How Much Does a Boxer Dog Cost? (2024 Price Guide)

Boxer price and expenses how much does a Boxer dog cost

Wondering how much are Boxer puppies? Honestly, the price of a Boxer puppy and its ongoing expenses may poke a hole in your pocket if you are financially unstable. 

This breed is not as cheap as other purebreds, and they are also expensive to maintain. 

Luckily, this article provides an estimation of the Boxer dog price and what expenses you may encounter as you go along. I also included some money-saving tips in the end, so be sure to check that out.

The Average Cost of a Boxer Puppy

Average cost of Boxer puppy

A healthy Boxer puppy costs between $1,000 and $3,500 from a reputable breeder. However, if you’re looking for a show-quality puppy, expect to pay beyond this range. Some factors that affect the Boxer dog price are age, breeder’s reputation, and appearance.

While their purchasing price seems hefty, the Boxer puppy is actually worth every penny. They are known to be very protective and patient, especially to young children, and they also take the role of family guardian.

Nevertheless, if you still feel like they’re too expensive, you can adopt them from local rescues and shelters. 

READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Boxer Dog: Which Is Better?

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Boxer Puppy

When you review different Boxer puppy listings online, you’ll see that some puppies are more expensive than others. 

While there are chances that some backyard breeders exploit this breed for profit, there are also reputable breeders that offer high prices for good reasons.

If you are curious as to why Boxers are priced the way they do, check out this comprehensive list of factors that generally affect Boxer pricing:

  • Age: A puppy’s youthful stamina is believed to be better than that of an older dog. Thus, Boxer puppies typically cost more than an adult Boxer dog. There is also the fact that most pet owners want to raise a Boxer from puppyhood, so the demand for young litters is more significant. As expected, the higher the demand, the more expensive the puppies are.
  • Registration Papers: Certain breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most well-known of which are the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Boxer Club (ABC). These responsible breeders seek compensation for their efforts in obtaining registration papers.
  • Breeder’s Reputation: A Boxer breeder with a long track record frequently demands a premium for their puppies, as these breeders also invest more money in their breeding program than others. They ensure that their Boxers have health-tested parents so they can produce healthy litters.
  • Color and Markings: The increased demand for a certain Boxer dog color affects the dog’s price. This is also true for rare-colored Boxers. For instance, white and brindle Boxers cost up to $3,500 because they are hard to come across.
  • Training and Socialization: Boxers tend to be aggressive if not socialized early on. Hence, some breeders only sell their Boxers after being trained and socialized. This will increase the puppy price but will simultaneously result in savings since you’ll avoid having to invest in additional training.

Apart from the factors stated previously, additional considerations may also impact the Boxer puppy cost. 

Gender, temperament, whelping date or a particular litter, stud fees, health testing, DNA testing, ear cropping, and spaying or neutering are often added to the price of a Boxer puppy. 

You must consult with the breeder to make sure that the Boxer puppy cost is justifiable. 

While you’re at it, watch this video to learn why Boxers are great family members:

READ NEXT: 7 Colors and Types of the Boxer Dog Explained (With Pictures)

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Boxer Dog From a Rescue? 

Adopting a Boxer from a shelter or rescue organization can cost you $200 to $800. This is a highly reasonable price compared to buying from a breeder.

Due to their intense energy and enormous size, it is not uncommon to encounter purebred Boxer puppies in animal shelters and rescues. In fact, many Boxer dogs end up in rescue or shelter in their early maturity.

The good thing is, along with the lower cost of saving a dog from a shelter, rescued Boxer puppies are already vaccinated and registered. 

Moreover, they underwent health testing, vet checks or wellness exams, behavioral modification, and retraining before being rehomed.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Adoption: Process, What to Ask and Tips to Get Approved

Initial Cost of Boxer Dog Ownership

Boxer dog initial costs

The cost of a Boxer puppy is not the only financial consideration when choosing this breed. 

