Boxer health: what owners should know

Boxers are known for a higher than average rate of certain heart conditions, including an inherited heart muscle disease sometimes called Boxer cardiomyopathy, and aortic stenosis. The breed also has elevated risk of some cancers, skin lumps, hip dysplasia, thyroid problems and bloat. Their short airway makes heat and hard exercise more dangerous than for longer-nosed dogs.

Responsible breeders have parents examined by a veterinary cardiologist, often including a 24-hour heart monitor test, and score hips before breeding. At home, keep your dog lean, check the skin monthly for new lumps, and avoid exercise after meals. See a vet promptly for fainting or collapse, a new cough, any lump that grows, or a swollen belly with unproductive retching, which is an emergency.