Are Boxer dogs good running partners? If you are hoping to get a good run with your beloved Boxer, you will surely be happy to know that these dogs can run fast as long as it is only a short distance. Basically, they can run for up to 45 miles per hour.
Read on below to know more about the running ability of this adorable breed.
Table of Contents
Is your Boxer a good running dog
Yes, Boxers are great running partners.
Boxers are among the most recognizable breeds out there and for the longest time, they enjoyed a significant popularity among dog owners in the United States. These canines are well-acclaimed for their intelligence, excellent personalities, and loyalty.
There is more to Boxers than being a silly goofball with a very expressive face. They are born athletes and are filled with energy. They came from a lineage of canines bred for chasing down wild game such as bison and boar. That desire for action and movement remains in their blood.
It means that Boxers require higher maintenance compared to other breeds as far as their exercise requirements are concerned. So, if you want a pet that can also double as your running companion, a Boxer might just be right for you.
Boxers are not a breed for people with no energy to match, making them unsuitable for small children and the elderly. However, active adults can expect to have a great friend in the athletic department if they have a Boxer at their side.
How good are Boxers at running
Although most Boxers love long walks daily and fun playtime in the backyard, running is often a much better choice for burning off all that excess energy.
How far can Boxers run
Boxers can run a few miles daily but they should never run this distance at once. You have to break up their mileage to avoid extreme fatigue, joint damage, and injuries. You also need to remember that these dogs are not born with the essential endurance for long distances immediately. Both you and your dog must build up to these long distance runs with a bit of consistent training.
How fast can Boxers run
Boxers can run 38 to 45 miles per hour at full sprint. There is no need for you to worry, though, because they will never leave you behind. This speed is only in short burst and if they have the choice, they would be more than happy to keep up with your pace.
Your Boxer can also benefit from those sprints every time you go running. Be sure to go high speed every time the two of you go out for a jog and don’t forget to add a few speed drills.
What are the exercise needs of Boxers
Just like other dogs, Boxers have lots of energy to spend. Sadly, most dog owners fail to exercise their companions. On the other hand, people who are very active may end up over-exercising their buddies that can increase the risks of injuries or health problems.
Your dog’s age matters when exercising him
During the first 12 weeks of your dog’s life, he needs to stay inside and engage in activities that require low energy levels. Once they go beyond 15 weeks of age, it is time to start introduce your pup to the outside world.
Boxer puppies must never go for over one walk daily of up to 15 minutes. It may not seem that much but you can continue enjoying lower energy activities or games. You have to be extra careful when it comes to over-exercising your pup if he is not fully grown yet. It may impede growth or lead to permanent injuries and health problems.
Once your Boxer is over a year old, this is when you can slowly start increasing their exercise intensity or time. The breed requires short and fast walk daily. Puppies can take a brisk walk for about 20 minutes per day and anything beyond this will already too much for them.
What are the exercise needs of adult Boxers
Adult Boxers must go for at least one fast walk per day for 30 to 45 minutes. It would be fine to give a fully grown Boxer two walks daily. Once they reach adulthood, you can start more intense training like running. If you like the sport, you can introduce them to jogging little by little. After some practice, your dog can run twice or thrice a week or even more with more experience and training.
When are Boxers considered fully grown adults
You have to wait until your dog is fully grown before you make him engage in intense activities. It might put your Boxer puppy in danger if you go for serious running right away.
Medium-sized dogs are normally considered adults at about 12 months of age. Sadly, Boxers have among the breeds with the longest growth times. These dogs are only fully grown once they reach 2 to 3 years of age. It is important to wait for a minimum of 1 to 2 years before you can take your buddy out for a run.
What are the athletic characteristics of Boxers that make them great for running
Originally bred to be guard companions, the Boxer breed is fast, strong, and suitable for families. As a part of the working group, Boxers love trying new things through dog training. The high energy Boxers can be very interesting running buddies to let them engage in some physical activities. These dogs also have some really good athletic capacities for the sport. Here are the top characteristics of Boxers that make them your perfect running buddy:
1. Boxer are fast sprinters.
Boxers can run 38 to 45 miles per hour. This is quite impressive for these strong dogs. The good news is that your buddy will not go this fast every time you go out for a run. Their speed makes Boxers amazing perfect companions for the more experienced runners.
2. Boxer are strong canines.
Weighing 65 to 80 pounds, Boxers are undoubtedly one of the strongest breeds out there. They have impressive musculatures that make them perfect cattle, police, and war dogs. They require brisk and intense exercise mainly due to these muscles. The large structures of these dogs are also one of the primary reasons why it takes a long time for them to become fully grown adults.
How to run with your Boxer
While Boxers can make ideal running partners, you still need to consider a few things before you hit the trails with your pup.
1. Boxers tend to overheat fast.
Due to the smooshed snout of Boxers, it becomes more challenging for them to breathe. These shorter snouts never cool down the air the dog breathes. It can make Boxers overheat fast once the temperature gets too high. Avoid running during the hottest time of the day and watch out for fatigue if you have a Boxer with extra smooshy face.
2. Bring water.
Be sure to bring water for your pup if you will be running for more than 30 minutes. Due to the smaller body of dogs with metabolism higher than yours, their body’s resources get burned much faster.
3. Don’t push injuries.
Skip the run if your pup shows signs of injury. They may still be willing even when they need to rest an injury. It also applies to dogs recovering from illness or surgery.
4. Monitor your dog’s fatigue.
Is your dog drooling, limping, or foaming at his mouth? All of these are signs of fatigue. Be sure to keep a close eye on these signs that indicate that you need to take a break.
5. Take breaks in between.
Never force your Boxer to run. These dogs will push themselves for as long as they can just to keep up with you. Breaks are something you should initiate yourself for your dog’s sake.
6. Train your dog’s endurance.
Your Boxer’s body is not meant to maintain the same speed for long distances. You need to start slow to determine your dog’s capacity.
7. Run on soft ground.
Try running with your dog with softer ground as much as possible. Cement and asphalt may be dangerous for their footpads and claws and during summer, their poor tiny paws may even get burned. Stick to dirt and grass to keep his paws safe.
8. Put your dog on a leash.
One of the best investments you can have to keep you and your Boxer safe is a running leash. Making them used to it may take some training but this will definitely save you from heartache. Since there is no way that you can tell what can happen during a run, a leash can be of big help.
9. Wait until your dog is old enough.
Although a growing puppy requires lots of exercise, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they should be working out. A puppy must get his exercise just how he sees fit, gnawing, playing, and running around the yard and house. Only when your dog becomes matured enough will you be able to take him for a long distance run. For Boxers, it is around 15 months up to 2 years old.
