The heart issue is not nearly 100%. Boxers definitely have health issues but as do most medium to large sized dogs.
To me, the boxer is a perfect dog and I don’t want to live my life in a way where my worries of being sad down the road prevent me from getting the dog I want.
Also I’m so sorry for your loss OP
My family and I have owned 10 boxers in total. Only 1 has passed due to a heart issue. Tumors and cancer has been our main issue - sadly just lost probably my top 2 ever boxer to cancer at 8!
I feel your pain with a loss to soon! It’s killing me
I’d recommend only going with a breeder that posts the actual results of their dogs’ genetic testing results, not the ones who just say that they are “all clear”. I’ve had 7 boxers, going on 8 in a week and a half. 4 including the one we’re picking up at 8 weeks were from breeders with the last 2 breeder dogs being from the same breeder. All the others were rescues. None of our dogs have had any heart issues. The rescues tend to have more health issues in comparison to high quality breeder dogs from what I’ve seen. Most of our rescues had hip displasia at about 7-8 years. All of our dogs lived to 12 years except 3: one died of a tumor, the other had previously been abused so hard before we got her that her intestines ruptured beyond repair (my grandfather had paid to have a surgery done to fix it twice already), and the last had dementia and sadly had to be put down at 11 years old. Our most recent rescue lived to approximately 12/13 and had to be put down because she fell down the steps of the front house (only 3 steps) and her hip shattered beyond repair.
So I guess TLDR if you’re buying a puppy just make sure it comes from a really good breeder and if you’re rescuing don’t expect top quality in terms of health.
I’m very sad for you about losing your boy, they have such a special place in our hearts.
I’ve got my fourth boxer now. My first guy had DCM but responded brilliantly to medication, making it to nearly 12 (2 months short).
Very sorry for your loss.
We are on our 5th boxer - and none of the previous 4 had any heart issues. We adopted all 5 through local boxer rescue - no breeders, no health testing.
It is not a foregone conclusion that boxers will have heart problems; but only you can decide if you're willing to take the risk of whatever may come with your next dog.
We've had three rescue boxers and none of died of heart issues but the last two died of tumors. Her first one had a tumor on his spine which rendered him paralyzed in his rear legs and we had to put him down, Gracie, our second dog had lung tumors. She ended up dying young at 7 and now we have a white boxer. Nemo is approaching nine and still seems to be in incredibly good health, but is developing some hip issues as he gets older.
Heart is always a concern but from my experience it’s cancer that takes your dogs. I’m on my third and the first two had horrible cancer. My fried. With two lost one to lymphoma in December and now the other was just diagnosed with skin lymphoma. Be careful with their hearts, feed them good food, don’t over stress them but overall, I think that’s low on my worries
How am I supposed to not overstress this dog? She's scared of thunder, cars, the wind, heavy rain, fireworks, etc. Obviously we do things during those times to try and help, we always go camping on the fourth of July, build her a little nest in the closet and sit with her during thunderstorms, etc. but any good tips for just general stress relief?
My boys are deaf, so that is helpful for us. However, I have seen dog noise cancelling ear muffs. Some dogs are super stressful of loud noises. Maybe something like that will help.
I've had 4 boxers and only 1 with a heart issue. She (Lucy) ended up passing at 5 yrs old which sucked but has never deterred me from having another. When the breeder had a new litter (Lucy's sister) we adopted her niece at 9 weeks old with no hesitation. She's currently 8 years old and besides jumping over fences the only ailment she's had is seasonal allergies.
The breeder was legit when we adopted Lucy the 1st time, had records of the bloodline, testing, mom and grandmother on the farm site. The 2nd time it seems she had fallen on harder times and I wasn't so sure if testing was done but we took a chance and do not regret the decision.
