How Much is a Boxer? Puppy and Adult Dog (with Calculator)

The costs associated with a new pet can be hard to put a finger on, and if you are looking to raise a Boxer, you will need to take a number of things into consideration – the cost of the dog itself, veterinary expenses, training, food, supplies, insurance, licensing, grooming and more. To give you a good estimation, we have developed a cost calculator that will inform you on the accurate cost of purchasing and raising a Boxer.

A Boxer puppy is likely to cost between $500-$1,500 with the average price being $900. First-year expenses are around $2,945 and will be about $1,665/year (or $139/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Boxer is $19,595.

These figures consider all essentials. However, extra costs such as spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures, pet insurance, as well as dog walking and boarding services that can be necessary, are not included. If you take those into consideration, especially if you need a dog walker five times a week, your expenses are likely to rise to the $5,500-$12,315 range for the first year and $5,025-$10,480 mark for each subsequent year. This could put the cost range at $55,750-$117,115 for the entirety of your Boxer’s lifetime!

The high range is relevant for owners living in expensive areas and/or looking for high-end products and services. On the contrary, the low end of the range is suitable for cheaper areas, products, and services.

Below, we have compiled a ton of information, analyses, and professional recommendations that are sure to help with raising a Boxer, as well as help plan your finances. You will also find a cost calculator that lets you assess your needs and preferences to help generate a much more accurate estimate when it comes to determining the overall cost of raising a Boxer puppy.

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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.

Quick Links

• Puppy Cost
• Supplies Cost
• Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
• Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
• Food Cost
• Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
• Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
• Total Cost
• PetBudget Cost Calculator

How much does a Boxer puppy cost?

Our team has perused through over 1000 ads from reliable sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind to estimate the average price for Boxer puppies under 6 months of age to be $900. Roughly 80% of the puppies reviewed fell between $500 and $1,500. But note that some Boxer dogs were priced as high as $3,000.

When buying a Boxer puppy, we strongly recommend doing some research to find a reputable shelter or breeder. This will have a major impact on your dog’s long-term health and well-being! Also, adoption can be a much more economical option, with adoption or rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500, depending on your location.

WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A BOXER PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 26 best places to find your perfect pet.

This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.

“As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal that breeders either evaluate their Boxer breeding dogs or test them for the following conditions prior to and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cardiac disease (aortic stenosis, Boxer cardiomyopathy). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).

Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.

Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.

Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.

Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.

Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.

Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.

Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.

Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.

What supplies do you need for your dog?

We have listed all the essential items a new dog owner will probably have to buy and analyzed over 250 best seller prices from Walmart, Amazon, and PetSmart to get an accurate estimate of the cost of supplies. A Boxer owner should budget between $215 and $855 the first year and $95 to $385 every year after that when it comes to supplies for a large dog. Prices can vary depending on store, brand, location, and product quality.

A new dog owner will need to buy most items on the list before welcoming the new pet, hence the higher initial investment of $450 on average. After that it will only be necessary to replace or replenish a few things lowering yearly expenses to about $215. This accounts for new toys, changing the bed and replenishing poop bags, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.

Other items are not included in this list. For example, you might consider buying a harness, a muzzle, dog clothing, fences for the yard or add gates inside the house. For a more accurate estimate, you can add these expenses in the supplies section of the cost calculator at the end of the article. A simple way to save a lot on supplies is to buy from previous dog owners on second-hand websites or visit second-hand stores.

Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.

If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.

Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.

Do Boxer dogs need professional training?

Based on her experience as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that private training is usually not necessary for Boxers. However, as for most dogs, she would recommend a few group lessons to cover basic obedience and house manners. These sessions usually range from $150-$200 for five weekly one-hour sessions.

A great way to get ready to welcome a dog into your house is by reading a dog training book beforehand. You can find good inexpensive ones online to find out more about dog behavior and the best ways to interact with them.

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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.

“Boxers are fun, silly and great family dogs. They need a lot of physical stimulation and are always ready for an adventure.”

Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist

Medical costs to consider for a Boxer

Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, shared her knowledge and experience to establish the medical expenses related to raising a Boxer. The following figures can obviously vary depending on many factors such as location but still give a reliable and trustworthy picture of what a Boxer owner should expect.

Vet cost for a Boxer puppy

According to Leslie Brooks, DVM, a Boxer puppy will require three vet visits through their first year ($65-$170 each time), with the first visit being at 8 weeks of age. This will include all the essential: physical exam, essential vaccines, fecal examination to make sure no deworming is needed as well as heartworm and flea prevention first three doses.

