There are many key things you need to know when it comes to bringing a new dog into the family. According to the American Kennel Club, one of America’s most popular dog breeds is the Boxer.
Boxers are medium-sized dogs with well-recognized boxy heads, expressive facial features, and goofy personalities.
One popular Boxer type is the brindle.
What is a Brindle Boxer?
Boxers were initially bred to be guard dogs due to their powerful body structures, square build, strong limbs, and distinctive intelligence.
Today, however, they’ve become one of the most popular family dogs because they maintain a strong attachment to their family. In fact, AKC statistics rate Boxers as the 14th most popular breed in the country, and one unique option is the Brindle Boxer.
The Brindle Boxer is one of two recognized color patterns by the AKC, the other being Fawn. The Brindle pattern can vary from thin, clearly defined black stripes on a Fawn coat to thick black stripes and white markings.
Unlike other, more unique brindle dogs, the brindle trait is dominant in the Boxer breed, making only one copy of this recessive gene necessary to birth a Brindle Boxer. Therefore, Brindle Boxers aren’t necessarily unique, yet still one of the more friendly, loving dog breeds that bring happiness and joy to their families.
The Brindle Boxer has become popular in American households, top ranking on The best brindle dog breeds. This ranking illustrates how Brindle Boxers could make an ideal family pet as long as someone is available to act as a much-needed companion and fulfill this dog’s intense exercise needs.
Types of Brindle Boxers
Brindle Boxers aren’t rare and can be classified as one of two standard colors recognized by the AKC (along with the Fawn Boxer).
White Boxers are currently not recognized by the AKC, so if more than one-third of your Brindle Boxer’s body is covered with white markings it would disqualify your pet from being in the Boxer breed standard.
Usually, a Brindle Boxer will have a base coat of brown or beige, which is then covered with black stripes.
However, the colors of the Brindle Boxer can change depending on which of the 3 types of Brindle Boxers you have:
- Reverse Brindle Boxer – A common type of Brindle with a lightly-colored coat and dark markings. Rare Reverse Brindles are born with opposite dark backgrounds and light markings denoted as the “Inverted Brindle Boxer”.
- Flashy Brindle Boxer – Rarer than the Reverse Brindle, these have white underbellies and white feet (but are still considered standard Boxers). Sometimes markings travel through the neck and face, giving it “flash”.
- Sealed Brindle Boxer – The rarest Brindle Boxers, which may appear to be nearly all-black. Their stripes are so thick and essentially “seal shut” the lighter coat.
Don’t be tricked by sellers trying to sell their Sealed Brindle Boxer as a pure black Boxer, as they’re still Brindle but with thick black stripes.
Brindle Boxer Needs
Similar to other dog breeds, the Brindle Boxer has its own special requirements that need to be fulfilled so that it’s healthy and happy in its new home.
They’re high-energy, playful, and intelligent, which means they need near-constant companionship and exercise in order to be happy. These dogs are kind, affectionate, and loving, performing best when united into a loving home.
They’re also quite active, so a fenced-in backyard where your Brindle Boxer can run around and expend its energy works best for this active breed. This is one of those breeds that like to stay busy and won’t be found lying around the house for too long.
Brindle Boxers are also loyal to their owners and will guard their families against intruders and strangers. Because Brindle Boxers aren’t known to be excessive barkers, if you do hear your pet barking, they probably have a good reason.
If you’re thinking about buying a Brindle Boxer, you’ll need to make sure you have the time it requires for its constant need for affection, companionship, and activity.
Cost
Brindle Boxers aren’t considered to be rare or unique, yet Boxer puppies, in general, tend to be some of the more expensive types of dog breeds. A Brindle Boxer puppy could cost anywhere from $800 to a massive $3,000 depending on the breeder, the type of brindle, and the dog’s overall genetics.
If you’re dealing with an AKC-registered breeder, you may find they charge more for the Brindle Boxer. However, this hefty cost comes with the peace of mind that your breeder’s dogs and puppies are treated well.
Boxers have historically made excellent show dogs and a Boxer has even won the coveted Westminster dog show four times — in 1947, 1949, 1951, and 1970. If you come across a show dog for sale, it will likely cost a higher price and require some saving up.
You may be able to find a Brindle Boxer at a rescue center, but you should always inquire about the dog’s past and if any abuse occurred with a past owner.
Buying a Boxer
Where you purchase your Boxer will depend on the type of coat you desire out of the three types of Brindle Boxers recognized.
If you’re fine with the standard Reverse Brindle Boxer coat and not focused on raising a show dog, you’ll probably find it pretty easy to buy a Boxer. Flashy and Sealed Brindle Boxers may be harder to find since they’re considered a bit rarer.
That said, Brindle Boxers in general aren’t overly rare compared to other brindle breeds and can usually be purchased either by a breeder or a private seller. However, you should always vet the seller because Boxers are prone to specific health issues.
AKC-compliant breeders adhere to higher standards and have probably completed the required tests to ensure your potential pup’s parents didn’t have medical issues they could pass down.