Once you’ve brought your new furry companion home, you’ll also need to consider the expense of their basic needs, like food, toys, bed, and other things necessary to keep them healthy, secure, and happy with you.

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of all the essential items you’ll need in welcoming your Boxer puppy into your home: 

  • Food and Treats: An energetic and large dog like the Boxer dog should be fed high-quality foods. Additionally, you must have treats on hand which can be used as a positive reinforcement during training. A bag of premium dog food and treats costs between $100 and $120.
  • Food and Water Bowls: It is advisable to purchase stainless steel feeding bowls rather than plastic ones for your Boxer puppy. Stainless steel bowls are generally more durable and easier to clean. These bowls typically cost between $15 and $35.
  • Bed: Selecting the right bed for your dog will help reduce their risk of developing abnormal physical disorders like hip dysplasia. Between $50 to $200, you can get an appropriate bed for your Boxer puppy.
  • Crate: Not only can a crate assist you in moving your dog, but it will also provide a secure environment for them when you are not present. Dog crates for a Boxer have a price range between $60 and $500.
  • Leash and Collar: Boxer puppies require leashes and collars that are sturdy and durable enough to endure their active lifestyles. A sturdy leash and collar set costs between $15 and $50.
  • Toys: Your Boxer puppy will never be entirely content if it doesn’t have toys to stimulate it physically and mentally. Durable rope toys, balls, and chew toys have a price range of $30 to $50. 
  • Grooming Essentials: Boxer puppies require grooming at least once every two months. Typically, a high-quality dog brush, shampoo, toothbrush, sharp nail cutter, and other grooming accessories cost between $40 and $180.
  • Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Boxer puppies must be dewormed to avoid internal parasites like roundworms and heartworms. As a result, your Boxer will require flea/ tick medications and deworming, which have a price range between $50 and $200.
  • Initial Vet Visits: It is critical to plan your puppy’s initial veterinarian visit within the first few days of bringing them home. Consultations usually range from $100 to $300.
  • Initial Vaccine Shots: Breeders and rescue shelters frequently vaccinate their puppies already. However, most puppies often require additional vaccines, such as the distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DHPP) 5-in-1 vaccine, referred to as the “distemper shot,” which protects against the four diseases included in the vaccine’s full name. The price range of additional immunizations is $75 to $200.
  • Neutering and Spaying: There are various advantages to neutering or spaying your dog. For starters, it lowers your pup’s risk of developing some health problems. The surgery has a price range of $50 to $500.
  • Dog License: Possessing a dog license establishes your Boxer ownership and enables animal control and shelters to identify and return your Boxer dog in case they get lost. A dog license registration price is between $10 and $20.
  • Microchip: The goal of pet microchips is to provide a means of permanent identification. Microchips are radio-frequency identification transponders that include a unique identifier. This procedure can be performed by a veterinarian, with an average cost between $40 and $60.
  • Miscellaneous Supplies: You may need to purchase other items for your fellow furry friend. This includes carpet cleaners, poop bags, feces scoopers, and potty inducers, which cost between $15 and $30.

The following is a summary of the initial costs associated with owning a Boxer puppy:

Type of ExpenseCost
Food and Treats$100 – $120
Food and Water Bowls$15 – $35
Bed$50 – $200
Crate$60 – $500
Leash and Collar$15 – $50
Toys$30 – $50
Grooming Essentials$40 – $180
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medication$50 – $200
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $300
Initial Vaccine Shots$75 – $200
Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500
Dog License$10 – $20
Microchip$40 – $60
Miscellaneous Supplies$15 – $30
Total Initial Cost$650 – $2,445

As a new owner of a Boxer puppy, you will almost certainly need to purchase these items.

Some of these products, such as dog bed, leash, collar, and feeding bowl, may last your dog a long time, so they’re a pretty good investment.

However, if you aren’t a newbie to pet-owning, chances are, you already have these items at home. You’ll save a significant amount if this is the case.

READ NEXT: Boxer Ear Cropping: Should You Crop Your Boxer’s Ears?