She would also advise purchasing heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year ($60-$120 and $70-$125).

Moreover, your puppy may require some additional vaccines that depend largely on lifestyle and activity. If your Boxer spends a ton of time camping or hiking and is generally exposed to wildlife and standing water, Leptospirosis vaccine ($15-25) can be recommended. If your dog is boarded or kept in a kennel for extended amounts of time, Influenza vaccines may be necessary ($70-$90 including a booster shot). Additionally, if your dog goes camping, hiking or lives in a wooden area or on a farm, it will be more exposed to ticks, and Lyme shots are strongly recommended ($60-$80 including the booster shot).

The yearly cost will therefore range from $395-$830.

A neuter (male) or spay (female) procedure on a Boxer, generally cost $150 to $450. Depending on the location, it is possible to find low cost clinics that will charge as low as $50-$100.

As Boxers tend to be large, deep-chested dogs, Leslie Brooks recommends a Gastropexy procedure, which usually costs $200-$400 when performed at the time of sterilization. It is an efficient way to help prevent the stomach to twist on itself (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or GDV) which is life threatening and would require an expensive surgery to be corrected.

Medical expenses for the following years

According to veterinarians like Leslie Brooks, DVM, for each subsequent year, you should make an annual trip to the vet for an exam, vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (for middle aged and senior dogs) to find potential hidden problems. This should run you $125-$265 depending on location.

Leslie also recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually cost around $80-$200 and $175-$300 for the year, respectively for a Boxer.

The lifestyle vaccines, Leptospirosis ($15-$25), Influenza ($35-$45) and/or Lyme ($30-$40) may also require annual booster shots. Finally, if your Boxer is regularly in contact with other pets or shows inconsistent stool quality, a fecal examination ($40-$50) will be recommended.

Boxer potential health issues

The table below introduces some of the potential health problems a Boxer owner might have to deal with during his dog’s life according to licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks.

Cancer: The cost really depends on the type of cancer (the most common for Boxers is Mast Cell Tumor) and whether aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments are pursued, or it is decided to just keep the pet comfortable with medications.

Indolent corneal ulcers could happen more than once and therefore it could be a recurring cost.

Histiocytic ulcerative colitis: the low end of the cost range applies if the dog responds well to medications and diet change, otherwise colonoscopy and biopsies could need to be performed and will increase the overall price. Also, some dogs will need to be on long term special diets, which can cost up to $75-$100 per month.

“Heart disease and cancer are the most expensive, long-term conditions for Boxers, as heart disease cannot be cured and must be managed with frequent echocardiograms and daily medications, and cancer can keep coming back throughout their life, even if each tumor is surgically removed.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

Pet insurance price

Some dog owners will get pet insurance for their dog. Know that the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report put the average price of accident and illness coverage plans for dogs at $565. If you opt for an accident-only plan, expect to pay around $190 per annum.

These prices will obviously vary a lot depending on many factors and you will need to contact insurance companies or brokers to get a more precise estimate.

It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.

If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.

As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.

When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start

The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.

Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.

The cost to feed a Boxer dog

Considering adult Boxers can easily weigh 60 lb. (usually 40 to 80 lb.), your food-related expenses can be calculated after combing through prices across best-selling brands available. On average, a Boxer puppy is likely to consume close to 190 lb. of food, putting the average first-year cost at $225.

An Adult Boxer generally needs close to 280 lb. of dog food, bringing your average cost for each subsequent year around $255. Note that there is a huge price gap between cheap and premium dog foods and the final cost will greatly depend on the chosen brand.

We have also estimated the yearly cost of treats for large-sized dogs reviewing the price of the 27 best sellers on Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon.

This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.

Four dog food brands compared

A Boxer puppy will eat around 190 lb. of dry food during the first year. Note that it can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s level of activity and its size.

An adult Boxer will eat close to 280 lb. of food every year. Again, it will depend on the variables mentioned above as well as the dog’s age.

Generally, it works out cheaper as you get much better deals if you purchase dog food in bulk. Although it is a perishable commodity, it can be stored for long periods of time, making bulk purchases a very practical option. It is also a good idea to consult your vet as to what food would be the most appropriate for your Boxer.

Example for a more expensive premium brand

This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.

Grooming a Boxer

Boxers are not a high maintenance breed. Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer, suggests that they could either be groomed at home by their owner or taken to a grooming salon up to 6 times a year.