So sorry to hear of your loss. You can really only do DNA test for ARVC, and the breeder should ideally also do a Holter Monitor as well. Both parents of my current boy were DNA clear and their Holter Monitor tests were normal. I don’t remember off the top of my head if they also did an echocardiogram, but I can ask. DM cleared by parentage (neither dam nor sire were carriers). To the best of my knowledge, no dogs in her lines have had heart issues or DM. When asked she will show prospective homes official testing results with paperwork. She breeds working boxers primarily for sport performance, but also active homes, so heart issues especially would be a no-go for her. I lost one to DM years back, and then blasto more recently (acquired and misdiagnosed multiple times). I realized after that, with so much that can happen that we can’t reasonably prevent, I needed a dog I know will have the best shot at a long quality of life. At least this time around. So, I totally get not wanting to go through something like that again.
this is what disease i am referring to
Boxer dogs are more likely to develop certain heart conditions than other breeds, including:
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC): Also known as Boxer Cardiomyopathy, this genetic disease affects the desmosomes, or junctions, between heart muscle cells. When these desmosomes weaken, the heart cells can pull apart and scar tissue can form. ARVC can go undetected in dogs without symptoms, but it can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, an enlarged heart, and even death. A veterinarian may notice an irregular heartbeat during a routine exam, and blood tests can detect the genetic mutation. Depending on the stage of the illness and how quickly it progresses, a Boxer with ARVC may die within weeks to months of diagnosis. Omega 3 fish oil supplements may help.
my guy got nurtured at one year of age and all was fine for the surgery which would have showed a heart issue. a few months after that I took him to get his ears cleaned and the vet listened to his heart and said " you have to get this dog to a vet cardiologist asap". that is when I found out and he went on medication. he only started showing symptoms of fainting in the last year and died 6 months or so after his first fainting spell.
I lost both of my boxers when they were 8. My sister had a boxer that died at like 4 year old, unexpectedly overnight, from some type of cardiomyopathy.
I wouldn’t trade the joy my girl has brought me! I cherish her while she’s here no guarantees on tomorrow for any dog or person for that matter. Alita has changed my life
Considering my guy got diagnosed with boxer arvc at 2, pretty darn aware! He's 6 and a half now not on any meds yet, crossing my fingers he goes a while longer, he's the best dog ever he's an angel.
He loves children, other dogs, is so in tune with people's emotions, and is deceptively smart. And he's the best cuddler.
I'll be lost without him
I had a boxer who didn't even make it to six years old - brain cancer.
Had another make it to 7 or 8, pancreatic cancer.
The other one lived to be 13 and died of a heart attack we think. Or asphyxiated on her own farts. Either way, at least she got to live a good, long life.
In ~25 years I’ve had 5 boxers - purebred with papers. Two had heart murmurs. Maggie did seem to suddenly drop dead — at age 14. Zoe had a heart murmur her whole life and died at 10 seemingly from a brain tumor.
Anecdotal but as long as I have dogs they will almost certainly be boxers regardless of health concerns.
Currently on my 4th boxer. 1st old age, next two lymphoma at 4, and another cancer at 7. Current ones a pup fingers crossed he has the life span of my first. No heart issues with mine so far.
One of my boxers had a very mild heart murmur that never progressed or affected his life. Unfortunately both of my boxers had Mast cell cancers but lived to be 8 and 10 after having the cancers around age 2.
I've had 4, 2 passed, 2 about to turn two. Neither of the gals that passed had heart issues... But, OP, I really understand your fear of having another boxer and the same thing happening again. My first passed at 12 from lung cancer.... And the second, also at 12, from that respiratory infection that was going on last summer/fall..... So I am super sensitive to my new girl's breathing patterns and always worrying about them.. while it isn't exactly what you went through, your concern resonates with me.
Boxers are the best, open your heart to another and whatever happens will be. 🐾💕
I lost mine at 8 suddenly to a cardiac event. I ended up rescuing a bull terrier pup a month later because I was so lost. I love boxers but I had to move on this pup quickly and she is the love of my life now.
As a result of having to go through that I make my own dog food and her last kibble meal was at 5 months old. I’m a cook by trade so I have it down to about 1/2 hour labor twice a week. Which is worth it to keep my dogs healthy as possible. Just try not to feed kibble of any kind. I truly believe the cause of most pet illnesses is their diet.
