When it comes to owning a Boxer, knowing the age at which they will stop growing and the size that they are likely to get is very helpful. It enables you to prepare ahead of time, set your expectations, and know how to best look after this breed of dog. Knowing that I will be adopting a Boxer shortly, I decided to conduct some research into their growth potential. You will find my research and findings here today.

So, when do boxers stop growing? Boxers stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age, on average. Males typically reach 60-70 pounds in weight and 22-25 inches in height, whereas the average female will reach 55-65 pounds in weight and 21-24 inches in height on average.

Of course, there will always be exceptions to this rule.

There will be some boxers who will deviate from this expectation.

And then you will need to consider that they will also likely fill out as they age, through muscle and possibly even fat gain if they are not kept on an appropriate diet and exercise regimen.

Let us now explore the growth expectations of a Boxer in more detail to give you a better understanding of this dog breed and your considerations as an owner.

How Big Will My Boxer Get?

The boxer is regarded as a medium-sized dog breed; however, there is some confusion regarding their size. Medium is a size term that applies to a dog’s physique.

All medium dog breeds weigh between 35 to 65 pounds – this does not account for skeletal size, body composition, and structure.

The average boxer size will reach the very top of this medium range and may only be a hair away from being in the large breed classification.

Some breeds manage to just tip the medium line.

The expected standard size for adult male boxers is a weight between 60 and 70 pounds. The height of this breed at the shoulder generally ranges between 22 to 25 inches.

The expected standard size for adult females is a weight between 55 to 65 pounds, with a height at the shoulder between 21 to 24 inches.

You must consider that there is some wiggle room regarding these numbers because boxers come in a variety of frames.

For example, a female boxer can be 24 inches tall and weigh 55 pounds, and another can be 21 inches tall and weigh 65 pounds.

Boxer Growth Rate

Age	Male Boxer Average Weight	Female Boxer Average Weight
3 Months	10-12 kg (22-26 lbs)	10-12 kg (22-26 lbs)
4 Months	14-16 kg (30-35 lbs)	13-14 kg (28-30 lbs)
5 Months	16-19 kg (35-41 lbs)	15-17 kg (33-37 lbs)
6 Months	19-22 kg (41-48 lbs)	18-20 kg (39-44 lbs)
7 Months	22-25 kg (48-55 lbs)	20-23 kg (44-50 lbs)
8 Months	23-26 kg (50-57 lbs)	23-24 kg (50-52 lbs)
9 Months	24-28 kg (52-61 lbs)	23-27 kg (52-59 lbs)
10 Months	25-29 kg (55-63 lbs)	24-27 kg (52-59 lbs)
11 Months	26-30 kg (57-66 lbs)	24-27 kg (52-59 lbs)
12 Months	26-31 kg (57-68 lbs)	24-28 kg (52-61 lbs)
13 Months	27-32 kg (59-68 lbs)	24-28 kg (52-61 lbs)
14 Months	27-32 kg (59-68 lbs)	25-29 kg (55-63 lbs)
15 Months	27-32 kg (59-68 lbs)	25-29 kg (55-63 lbs)
16 Months	28-33 kg (61-72 lbs)	25-29 kg (55-63 lbs)

As you can see, a male boxer will typically weigh more than a female boxer. You’ll also notice that there is some variance between boxers of the same age.

Here are some key takeaways from the growth table above.

Female Boxers Growth Rate

The average female boxer at 3 months of age will be between 10-12 kg (22-26 lbs).
The average female boxer at 6 months of age will be between 18-20 kg (39-44 lbs).
At one years old, the average female boxer will be between 24-28 kg (52-61 lbs).

Male Boxers Growth Rate

The average male boxer at 3 months of age will be between 10-12 kg (22-26 lbs).
The average male boxer at 6 months of age will be between 19-22 kg (41-48 lbs).
At one years old, the average male boxer will be between 26-31 kg (57-68 lbs).

At What Age Is A Boxer Fully Grown?

As medium-sized dogs, boxers are expected to reach their height and weight between 18 to 24 months. They will continue to grow (outwards), gaining mass until they are two-three years old.

The boxer is a breed of dog that is considerably more energetic and playful than other breeds.

This pooch has a powerful muscular body that requires plenty of exercises and an active mind that you need to stimulate to keep boredom at bay.

While a boxer can reach their full size at 18 months; some reach their full-size even earlier at 12 months. While this is rare, it does happen and this is largely down to genetic factors.

Despite reaching their full size and weight at an early age, boxers still have a lot of time before they mature and begin to act like adults.

A boxer is considered a puppy until they are two years old. So, even though they are large before this time and carry their full adult size, they are still in their young ‘baby’ years.

You will know that your boxer has not reached maturity because of their actions and behaviors. These will reflect that they still have the mentality of a puppy.