A professional would probably charge between $40 and $60 each time. The price of grooming services varies depending on the dog size, coat condition, health and age, its behavior and the services purchased.

Professional grooming generally includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal if necessary, brushing and styling, ear, teeth, and eye cleaning as well as nail trimming.

A grooming kit that allows you to groom your dog at home can be found for anywhere between $25 and $290 (Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon for example), with an average cost of $75, depending on the equipment you require.

Additional costs to consider for your dog

License

Licenses generally cost between $10 and $20 in the U.S.A. If your Boxer is not spayed or neutered, this could be a bit more. Moreover, many states and territories have banned owning unlicensed pets, so we strongly recommend licensing your Boxer as soon as possible.

Microchip

Microchips create a unique identity for your dog, allowing medical information to be shared easily. Moreover, in the case of any emergency, locating your Boxer is much easier with a microchip, which is why many states require your dog to be microchipped. On average, this costs between $25-$50.

Dog walking for a Boxer

Dog walking professionals like Tamaria Reddick suggest that Boxers get plenty of exercise, as they are big, energetic dogs. If you cannot cater to their needs, a dog walker might be a good idea. Generally, dog walkers on apps like Rover and Wag charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1-hour sessions).

These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so make sure to include this in your budget. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive.

Traveling

Boxers are energetic and adventurous dogs, and so, it is not advisable to leave them alone when going away. Dog boarding services are generally available for $25-$85 per day, depending on your location.

It is a good idea to plan and book in advance, especially during busy parts of the year, such as the holiday season. So be sure to book a dog boarding or dog sitting service as soon as possible, as you are likely to get much better rates. Additionally, try to see if you have any friends and/or family who are willing to host your Boxer, as it could prove to be a much more pocket-friendly option!

Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on many variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your dog.

Yearly and monthly cost of a Boxer

The first year with your Boxer puppy

On average, the first-year cost that comes with a Boxer puppy ranges between $1,575 and $4,840. This comes down to an average cost of $2,945, with the bulk of the major expenses taking place within the first few weeks.

You might also want to consider some of the additional costs listed below.

If you choose to neuter/spay your dog and have a gastropexy performed as well as get pet insurance, the cost rises to $4,060 on average for the first year. Add to that a week of dog boarding and a dog walker five days a week (30-minute walks) for 42 weeks and it will cost you around $8,540.

Yearly and monthly cost of an adult Boxer for the following years

The costs that come with owning a Boxer do go down after the first year. For each subsequent year, supplies, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming services and license renewal will run you anything between $750 and $2,855 , with an average cost of $1,665 (if we break it down further, this comes down to a monthly cost in the $63-$238 range and averages $139/month).

With insurance, 30-minute dog walks five days a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for seven days, the average cost climbs to $7,510 for the year (or $626 every month).

Cost of ownership of a Boxer

In total, the cost of owning and raising a Boxer for 11 years boils down to the $9,075-$33,390 range, with the average cost being $19,595.

With additional expenses tacked on, such as the medical procedures mentioned earlier, insurance and dog-based services as described in the previous sections, the price of raising a Boxer falls in the $55,750 to $117,115 range through the course of its lifetime, which on average is 11 years (usually 10 to 12 years). The average price of raising a Boxer can then be estimated to be $83,640.

Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.

PetBudget Boxer cost calculator

The cost of a Boxer – A summary in 7 questions

1- How much is a Boxer puppy?

On average a Boxer puppy will cost $900 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $500 and $1,500. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.

2 – How much are dog supplies?

A new owner can expect an initial investment between $215 and $855 in supplies when welcoming a large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $95 and $385. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.

3 – Does a Boxer need training and how much will it cost?

Having a Boxer professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience and house manners.

4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Boxer?

Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $830 for a Boxer puppy during the first year and around $380 to $925 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively).

5 – How much food does a Boxer eat and how much will it cost?

A Boxer puppy will eat around 190 lb. and an adult close to 280 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $155 and $445 for a puppy and $140 to $555 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.

6 – How often should a Boxer be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?

Grooming a Boxer is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $60 depending on the dog and services needed.

7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?

In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.

A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.

Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.

A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.

Other breeds you might like

Looking for a guard dog? Read our article about the cost of 18 popular guard dog breeds.

Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.

To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Boxer, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Boxer. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.

References and Resources

• Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
• Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
• Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• The American Kennel Club
• North American Pet Health Insurance Association
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

This article is original content from PetBudget.