How Much Does a Boxer Cost? 2024 Price Guide
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Are you thinking of adding a Boxer to your household? Originally developed to be a fighter, Boxers are actually gentle giants with hearts of gold. This is why the Boxer is adored by families worldwide and is the 16th most popular canine companion in the United States.
But can your budget afford a Boxer? Owning any dog is a huge investment of both time and money. Before you take the plunge, here is everything you need to know about the costs of owning a Boxer.
How Much Do Boxers Cost: One-Time Costs
A healthy, happy Boxer puppy from a reputable breeding facility will cost between $800 and $2,800. Keep in mind that that price only pays for the puppy itself. You’ll also need to stock up on puppy supplies. “Welcome home” expenses for your new puppy will run you about $650. These one-time costs include a crate, micro-chipping, a dog bed, toys and teething aids, a collar and leash, fixing your puppy, training classes, and water and food bowls.
Free Boxers
If you know you’ll have a tough time paying for your Boxer puppy’s initial costs, there are many shelters and low-cost clinics that offer affordable, and even free, wellness care. Many times, your local Humane Society can offer free spaying/neutering. You can also access free or low-cost dog food at a pet food pantry.
Boxer Adoption
$20–$500
If you don’t want to buy a Boxer, consider rescuing one! Adopting a relinquished dog will give it a second chance at life. Adoption fees for Boxers will range between $20 and $500, depending upon the age, health, and background of the dog.
Boxer Breeders
$800–$2,800
Buying a purebred Boxer puppy from a responsible breeder will run you between $800 and $2,800. Purchasing a dog from a high-quality breeder ensures you’re getting a healthy puppy whose parents have been pre-tested for genetic conditions. Try to find a Boxer breeder on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) breeder registry or ask a vet, dog trainer, or trusted friend for their recommendations.
Though the low price tag of Boxer puppies from backyard breeders or puppy mills is appealing, never buy a dog from a bad breeding facility. These dogs can be afflicted with numerous behavior and physical problems, including fear, aggression, and internal parasites.
Boxer Price: Initial Setup and Supplies
$220–$850
Budget for between $220 and $850 for your new Boxer puppy’s first year in your home. These costs will cover initial essentials such as puppy pee pads, teething aids, toenail clippers, initial vet costs, a dog crate and bed, leash and collar, and puppy training classes. Four classes will cost about $100.
List of Boxer Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $15 |
| Spay/Neuter | $50 – $450 |
| X-Ray Cost | $200 – $300 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $250 – $400 |
| Microchip | $45 – $55 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $150 – $300 |
| Bed/Tank/Cage | $40 – $80 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $8 |
| Brush (optional) | $10 |
| Litter Box | N/A |
| Litter Scoop | N/A |
| Toys | $50 |
| Carrier | $40 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $20 – $30 |
How Much Does a Boxer Cost Per Month?
$290 – $600
For the first year of your Boxer’s life, its monthly expenses will be higher than the following years. You’ll need to budget for food, grooming, dog walking or boarding, monthly preventative care, and potential vet visits.
Boxer Health Care Costs
$85–$100 per month
Your Boxer will need monthly flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention treatments. This will cost between $60 and $100 per month. The average monthly price of medications or supplements for your new dog ranges between $25 and $100. It’s wise to have an emergency fund in case your pup needs emergency medical treatment.
Boxer Food Costs
$20–$40 per month
Your Boxer needs high-quality, protein-packed dog food to keep it in tip-top shape. During its first year, a Boxer puppy will consume about 190 pounds of food. This will cost you about $20 per month.
An adult Boxer will consume close to 280 pounds of kibble per year, putting your monthly range closer to $30.
Boxer Grooming Costs
$40–$60 per session
Boxers are a high-maintenance breed when it comes to their grooming needs. They only need to be taken to the groomer about six times annually. One grooming session for a Boxer will cost between $40 and $60. This includes bathing, hair removal if applicable, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing.
To save money, consider buying an at-home dog grooming kit. This has a one-time cost of between $25 and $300.
Boxer Medications and Vet Visits
$100–$200 per month
Boxer medications and supplements have an average monthly cost between $50 and $100. Monthly preventative treatments cost about $50 monthly. Set aside $50 to $100 each month in case your dog needs to visit an emergency vet clinic. These can cost between $200 and $1,000+ so it’s important to always have the funds on hand.
Boxer Pet Insurance Costs
$15–$30 per month
It’s a wise decision to enroll in a pet insurance plan in case your Boxer suffers from sudden injuries or ailments. Monthly pet insurance costs range between $15 and $30, depending on the cover you opt for.
If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service.
BoxerEnvironment Maintenance Costs
$20–$50 per month
Things can get destroyed or damaged when you own a Boxer. Your dog can urinate on a rug or eat your favorite pair of shoes. Plan on spending about $20 to $100 to replace chewed possessions or to fix holes in your fence to keep your Boxer securely in your yard.
Boxer Entertainment Costs
$10–$40 per month
Your Boxer is one smart dog and needs plenty of mental stimulation. Ensure he always has plenty of fun toys to keep his mind occupied. Dog toys can cost between $10 and $40 a month, depending on the quality and quantity you choose to buy.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Boxer
$290 – $600 per month
A dog is an expensive investment. Your Boxer will cost you between $290 and $620 per month for its grooming, feeding, entertainment, and medical needs.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Additional costs to factor in when you own a Boxer include prices for dog walking/boarding, agility or training classes, or dog subscription boxes.
Owning a Boxer On a Budget
Any dog is an expensive pet to own. But it is possible to own a Boxer on a budget while still providing it with exceptional care. You can skip the costs of bi-monthly grooming sessions by purchasing an at-home dog-grooming kit. Make DIY dog toys from old clothing. Ask a friend or relative to puppy-sit your dog when you’re out of town. Consider visiting a low-cost vet clinic for your Boxer’s wellness needs.
Conclusion
The monthly cost of owning a Boxer falls between $290 and $600 per month. However, this is just an estimate. You can own a Boxer without breaking your budget.
Be prepared for unexpected emergencies by opening up emergency savings account for your dog and getting pet insurance.
It’s important to deeply understand the costs of Boxer ownership. Boxers make loving, loyal pets that deserve the best care money can buy. With some planning and preparation, you can comfortably bring a Boxer into your home.
Featured Image Credit: Lenkadan, Shutterstock