Annual Cost of Owning a Boxer Dog

Boxer yearly and monthly costs

Whether you have a pet quality puppy or a show dog, owning a Boxer can be financially challenging since it entails much more than the ongoing purchase of food and other dog supplies, especially for new owners. 

As your dog grows and develops, you should meet its routine medical and other essential needs as well. 

Thus, to your best advantage, you should know the ongoing expenditures associated with this pet, especially their annual expenses.

The following is a comprehensive list of the annual expenses added on top of the Boxer puppy cost:

Type of ExpenseYearly Estimate
Food and Treats$900 – $1,200
Toys$30 – $150
Beds and Crates$240 – $500
Leashes and Collars$30 – $50
Grooming Essentials$200 – $500
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$150 – $250
Routine Veterinary Care$200 – $400
Pet Insurance$800 – $1,500
Vaccinations$80 – $250
Miscellaneous Supplies$30 – $50
Yearly Total$2,660 – $4,850
Average Monthly Cost$222 – $404

At first look, it seems that Boxer dog ownership is prohibitively expensive. This range, however, is comparable to that of other large dog breeds.

The ongoing expenses associated with having a Boxer puppy primarily comprise food and other necessities. However, you must also consider check-ups and pet insurance. 

Regular check-ups should be provided to your Boxer dog at least every two months so they remain healthy and they meet their maximum lifespan. A standard veterinary examination costs around $200 to $400 per year. 

Additionally, you should invest in pet insurance to help with the financial strain of high-priced vet expenses. Pet insurance coverage includes emergency procedures such as total hip replacement, injuries, and various illnesses. 

Typically, pet insurance for Boxer dogs costs between $800 and $1,500 a year, depending on the policy chosen.

READ NEXT: Boxer Dog Lifespan: How Long Do Boxer Dogs Normally Live?

Other Potential Expenses

Depending on your dog’s needs, you may incur additional expenses while owning a Boxer dog. These additional costs may include pet daycare, grooming, kennel club certifications, and other necessities.

Here’s a comprehensive list of other potential expenses for a Boxer dog:

  • Pet Daycare: You may consider leaving your Boxer at a pet daycare center if you are often out of town or you are too busy with work to look after them. Pet daycare centers charge between $20 and $30 per day. 
  • Pet Sitter Fee: Pet sitters are an alternative to pet daycare. Leaving your dog with a friend, neighbor, or a professional pet sitter is an excellent option, particularly for well-behaved, socialized canines. Pet sitting services often have a price range of $10 to $20.
  • Grooming Services: If you’re having a hectic week, it’ll be challenging to keep an eye on your pet’s hygiene. You can hire a professional groomer instead. A professional grooming session for a Boxer dog may cost $30 to $80.
  • Kennel Club Certifications: If you wish to enter your pet in AKC-sponsored shows and sporting events, it is best to register your Boxer dog with the American Kennel Club for $40 to $100.
  • Emergency Medical Procedure: Serious health issues such as kidney, liver disease, or cancer can strike certain dogs without warning, and the Boxer is not exempt. If your dog has already reached the end of its prime years, expect to pay for emergency medical treatments. These can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, and in extreme instances, may exceed $7,000. 

Apart from emergency medical treatment for certain health conditions, the expenses mentioned above are entirely optional. 

This implies that as you progress, you can identify strategies to avoid these expenses entirely and make additional savings.

Places to Find Boxer Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Two happy Boxer puppies for sale and adoption

Now that you’re aware of the responsibilities of owning a Boxer dog, it’s time to seek locations where you can get one. Whether you’re looking to purchase or adopt, some of the top sources are listed below. 

I’ve included a list of breeders and rescue organizations known for offering high-quality Boxer dogs in the United States to assist you with your search. 

All of these sites are trustworthy, so you can rest assured that you will not come across a backyard breeder.