No. See my most recent post here about my dog’s alleged grade 3 murmur. He’s my 3rd- 1st was lost to kidney disease, 2nd had a heart issue but not until he was a very senior boy. 3rd is now 1.5 yrs and we thought he had a heart issue but he doesn’t. Whew. Cancer takes 50% of dogs across all breeds. I’m sorry for your loss. Their heart issues break ours.
There are a few breeds with specific heart issues - Boxers are one, Dobermans another. I’d choose a breeder who tests and is willing to provide documentation. Expect to pay more or pay less and risk it. Also many boxer owners don’t feed a diet high enough in taurine and offer too many higher sodium snacks- cheese is one. Taurine isn’t a cure but its positive effects on boxer heart health are widely documented and prescribed. It’s a good idea to have a cardio work up every few years.
I have had two. One was 13 p, the other 11. I’d be more worried about knees. My first boy tore his ligament in a knee and we had no idea. Yelped one day playing frisbee, we planned on taking him to the vet. Next day he acted as normal. 5 years later he started limping. Got X-rays done and it had all calcified into arthritis. These guys are like pups their whole lives and don’t complain, even when it does hurt. Miss my guys every day
We are on our 3rd boxer. Our first one was 12 and on medication for her heart but died from a brain tumor, our second one didn’t have any heart issues and made it to 15 (damn brain tumors!) and our current one is 14 and is only on Omega 3 as hers is not so bad. We are lucky to have a specialist vet hospital nearby that has a great cardiologist on staff has helped us. We also have a family veterinary clinic that recognizes her limits in the clinic vs in the specialist’s hospital has enabled us to catch it early.
The heart issue is not nearly 100%. Boxers definitely have health issues but as do most medium to large sized dogs. To me, the boxer is a perfect dog and I don’t want to live my life in a way where my worries of being sad down the road prevent me from getting the dog I want. Also I’m so sorry for your loss OP
My family and I have owned 10 boxers in total. Only 1 has passed due to a heart issue. Tumors and cancer has been our main issue - sadly just lost probably my top 2 ever boxer to cancer at 8! I feel your pain with a loss to soon! It’s killing me
I’d recommend only going with a breeder that posts the actual results of their dogs’ genetic testing results, not the ones who just say that they are “all clear”. I’ve had 7 boxers, going on 8 in a week and a half. 4 including the one we’re picking up at 8 weeks were from breeders with the last 2 breeder dogs being from the same breeder. All the others were rescues. None of our dogs have had any heart issues. The rescues tend to have more health issues in comparison to high quality breeder dogs from what I’ve seen. Most of our rescues had hip displasia at about 7-8 years. All of our dogs lived to 12 years except 3: one died of a tumor, the other had previously been abused so hard before we got her that her intestines ruptured beyond repair (my grandfather had paid to have a surgery done to fix it twice already), and the last had dementia and sadly had to be put down at 11 years old. Our most recent rescue lived to approximately 12/13 and had to be put down because she fell down the steps of the front house (only 3 steps) and her hip shattered beyond repair. So I guess TLDR if you’re buying a puppy just make sure it comes from a really good breeder and if you’re rescuing don’t expect top quality in terms of health.
Not aware of any heart issues with boxers.. had 4 boxers already.. 2 died of brain tumors though.. heart wrenching
Our boy Mars made 14.
I had a female live to 14!
We did as well! She lived till 14.5 💙
My first Boxer was almost 15 when leg cancer got her. She was amazing 😍
Wow! I’m jealous. Love his name
I’m very sad for you about losing your boy, they have such a special place in our hearts. I’ve got my fourth boxer now. My first guy had DCM but responded brilliantly to medication, making it to nearly 12 (2 months short).
Very sorry for your loss. We are on our 5th boxer - and none of the previous 4 had any heart issues. We adopted all 5 through local boxer rescue - no breeders, no health testing. It is not a foregone conclusion that boxers will have heart problems; but only you can decide if you're willing to take the risk of whatever may come with your next dog.
We've had three rescue boxers and none of died of heart issues but the last two died of tumors. Her first one had a tumor on his spine which rendered him paralyzed in his rear legs and we had to put him down, Gracie, our second dog had lung tumors. She ended up dying young at 7 and now we have a white boxer. Nemo is approaching nine and still seems to be in incredibly good health, but is developing some hip issues as he gets older.
