80 lbs, 21–25 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available Boxers

Dottie
Young
Dottie
L

Boxer

Across America Boxer Rescue · Burnsville, MN
Banjo
Baby
Banjo
M

Boxer / American Bulldog

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Shane
Baby
Shane
S

Boxer

Homeward Bound Rescue · Brights Grove, CA
Milina
Young
Milina
L

Boxer / American Pit Bull Terrier

Oakland Animal Services · Oakland, CA
Jolene
Baby
Jolene
S

Boxer / Plott Hound

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Dolly
Baby
Dolly
M

Boxer / Plott Hound

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Carlisle
Baby

Boxer / Plott Hound

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Claressa
Baby

Boxer

Magnificent Mutts Rescue · Hillside, IL
Rue
Baby
Rue
S

American Staffordshire Terrier / Boxer

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Tootsie
Baby

American Staffordshire Terrier / Boxer

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
King
Baby
King
M

American Staffordshire Terrier / Boxer

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL

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About the Plott Hound The Plott Hound is the official state dog of North Carolina, descended from Hanoverian Schweisshunds brought to the Appalachian Mountains by German immigrant Johannes Plott in 1750. These athletic, muscular hounds stand 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds, built for endurance and tenacity on the trail. Their short to medium-length, glossy coat is most commonly brindle — ranging from yellow to chocolate to black brindle — though solid colors also occur. Temperament & Personality Plott Hounds are courageous, loyal, and determined — originally bred to track and tree bears, they possess a tenacious drive that can be both impressive and challenging. With their families, they are affectionate, eager to please, and surprisingly gentle, often forming deep bonds with their primary caretaker. They generally do well with children and other dogs, especially when raised together, though their strong prey drive means caution around cats and small animals. Pros Exceptional stamina and athleticism for hiking and outdoor adventuresLoyal and protective without being overly aggressive toward peopleLow-maintenance coat that requires only occasional brushingHealthier than many purebreds with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years Cons Loud, baying voice that carries long distances — not suited for noise-sensitive neighborhoodsStrong prey drive makes reliable off-leash recall very difficultCan be stubborn and single-minded when tracking a scentRequires substantial daily exercise — at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity The Plott Hound is a hidden gem among sporting breeds — discover one looking for a forever home on Puplister.

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About the American Pit Bull Terrier The American Pit Bull Terrier traces its roots to 19th-century England, where Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create a dog combining strength with agility. Standing 17–21 inches tall and weighing 30–60 pounds, the APBT is a medium-sized, solidly built dog with a broad chest and well-defined musculature. Their short, glossy coat comes in virtually every color and pattern — including blue, red, brindle, and merle — and is exceptionally easy to maintain.Temperament & PersonalityDespite their often-misunderstood reputation, American Pit Bull Terriers are among the most people-oriented breeds — they are affectionate, eager to please, and frequently described as "nanny dogs" for their gentleness with children. They are intelligent, loyal, and enthusiastic about training when given positive reinforcement. However, some individuals may exhibit dog-selectivity, and responsible ownership includes understanding their terrier-driven tenacity.ProsExtremely affectionate and loyal — they bond deeply with every family memberHighly trainable and eager to please, excelling in obedience and noseworkLow grooming needs with their short, easy-care coatAthletic and energetic — outstanding companion for active lifestylesConsSubject to breed-specific legislation and housing restrictions in many areasMay develop dog-selectivity, requiring careful management around other dogsStrong and powerful — not ideal for physically frail ownersProne to skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart diseaseThese loving, misunderstood dogs deserve wonderful homes — browse adoptable Pit Bull Terriers on Puplister today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Boxer?
The Boxer is known for being playful, energetic, loyal and bright.
How many Boxers are available for adoption?
There are currently 52 Boxers available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Boxer from Puplister?
To adopt a Boxer, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.