Fact Checked & Reviewed By:
Dr. Patel is a Florida-based veterinarian with over half a decade of experience.
Zoie is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer with over a decade of canine experience.
Fact Checked & Reviewed By:
Dr. Patel is a Florida-based veterinarian with over half a decade of experience.
Zoie is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer with over a decade of canine experience.
Boxer dogs are one of the most well-loved dog breeds. Boxers seem to have it all; loyalty, intelligence, a good attitude, and good looks! These dogs are also well known for their boundless energy and enthusiastic personalities. If you own or plan to own one of these loveable canines, you might wonder when or if they run out of energy.
Boxer dogs usually calm down somewhat around the age of 2 to 4 years old. Still, it’s a gradual change, and they still have plenty of energy. These dogs are late to mature and stay high energy up until adulthood which starts between 18 and 24 months.
Not A Bully dog trainer Zoie Keast adds, “Boxers are an amazingly outgoing breed but the number one issue I see from clients is that these dogs are too outgoing! Managing energy levels is especially important for this breed and it’s not uncommon to see this issue in Boxers that are 5 years or older!”
In this article, we’ll explore the world of boxers and talk about their energy levels at different life stages. We’ll also discuss ways to help them calm down if their energy is just a little too much for you.
At What Age Do Boxers Calm Down?
A boxer’s energy levels evolve as they progress through different life stages. Not all boxers are the same, and some individuals will be more energetic than others. Even so, understanding these stages will help you better prepare for when they will start to calm down.
Let’s take a look at a boxer’s life stages.
Puppyhood (0 – 18 months)
If you own a boxer puppy you’ve probably already asked yourself, “Why is my boxer puppy so hyper?”
Boxer puppies are truly a handful. They’re a whirlwind of playful antics and endless curiosity. You can expect your boxer puppy to be at their peak energy levels during the first year of their life. This is when they’re growing rapidly, both physically and mentally. Their limitless energy can be both endearing and exhausting as you wait for them to calm down.
When you’re in this puppy phase, you’ll probably start to wonder if your boxer will ever calm down. The puppy stage is one of the main reasons why boxers can be difficult for first-time dog owners. The good news is that with patience and proper guidance, they will! As they reach the end of their puppy stage around 18 months, you’ll notice a gradual reduction in their incredible energy.
Adulthood (18 months – 8 years)
The transition from puppyhood to adulthood usually marks the moment that your boxer’s energy starts to level out. Sometime around 2 to 4 years old, depending on the individual dog, your boxer will really start to settle down. Their energy levels will decrease, and they’ll be more inclined to relax and cuddle with you on the couch rather than sprint around the yard incessantly.
That being said, it’s important to know that boxers are still an active breed throughout their adult years. While they might not have the same level of exuberance as they did in their puppy days, they will still require regular exercise, and mental stimulation to remain content.
Seniors (8 years +)
As your boxer ages into their senior years, typically around eight years old, you’ll notice a significant decline in their energy levels. They’ll finally calm down and become more laid-back. Older dogs will prefer leisurely walks and just lounging around the house. Finally, your boxer will resemble the stereotypical image of a relaxed and mature dog.
However, even in their seniors, boxers benefit from light exercise and mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and their bodies healthy. They may have special dietary and healthcare needs so it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure they have a comfortable and happy retirement.
Veterinarian Nita Patel explained that a reduction in energy level can require diet changes to make sure your boxer stays lean. Dr. Patel says, “It is important to keep them lean as they age to prevent arthritic changes from progressing quickly.”
Why Is My Boxer Dog So Hyper?
If you’re dealing with a hyperactive boxer, and have wondered why they haven’t calmed down yet, there are lots of external factors that affect how hyper your dog is. It’s important to try and identify the root causes of the excessive energy.
Here are a few things that might be keeping your dog from starting to calm down.
They’re Young
As we mentioned earlier, boxer puppies are renowned for their boundless energy. Their youth and curiosity fuel their hyperactivity. This is perfectly normal, and to be expected, but it can definitely be challenging to manage. Just hang in there and know that eventually, your boxer will start to calm down.
They Need More Enrichment
Boxers are highly intelligent, working dogs. If they don’t receive enough mental stimulation, they can become restless and anxious. Engaging toys, puzzles, and interactive play can help them channel their intelligence into productive and less hyperactive outlets.
They Need More Exercise
Another reason why your boxer might have too much energy is that they need a substantial amount of physical activity. You might be underestimating the time your boxer needs to spend exercising. It’s estimated that these dogs need anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours of daily exercise. Daily walks and playtime are crucial for them to burn off the extra energy.
They Have Poor Impulse Control
Boxers can struggle greatly with impulse control, especially when they’re young. This can lead to behaviors like jumping, barking, excessive chewing, and of course, boxing. German shepherds are another breed that can be too hyper due to poor impulse control. Training at a young age can help them learn self-control, and help them to curb these behaviors.
They Might Have Medical Or Behavioral Issues
The last thing that might be causing your boxer’s hyperactivity is an underlying medical or behavioral issue. If your boxer’s energy levels seem unusual or have changed suddenly, there may be something more serious going on. Hyperactivity can even be caused by something like separation anxiety, which boxers are prone to.
If your boxer isn’t already spayed or neutered, this might also affect the age at which they start to calm down. Intact dogs are subject to hormone fluctuations that can manifest as bursts of energy. Fixing your dog has many other benefits, but might also help your boxer calm down.
How Can I Calm My Boxer Dog Down?