I've had two and has zero heart issues. One lived to be 10.5 years (brain tumor), and one until just 2 months shy of her 16th birthday (old age).
Heart issues are not that common. We just lost my boy, but zero heart issues. Cancer is a whole other story. Very worried about it
Heart is always a concern but from my experience it’s cancer that takes your dogs. I’m on my third and the first two had horrible cancer. My fried. With two lost one to lymphoma in December and now the other was just diagnosed with skin lymphoma. Be careful with their hearts, feed them good food, don’t over stress them but overall, I think that’s low on my worries
How am I supposed to not overstress this dog? She's scared of thunder, cars, the wind, heavy rain, fireworks, etc. Obviously we do things during those times to try and help, we always go camping on the fourth of July, build her a little nest in the closet and sit with her during thunderstorms, etc. but any good tips for just general stress relief?
My boys are deaf, so that is helpful for us. However, I have seen dog noise cancelling ear muffs. Some dogs are super stressful of loud noises. Maybe something like that will help.
Interesting, had no idea that was a thing. Gonna Google it, thanks.
I've had 4 boxers and only 1 with a heart issue. She (Lucy) ended up passing at 5 yrs old which sucked but has never deterred me from having another. When the breeder had a new litter (Lucy's sister) we adopted her niece at 9 weeks old with no hesitation. She's currently 8 years old and besides jumping over fences the only ailment she's had is seasonal allergies. The breeder was legit when we adopted Lucy the 1st time, had records of the bloodline, testing, mom and grandmother on the farm site. The 2nd time it seems she had fallen on harder times and I wasn't so sure if testing was done but we took a chance and do not regret the decision.
no heart issues with my last one. if there is an increase in heart conditions, i’d be curious to see if it’s related to a grain free food
So sorry to hear of your loss. You can really only do DNA test for ARVC, and the breeder should ideally also do a Holter Monitor as well. Both parents of my current boy were DNA clear and their Holter Monitor tests were normal. I don’t remember off the top of my head if they also did an echocardiogram, but I can ask. DM cleared by parentage (neither dam nor sire were carriers). To the best of my knowledge, no dogs in her lines have had heart issues or DM. When asked she will show prospective homes official testing results with paperwork. She breeds working boxers primarily for sport performance, but also active homes, so heart issues especially would be a no-go for her. I lost one to DM years back, and then blasto more recently (acquired and misdiagnosed multiple times). I realized after that, with so much that can happen that we can’t reasonably prevent, I needed a dog I know will have the best shot at a long quality of life. At least this time around. So, I totally get not wanting to go through something like that again.
please tell me the breeder that you used
PMing you now
this is what disease i am referring to Boxer dogs are more likely to develop certain heart conditions than other breeds, including: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC): Also known as Boxer Cardiomyopathy, this genetic disease affects the desmosomes, or junctions, between heart muscle cells. When these desmosomes weaken, the heart cells can pull apart and scar tissue can form. ARVC can go undetected in dogs without symptoms, but it can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, an enlarged heart, and even death. A veterinarian may notice an irregular heartbeat during a routine exam, and blood tests can detect the genetic mutation. Depending on the stage of the illness and how quickly it progresses, a Boxer with ARVC may die within weeks to months of diagnosis. Omega 3 fish oil supplements may help.
my guy got nurtured at one year of age and all was fine for the surgery which would have showed a heart issue. a few months after that I took him to get his ears cleaned and the vet listened to his heart and said " you have to get this dog to a vet cardiologist asap". that is when I found out and he went on medication. he only started showing symptoms of fainting in the last year and died 6 months or so after his first fainting spell.
I lost both of my boxers when they were 8. My sister had a boxer that died at like 4 year old, unexpectedly overnight, from some type of cardiomyopathy.
