Ranking Top 20 on the list of the most popular dog breeds in America and other parts of the world, the Boxer is fast becoming a celebrity.
This breed doubles as a comical companion and a protective guard, and once you get over its scary looks you’d realize they are as adorable as many Toy dog breeds.
Well, it would be hard cuddling a big dog, but Boxers don’t seem to know that.
With these beautiful qualities, it’s only normal that many pet parents would want this breed in their households.
Even first-timers can get a shot (though they should know what they’re getting into).
If you’re asking about the Boxer price, we applaud your interest and decision in getting this breed.
Having said that, you must be certain you can afford a Boxer puppy. While they aren’t overly expensive, you might end up overwhelmed if you don’t plan right.
Here’s a complete guide on the initial purchase and monthly costs of services, supplies, and care involved in owning a Boxer dog breed.
Boxer Price: How Much Does a Boxer Puppy Cost?
Getting a puppy from a reputable breeder is the safest decision you can make, and for the Boxer, it increases the chances of getting a healthy one.
Boxer puppy prices vary depending on the breeder in question, but you can budget between the range of $800 to $2,800. Of course, this covers only the initial purchase.
There are some other costs to keep in mind, mainly the first supplies you’d need to take care of your puppy and some additional payments for the pup’s well-being.
These other costs estimated at $650 cover:
- Dog bed
- Food bowls
- Crate
- Dollar
- Leash
- Puppy training
- Microchipping
- Teething aids
Cutting Down Initial Costs
Those first payments can seem daunting for some pet parents. If so, there are some free services you can take advantage of from rescue shelters and clinics.
Pet food pantries also offer dog food at a more affordable cost.
Boxer Price: Initial Costs for Services & Supplies
For the first year to run smoothly, you need to let some money go.
Some of these should be gotten before you bring the dog home, others are services for the well-being of your canine buddy.
These first expenses fall between the price range of $220 and $850.
| Boxer Care & Services | Costs |
|---|---|
| Spaying/Neutering | $50 to $450 |
| ID Tag and collar | $15 |
| Ultrasound | $250 to $400 |
| X-ray | $200 to $300 |
| Microchip | $45 to $55 |
| Teeth cleaning | $150 to $300 |
| Bed/tank/cage | $40 to $80 |
| Nail clipper | $8 |
| Brush | $10 |
| Carrier | $40 |
| Toys | $50 |
| Food and Water bowls | $20 to $30 |
How Much is the Monthly Boxer Cost?
For each month in the first year of your pet parenting a Boxer, be ready to make more expenses.
These would cover food, health care, grooming, pet insurance, and many more.
Boxer Healthcare Monthly Costs
Boxer dogs—like many other breeds out there—need flea and tick prevention, along with heartworm prevention.
You should also have some supplements and medications for the new dog. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention falls between $60 and $100 per month.
Supplements and medications cost between $25 and $100.
Boxer Food Monthly Costs
For your Boxer’s satisfaction and overall health, you need to feed it a high-quality meal filled with the right nutrients. Protein should be at the top of the list.
For the first year, the budget is around $20 for the Boxer puppy. When it becomes an adult (or if you adopted an adult), the monthly cost might increase to $30.
Boxer Grooming Monthly Cost
Despite the short coat, Boxers have a high grooming need. If you prefer delegating grooming responsibilities to a professional groomer, schedule around 6 times each year.
A grooming session can cost you between $40 and $60. Every form of hygiene is covered in addition to coat brushing.
This includes bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing.
Boxer Vet Treatments & Medications Monthly Cost
Emergency vet visits can creep up at any moment. You must be prepared for it by saving emergency funds.
Depending on your Boxer’s health issues, you might spend between $200 and $1,000.
Save up to $50 or $100 each month to make things easy for you. Monthly wellness care can get up to $50.
Boxer Pet Insurance Monthly Cost
Insurance is always a wise decision, and it helps relieve the burden of any sudden emergency.
Dog insurance can cost between $15 and $30. It depends on which pet insurance package you go for.
Boxer Environment Maintenance Monthly Cost
Boxer dogs can leave their marks on your environment—chewed furniture, soiled carpet, torn sofas are some damages you might deal with.
You should also fix a fence to prevent your pooch from running off. Budget between $20 to $100.
Boxer Entertainment Monthly Cost
This breed needs a lot of mental stimulation and fun activities so they won’t get bored and destructive. For this, they need toys.
These toys can cost between $10 and $40 monthly.
Total Monthly Boxer Cost
Here’s a summary of the major expenses you should expect to make per month, especially during the first year.
| Description | Costs Per Month |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | $25 to $100 |
| Food | $20 to $30 |
| Grooming | $40 to $60 |
| Vet treatments | $50 to $100 |
| Environment | $20 to $100 |
| Entertainment | $10 to $40 |
| Total Cost | $165 to $430 |
To cover all these monthly expenses, budget an estimate of $200 to $500. This would help cover any miscellaneous costs we might have overlooked.
Additional Costs
Besides all we’ve mentioned, make budgets for training classes, dog walking/ boarding, and dog subscription boxes. These are all optional.
Tips to Reduce Expenses
Owning a dog is a serious commitment. This includes your finances. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to ease the burden.
We’ve already highlighted how to cut down initial costs. Besides that, here are some other tips to follow:
- Groom your Boxer at home with a dog grooming kit. It is cheaper than professional grooming, yet can still get the job done.
- Make the dog toys yourself.
- Find a trusted neighbor or a friend that can puppy sit your pooch.
- Find the closest low-cost vet clinic.
Where to Find Boxer Puppies for Sale
As we earlier mentioned, getting a Boxer puppy from a reputable breeder would cost you between $800 to $2,800.
You know a breeder is reputable when he/she keeps the puppies in a good environment and can provide proof that the pup you want to buy is healthy.
Here are some places you can shop for a Boxer dog:
Backyard breeders and puppy mills might offer pups at a bargain price that sounds more economical, but the risk isn’t worth it.
These cheap puppies are usually ill-bred and fraught with health issues that will put holes in your pocket in the long run.
Where to Adopt a Boxer
If shopping seems too expensive, you can opt for adoption. It is safer than puppy mills and backyard breeders, and due to the rising doggy population, many experts recommend adopting over shopping.
Whether you choose adoption for the moral value or the lower expenses, adoption is a good option.
Be sure to check that the puppy (or adult) is in good health and has the temperament you desire.
To adopt a Boxer, you’d need to pay a fee between $20 and $500. Seniors, adults, and dogs with special needs are usually cheaper than puppies.
Some rescue shelters offer free adoption for seniors and dogs with special needs.
You can search for Boxers to adopt on:
Are Boxers good house dogs?
Boxers are friendly and comical dogs, eager to have fun with those they love. They’re also affectionate and are good with kids. These and more make them good house dogs.
Are Boxers hard to train?
Boxers are trainable, but it isn’t as easy as training a Golden Retriever. They can sometimes be stubborn, get bored easily and take time to learn. You need to be patient, firm but gentle with it.
Is a Boxer a good first dog?
First-timers can attempt owning a Boxer, as long as they keep in mind the challenges they will face. Not all new pet parents can handle this breed.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a pet parent is a big step. For those who want to own a Boxer, there’s a lot you need to plan for.
With good budgeting, financial planning, and cutting down costs when necessary, you can succeed in giving this breed a fulfilling life.
If you do realize that the expenses are too high for you, do not go further in your plans of buying a pup.
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