With all of these external factors affecting your boxer, it’s no wonder they aren’t always able to calm down. Helping your boxer find their Zen requires time, effort, and patience. Here are some strategies to help manage their energy.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity is essential for boxers. Regular walks, jogs, and playtime are essential for burning off extra energy. Consider engaging in activities like fetch or tug of war which can provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Stimulating Activities
No matter how much exercise you give your boxer, you’ll still need to engage them in mentally stimulating activities. Puzzle toys, treat dispensing toys, training sessions, and walks in new places can keep their mind occupied and help reduce restlessness. You can even try taking your dog to the agility course and teach them some new moves!
In the video below, you can see just how engaged and focused this boxer is on their toy. While it’s keeping them stimulated, it’s also helping them to stay calm and collected.
Training
Boxers are highly trainable dogs. You can start obedience training as soon as you bring your boxer home. Like many other dogs, boxers respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Try rewarding them for desired behaviors, and simply ignoring or redirect unwanted behaviors.
Once your dog has a basic level of training, you can use commands to help them redirect their energy when they’re not calm.
Get Them A Friend
Another strategy for managing a hyper boxer is to consider getting them a companion dog. It sounds crazy to add another dog to the mix if you’re already struggling to fulfill one. In reality, another dog might take some of the load off of you if they play with your boxer.
The best companion dogs for boxers are dog breeds that can match their intelligence and high energy levels. Professional dog trainer Zoie Keast adds “If another dog is not a good option for you, consider taking your boxer to doggy daycare once or twice a week. This will help them burn off lots of energy through play while also learning valuable social skills with other dogs.”
Is It Bad If My Boxer Has Too Much Energy?
Having a high-energy boxer isn’t necessarily a problem as long as you’re meeting their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. In fact, their lively nature can be quite entertaining and endearing.
However, if you aren’t able to provide them with the physical and mental outlets that they require, their excess energy can lead to unwanted behaviors and potentially harm their overall well-being.
Hyperactive boxers may engage in destructive activities, such as chewing on door frames, furniture, or belongings. Boxers might also dig up the yard or occasionally bark excessively. Additionally, their lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Is It Bad If My Boxer Dog Isn’t Energetic?
On the other hand, if your boxer appears lethargic or uncharacteristically lacks energy, this could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Boxers are typically active dogs, and if they suddenly calm down, this could be a red flag. If your boxer displays a lack of enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed, you should consult a veterinarian to rule out any serious health concerns.
Boxers are prone to certain health issues, such as heart problems, and cancer which can affect their energy levels. Timely medical intervention can be crucial in ensuring their well-being.
Final Thoughts
We all love boxers because of their unique personalities and hilarious energy levels. While they’re not the type of dog to simply “calm down” on their own, their energy levels do evolve as they progress through different life stages.
As puppies, boxers are crazy active, but once they reach adulthood, their energy starts to level out. Around 2 to 4 years of age, boxers start to settle down. At this point, their energy levels may slowly start to decline as they age.
As a boxer owner, you play a significant role in helping your canine companion find their inner calm. Whether it’s regular exercise, stimulating activities, training, or companionship, your efforts can lead to a happy and well-behaved boxer, who enjoys their life to the fullest from their spirited puppy days to their serene, senior years.
We just lost our incredible boxer/bull dog that was dumped out in a corn field at 2-3 months old. With no professional training he grew into the most amazing service dog. I had seizures and the dog followed me in every room. After waking up on the floor after a seizure My dog would lick my face and gently paw at my chest until l came fully alert. He became a life guard for our huge pull. If anyone started splashing their arms our dog would jump into the pool to the swimmer , we told our guests if the dog thinks your in distress, grab hold of the dog’s collar and he will swim to the pool’s shallow end to the steps so you can get out of the pool. I made a cloth loop on my walker and if l slipped to the floor our dog would bite down on the cloth loop and dragy walker to me. If l needed help getting up from the ground the dog would come to my side and l could use him as a brace to push my self up. The dog did so many amazing helpful things with no formal training. My husband got the dog three months before a sudden death and the dog helped me through my very emotional grieving process. Freddie was a light tan dog all except for a perfectly shaped white heart on the back of his neck, he full of love for any one that. met him. Freddie did on Thanksgiving Day and we were all grateful for having been graced by the most loving and caring dog for 9 1/2 years Thank you, your Momma Sue.
Hi Sue, I’m so sorry for your loss but it sounds like Freddie lived an absolutely amazing life. So glad you found him in that field all those years ago!
I lost my Boxer “Woody” Aug 2023. He had developed Degenerative Myopathy. This is from a gene they are born with. The nerve from the brain to the rear legs looses it’s communication and eventually the ability to use their legs. He was amazing throughout the journey that was horrible to watch. He went everywhere with me all the way to the end. He was my third Boxer I got him at 12 weeks and a monster for 4+ years but he trained easily. With a top speed of 45MPH he was a nut. I miss him every day and he was a one of a kind. He always stopped for a mirror to admire his good looks and moved on. He made friends everywhere we went and always compliments for great behaviour. I will have another soon. I recommend a boxer for anyone that can handle it like the article stated. Another thing with these guys is they make more facial expressions than any other dog breed.
Boxers are the Best. It’s true they have energy as a pup but with exercise and social training with other dogs & human contact they thrive into wonderful companions.
They are smart, they are funny, they observe every move you make and know how to react to your needs as well as stimulation for them. The heartbreak is the unconditional love that they don’t live longer.
Totally agree, Paula!
That’s one fast boxer! Very impressive. Even more impressive that he was so athletic AND handsome…but I’d expect nothing less from a Boxer!