Rescuing a Brindle Boxer can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but if you’re interested in making sure your Brindle Boxer is purebred, you can visit the AKC Marketplace or the American Boxer Club Website to find a registered puppy.
Common Health Problems for a Purebred Boxer
You can find a pure-bred Boxer by examining how much their coloring matches the breed standards set by the AKC. If you don’t receive pure-bred papers from the seller, you can have a DNA test to verify your dog is purebred.
Similar to other purebred dogs, Boxers are prone to numerous health problems:
- Heart, eye, and skin issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Breathing problems
- Epilepsy
- Certain cancers
Hip dysplasia in particular is common in different types of dogs, and Boxers are no exception. If you purchase your pup from a certified breeder, you’ll want to make sure the parent dogs have healthy joints and that they aren’t passing along genes that will cause hip dysplasia.
A unique health concern for Boxers is their intolerance to hot weather and being prone to overheating. Care must be taken to make sure your Boxer doesn’t overheat, and their short-haired coats also need protection from the cold.
What to Know Before Getting a Boxer
The Boxer breed is a highly-recognizable dog. The clearly distinct features that set a Boxer apart include their:
- Deep-set chest
- Square, boxy head
- Short nose
- Large eyes
- Muscular physique
These dogs are family-friendly, loyal, and affectionate and make great family dogs. However, their lifespan isn’t as long as other Brindles and there are some exercise needs that could disqualify them from becoming a part of your household.
Lifespan
A Boxer has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but some could only live as short as 6 years or as long as 12 years. It may be difficult to find an older Boxer since they’re larger dogs. Similar to other larger dogs, Boxers aren’t predominantly long-lived.
Temperament
Boxers may come from a long line of powerful, brave hunters, but their temperament is calm, affectionate, and loving. They show a tremendous amount of love for their family and need that same amount of affection in return.
Their tendency to drool may be quite high, but their tendency to bark is low. Boxers can become bored rather easily, so don’t invite one into the household if you don’t have time to play with it and show it much-needed love.
When they see their beloved owners, the first thing they may do is jump on you to show their love. They may also twist their bodies or turn in circles to show their excitement.
Boxers are also highly intelligent and react to obedience training positively. You can expect your dog to learn basic verbal commands, how to walk without pulling on the leash, and how to greet peopole and dogs. Teaching your Boxer the terms “down” and “sit” will probably be the first things a trainer will teach your intelligent pet.
Boxers have also made wonderful service dogs because of their high intelligence and attachment to human companions. They’ve been used to guide blind and alert individuals who suffer from seizures and epilepsy.
For more information on training your Boxer, check out our Obedience Classes for Dogs Guide!
Exercise Needs
Boxers have an extremely high need for exercise. If these needs aren’t met they may turn destructive to your pillows, furniture, and anything else they can chew in protest.
In fact, these high-energy dogs may need about 40 minutes or more of exercise per day. Therefore, daily walking or a fenced-in backyard where your Boxer can burn off its energy is mandatory for a happy pet.
Are Boxers Good for Beginners?
Boxers can be great dogs for beginners due to their fun-loving, affectionate, and loyal nature. Although they may have a shorter lifespan than other dogs, the years you’ll have with your Boxer will be quite rewarding.
That being said, if you don’t have the time and vigor needed for this high-energy breed, a Boxer may not be right for you.
Boxers can weigh from 60 to 70 pounds or more, so if they’re not trained by a professional they could be difficult to walk. If everyone in your home works full time and would leave this dog alone all day, a Boxer is more than likely not for you.
Boxers need near-constant physical and emotional stimulation and thrive in households with a lot of people. They’re ideal for an active family who can play and love these affectionate pups.
Their loving and loyal temperament makes for a perfect dog for beginners as long as they have the time required to care for a Boxer.
Are Boxers Good with Children?
Boxers are at their happiest when they’re with their family, especially children. These dogs are incredibly patient and protective with little ones, making them the perfect pet for a family.
Overall, Boxers have been rated some of the most affectionate dogs with families and show tolerance and patience with children. They could truly be your child’s best friend and make for an ideal family dog.
Their short hair also makes them easy to care for. As long as they have a solid, healthy diet, a Brindle Boxer won’t need much grooming throughout its life.
How Fast Do Boxers Grow?
With a much shorter lifespan than other dogs, Boxers generally mature within 18 to 24 months.
| Lifespan | 6-12 years |
| Weight | 50-65 pounds |
| Height | 22-24 inches |
| Suitable For | Kids, Families, Guardian, Show |
| Grooming Requirements | Minimal due to the short coat |
| Health Concerns | Heart, eye, and skin issues, hip dysplasia, breathing problems, epilepsy, cancer |
| Temperaments | Loyal, easy-going, brave, affectionate, courageous |
Brindle Boxers are wonderful family pets that could add love and affection to a family with children for years. As long as they have the time they need to run and play, they’re the perfect family pet.