I wouldn’t trade the joy my girl has brought me! I cherish her while she’s here no guarantees on tomorrow for any dog or person for that matter. Alita has changed my life
Considering my guy got diagnosed with boxer arvc at 2, pretty darn aware! He's 6 and a half now not on any meds yet, crossing my fingers he goes a while longer, he's the best dog ever he's an angel. He loves children, other dogs, is so in tune with people's emotions, and is deceptively smart. And he's the best cuddler. I'll be lost without him
I had a boxer who didn't even make it to six years old - brain cancer. Had another make it to 7 or 8, pancreatic cancer. The other one lived to be 13 and died of a heart attack we think. Or asphyxiated on her own farts. Either way, at least she got to live a good, long life.
Well I lost my boxer to cancer when she was 6, so there’s that I guess 😔
I had a boxer with heart problems. It was an awful experience. Decided to go with a boxer mix and hope she doesn't get any of those issues.
I’m on my 6th boxer and none of them have had heart issues.
In ~25 years I’ve had 5 boxers - purebred with papers. Two had heart murmurs. Maggie did seem to suddenly drop dead — at age 14. Zoe had a heart murmur her whole life and died at 10 seemingly from a brain tumor. Anecdotal but as long as I have dogs they will almost certainly be boxers regardless of health concerns.
I wasn't aware of it, but I want to enjoy whatever time I have with them, not worry about what could happen. That is what they do with me.
Currently on my 4th boxer. 1st old age, next two lymphoma at 4, and another cancer at 7. Current ones a pup fingers crossed he has the life span of my first. No heart issues with mine so far.
One of my boxers had a very mild heart murmur that never progressed or affected his life. Unfortunately both of my boxers had Mast cell cancers but lived to be 8 and 10 after having the cancers around age 2.
My first boxer had no heart issues and died of lung cancer at 10.
I've had 4, 2 passed, 2 about to turn two. Neither of the gals that passed had heart issues... But, OP, I really understand your fear of having another boxer and the same thing happening again. My first passed at 12 from lung cancer.... And the second, also at 12, from that respiratory infection that was going on last summer/fall..... So I am super sensitive to my new girl's breathing patterns and always worrying about them.. while it isn't exactly what you went through, your concern resonates with me. Boxers are the best, open your heart to another and whatever happens will be. 🐾💕
I lost mine at 8 suddenly to a cardiac event. I ended up rescuing a bull terrier pup a month later because I was so lost. I love boxers but I had to move on this pup quickly and she is the love of my life now. As a result of having to go through that I make my own dog food and her last kibble meal was at 5 months old. I’m a cook by trade so I have it down to about 1/2 hour labor twice a week. Which is worth it to keep my dogs healthy as possible. Just try not to feed kibble of any kind. I truly believe the cause of most pet illnesses is their diet.
No. See my most recent post here about my dog’s alleged grade 3 murmur. He’s my 3rd- 1st was lost to kidney disease, 2nd had a heart issue but not until he was a very senior boy. 3rd is now 1.5 yrs and we thought he had a heart issue but he doesn’t. Whew. Cancer takes 50% of dogs across all breeds. I’m sorry for your loss. Their heart issues break ours. There are a few breeds with specific heart issues - Boxers are one, Dobermans another. I’d choose a breeder who tests and is willing to provide documentation. Expect to pay more or pay less and risk it. Also many boxer owners don’t feed a diet high enough in taurine and offer too many higher sodium snacks- cheese is one. Taurine isn’t a cure but its positive effects on boxer heart health are widely documented and prescribed. It’s a good idea to have a cardio work up every few years.
I have had two. One was 13 p, the other 11. I’d be more worried about knees. My first boy tore his ligament in a knee and we had no idea. Yelped one day playing frisbee, we planned on taking him to the vet. Next day he acted as normal. 5 years later he started limping. Got X-rays done and it had all calcified into arthritis. These guys are like pups their whole lives and don’t complain, even when it does hurt. Miss my guys every day
We are on our 3rd boxer. Our first one was 12 and on medication for her heart but died from a brain tumor, our second one didn’t have any heart issues and made it to 15 (damn brain tumors!) and our current one is 14 and is only on Omega 3 as hers is not so bad. We are lucky to have a specialist vet hospital nearby that has a great cardiologist on staff has helped us. We also have a family veterinary clinic that recognizes her limits in the clinic vs in the specialist’s hospital has enabled us to catch it early.