While at two/three (depending on the specific dog) your boxer will stop growing in size and weight; they will not necessarily calm down right away.

Their active temperament and hyperactivity will, however, lessen in time.

Factors That Influence Size And Growth Potential

Sadly, some boxers are not able to achieve the standard height and weight of a typical adult boxer dog.

Three factors can affect your boxer’s size. Some of which are out of your control, but there are some things you can do.

The first factor is how your dog was bred, the second is related to canine health and the third is how they are raised and taken care for.

As an owner, you, therefore, play a large role in the final factor.

Breeding Boxers To Be Show Dogs

Some breeders breed boxers for the sole purpose of competing in dog shows. Watching Crufts is just one example of this; you will routinely see the boxer breed on this show.

Show dogs tend to be smaller than their non-show counterparts.

To ensure that you are getting a bigger boxer dog with a typical healthy physique, you must find the right breeder for you.

Finding a puppy through an organization such as the American Kennel Club, will ensure that you adopt a breed that is registered and such puppies are cared for and raised properly.

Breeders will have to have met tight rules and regulations established by the AKC.

Canine Health Issues

Two primary health issues are the main cause of boxers being smaller than average.

The first is that this breed can carry a lower amount of growth hormones. Secondly, they may inherit a condition known as canine dwarfism.

Low growth hormones are usually the cause of a damaged pituitary gland.

Because of this damage, your dog’s body is unable to produce the necessary growth hormones to help them grow and reach its full potential.

Because of this issue, their growth will be stunted. The low production of these growth hormones can be due to the following health complications:

Infected gland
Cysts growing on the gland
Pituitary gland not developing properly
Tumors

Thankfully, low growth hormone is rare for boxers, but it is common with other breeds like the Miniature Pinscher and the Spitz. That being said it is still possible and something to be aware of.

If your boxer has dwarfism, their bones won’t grow to their standard size. Medically, this is known as achondroplasia; it affects the size and bodily proportions of your dog.

Symptoms of dwarfism include the following:

The body is small, whereas the head grows larger
Forelimbs bow to the side
Bone shape is abnormal
The boxer’s puppy coat doesn’t shed into their adult coats
Teeth are usually crooked due to having a shorter jaw.

Again, canine dwarfism is rare in boxers. It is more common with Beagles, German Shepherds, and Basset Hounds.

But, you must be aware because it is a potential cause of slow growth.

If you suspect low growth hormones and canine dwarfism, you will likely see symptoms early in your dog’s life.

You’ll notice that they do not follow the typical growth curve and may even experience pain or have stunted limbs.

Generally, your vet will be able to identify these issues, but if you suspect any growth issues you should speak to them.

Care, Environment and Diet

Of course, one of your primary responsibilities as the owner of your dog is to ensure they have everything they need.

You need to provide them with the right level of care, an optimal environment and provide them with a highly nutritious diet.

Regarding their care, once a boxer has developed in height and weight, their growth plates will not fully close until they are around 18 months of age.

You must make sure not to over-exercise your boxer until their growth plates close. This means that you limit activity in the early phases of their life.

That being said, some activity is still required and should be done to ensure they get the exercise they need.

Start with slow and shorter walks and then increase the amount of time as they age appropriately.

Your vet will be able to give you some advice regarding the amount of activity they need at each stage of their life.

Regarding their environment, you must ensure that you provide them with a comfortable bed (like this ideal one from Amazon) and a relaxing place for them to sleep.

Sleep is crucial for optimal growth and development so your dog should not be disturbed while they are sleeping nor should there be anything (like drafts, unnatural lights) keeping them up.

With their diet, you should ensure they are being fed premium dry food, free from grains and other unhealthy fillers.

You’ll also want to be careful what scraps you give them and not overfeed them.

Excess weight, especially in their early years, can be difficult to reduce due to their activity limitations.

Finally

So, we now know that boxers stop growing by the time they are two years old; however, it may take some time before they are out of their puppy phase.

As an owner of a boxer, you must do all that you can to make sure that your dog grows well.

You can achieve this by choosing a high-quality dog food that includes an excellent protein source.

Additional nutrients like vitamins will help your pooch grow up strong and healthy.

An owner must make sure that their energetic dog is getting the exercise he needs to maintain their muscles.

Don’t overdo it with exercise as this will only exhaust your dog; it may even lead to health problems down the road.

Boxers are wonderful pets, they may not be massive dogs, but they have a powerful physique, and they are always up for active play and fun.

Ensure that your dog remains in top condition so that it can be healthy and enjoy a longer life.

Boxers can look intimidating to some people, but if you have ever owned one, you will know how these dogs are so loving and patient.

Boxers make loyal pets that are amazing around children. This breed of dog is quite drooly, made worse by their squished facial features.

Nevertheless, you will adore this breed if you decide to adopt one.

When Do Boxers Stop Growing? [And How Big Do Boxers Get?]