Here are some of the reputable breeders you can trust to find Boxer puppies for sale:

  • Winn Creek Boxers – Winn Creek Boxers is a Mebane, North Carolina-based American and European AKC Registered Boxer dog breeder. They have been conducting research and working with healthy Boxer puppies since 1998. This breeder’s bloodlines include champions from both the United States and Europe.
  • Carbine Boxers – Carbine Boxers is a Houston, Texas-based Boxer breeder. They began breeding Boxer puppies in 2000 and have continued to expand, following the breed standard. This breeder maintains a close group of experts who serve as consultants of the kennel.
  • Cimarron Boxers – Cimarron Boxers have been breeding European Boxer puppies for over two decades now. They vet their dogs and provide a 5-year health guarantee. All Boxer puppies are born and raised in the family’s home. If you’re looking for a healthy, well-socialized Boxer puppy with superior genes, go no further than Cimarron Boxers. 

Aside from the ones mentioned above, you can also check out our list of top Boxer breeders for more options.

RELATED: 10 Best Boxer Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Meanwhile, if you advocate for rehoming, the following Boxer shelters and rescue organizations may have adult Boxer dogs available for adoption:

  • Boxer Lovers Rescue (BLR) – Boxer Lovers Rescue (BLR) is a non-profit organization managed entirely by volunteers that assists Boxers in the Northwest states. Their principal objective is to decrease the number of homeless Boxer dogs and increase public awareness of the breed.
  • Northwest Boxer Rescue (NWBR) – NWBR is another foster-based rescue dedicated to assisting Boxers in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California, and Washington. In collaboration with volunteers and local veterinarians, this rescue provides medical care and temporary housing for the Boxers they handle.
  • Houston Boxer Rescue (HBR) – Houston Boxer Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that assists surrendered Boxers around the Houston Metroplex and adjacent areas. HBR was founded out of genuine love for the Boxer breed and a passion for helping reduce their suffering caused by neglect, abuse, or abandonment. 

You can also read our list of top Boxer rescues for more options. It includes some reputable Boxer dog rescues in the United States and some other helpful sources.

Moreover, you can connect with other Boxer owners via social media groups. Surely, someone will gladly assist you in your search for this pooch. 

Furthermore, you might also want to read this article on how to ace your adoption application. This will undoubtedly guide you in bringing your chosen Boxer dog!

RELATED: 10 Best Boxer Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Money-Saving Tips for Boxer Owners

While we adore our canine companions, caring for them may become costly, particularly if they become ill. Unexpected expenses for your Boxer dog are inevitable, so you should really find ways to save money.

It is critical to emphasize, however, that cost-cutting does not mean sacrificing your pup’s needs.

Here are some money-saving tips you can use as a Boxer owner:

  • Make food and treats for your dog. If your Boxer dog is a fussy eater, you will be obliged to purchase expensive wet canned food. Making homemade food and treats for your dog is one method to cut down on this expenditure.
  • Invest in high-quality essentials. Investing in high-quality dog accessories such as a food and water bowl is an excellent way to save money. These items last a long time, so you won’t have to repurchase them often.
  • Groom your dog at home. Boxer puppies require little grooming at home. Investing the time and effort necessary to learn how to groom this puppy yourself will eventually pay off.
  • Stick with durable dog toys. Choosing durable dog toys for playdates is essential. Consider products noted for their durability, so it would take a few months before you need to buy new ones.
  • Visit the vet regularly. Investing a few hundred dollars in veterinary care is preferable to spending thousands on emergency medical procedures later. Routine check-ups will ensure that your pup remains healthy and fit.

Despite these tips, bear in mind that saving money should not be an excuse to overlook your dog’s needs. You can cut back on money while still providing adequate care to your Boxer.

Final Thoughts

The Boxer puppy cost is relatively reasonable. Except for the high maintenance requirements and grooming costs, the monthly expenses associated with having this dog are manageable. 

If you have assessed that you have enough savings to tend to this dog, then go contact the breeders and rescues I listed above to ask for the price of their available litter. 

Got leads on where to find Boxers with affordable prices or tips on how to cut down the expenses of Boxer ownership? Feel free to share them in the comment box below!

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