Pros and Cons of Neutering a Boxer [Make the Right Choice]

Should I Neuter My Boxer Dog?

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Neutering your male boxer is an important part of his socialization, training, and general care.

Un-neutered males are not only prone to aggression, but they also have a very high chance of gaining unwanted attention from female dogs.

Male dogs in heat will often howl or bark incessantly in an attempt to attract a mate.

Neutering your boxer dog should be done during their first year of life for the best results.

Before you do so though, know that there is some risk involved with this procedure, and there are pros and cons related to neutering a boxer dog that you should consider before making a final decision.

Read on to find out more.

Medical Questions? Talk to a Veterinarian 24/7.
Connect one-on-one with a licensed vet who will answer your questions in minutes.

Ask a Vet Now

*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.

Do boxers calm down after being neutered

What Happens During Neutering?

Neutering is the surgical removal of a male animal’s testicles. This is done to improve behavior and prevent reproduction.

Neutering can be done as early as 8 weeks of age.

This is a very important surgery that should only be done by a veterinarian who has experience performing this type of procedure.

The surgery involves removing the testicles so that sperm production will cease and no more hormones will be produced by these glands.

This means that your pet won’t cause any unwanted pregnancies or behavioral changes associated with the production of testosterone.

Doggy says, you might like this too: Chlorophyll for Dogs in Heat [Mask Smell?]

dog essentials banner in content

Why Are Dogs Neutered?

There are many reasons to neuter your dog and the main reason is for the health and safety of your pet, but there are also many other reasons why it’s best to neuter your dog.

Neutering a dog can reduce its risk of developing testicular cancer and prostate problems by more than 90%.

It also helps with behavioral problems in dogs that originate from sexual frustration, such as mounting and humping.

In fact, it’s estimated that around 70% of male dogs will display some sort of aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs if they haven’t been castrated.

Neutered dogs are less likely to roam away from home, which means they’re less likely to get lost or stolen or find themselves in dangerous situations with other animals (whether wild or domestic).

Doggy says: Cocker Spaniel Coat After Spaying or Neutering: What to Do?

Do Boxers Calm Down After Being Neutered?

Yes, boxers do calm down after being spayed or neutered, but this is not the whole picture you should know.

Neutering will not change your dog’s personality.

It may help reduce some unwanted behaviors such as roaming and marking, but there are many other factors that can contribute to these behaviors as well.

You see, boxers are a very active breed.

They need lots of exercise and playtime in order to release the energy that comes with being young, active dogs.

They still love to play but they have slightly less energy and aren’t as rambunctious as they were before.

Boxers also get along better with other pets in the house when they’ve been fixed.

This is because they aren’t as hormonal and don’t feel the need to fight with other animals over dominance issues or territory disputes.

Benefits of Neutering a Boxer Dog

Best-age-to-neuter-a-male-boxer

While it does seem cruel, there are actually a number of benefits when you neuter your boxer, most health-related.

A study has concluded that the lifespan of dogs increased after being neutered. Its findings suggest that dogs will live an average of 13.8% in male dogs and 26.3% in females.

When dogs are neutered, they are less likely to develop prostate cancer, which can be a serious condition in older dogs.

Neutering your pup also reduces his risk of contracting a urinary tract infection, which can be painful and inconvenient.

It can also help prevent your boxer from developing testicular cancer.

A neutered dog is less likely to engage in territorial fighting, and he’s also less likely to roam and fight other male dogs in an attempt to mate with female dogs in heat.

This reduces the risk of contracting a contagious disease like canine herpes, which can be easily transmitted during mating season.

Neutering your boxer dog also makes him less aggressive and less likely to bite, or start humping when they are young puppies.

Cons of Neutering a Boxer Dog

There are a few cons to neutering your boxer dog, and these should be considered carefully before making a final decision.

The first one is that there is a slight risk of your dog developing a joint disorder as a result of neutering.

This frequently occurs in large breed dogs when they are neutered too young (before one year old).

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament injuries are examples of common joint issues that can develop.

The fact that a change in behavior is not always assured after neutering your boxer is possibly another drawback.

After surgery, some dogs actually become more aggressive, but this is more of an anomaly than the rule.

Thirdly, some dog owners have mentioned that their dog’s coat texture changed after being corrected as a result of hormonal changes.

It rarely happens to most dog breeds except spaniels such as the Cocker Spaniel, and it is not a health risk but rather just an aesthetic one.

Last but not least, you won’t be able to breed your dog, which may be a crucial consideration for some.

If your dog is fixed, for instance, you won’t be able to breed it with another purebred in order to maintain the lineage.

Doggy says, you might like this too: Pros and Cons of Neutering a Husky

When to Neuter a Boxer? (Also: best age to spay a female boxer)

when to neuter a boxer dog

The best age to neuter a male boxer or spay a female boxer is after 2 years old.

Most veterinarians will advise neutering a Boxer between the ages of 6 and 12 months as they have not reached sexual maturity and can be easily trained to be housebroken.

In fact, this also becomes commonly regurgitated around the internet in articles which is not that accurate.

A study discovered that this is not always the case and should be looked at on a breed-to-breed basis (just like Dobermans need to be neutered after 1 year of age).

Neutering your male boxer does not affect his ability to fight or bite, but it does reduce his aggression toward other dogs.

It also reduces the risk of prostate disease and testicular cancer later in life.

The procedure itself takes less than 30 minutes, and if done correctly, will not cause any long-term pain or discomfort in your dog’s life.

There are some articles and comments out there that talk about neutering your dog before 6 months, which is very dangerous advice to follow.

There runs a high risk of your boxer experiencing significant side effects of neutering.

Neutering your boxer dog before 6 months of age can result in his height and growth being stunted and may also affect his ability to develop strong bones and muscles, which can be problematic if he is expected to put on a lot of weight as an adult.

If you are unsure about when to neuter your boxer, it’s best to discuss your options with a veterinarian who can guide you through the process.

They will be able to tell you precisely when your boxer is ready to be neutered and help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Hey there, sorry to interrupt but I wanted to tell you about an online vet service I’ve been using for years.

An in-person visit with one is great, but it’s not always an option.

Now, thanks to technology, you can speak to one without leaving your home.

Convenience
Accessibility
Time-saving
Remote access
Avoidance of travel
Reduced stress for pets
Immediate access to experts
Quick response time
Cost-effective
Schedule appointments easily
ask-a-vet-a-question-anytime

Got something to ask a vet?
Talk to one anytime, 24/7.

START CHATTING NOW

* Don’t use this service for emergencies.

Thank you. The rest of the article continues below.

The Risks Involved in Neutering Your Boxer

In rare cases, neutering your dog can result in an infection.

Sometimes, the bandage or steri strips used to stabilize the wound after the surgery can become infected if it is not properly cleaned and disinfected.

When choosing a veterinarian to neuter your boxer, make sure that they have a high success rate and that they regularly sterilize their equipment to prevent the spread of germs.

You should definitely pay a visit to the clinic and get a feel of the place before you send your dog there.

If your boxer is at an increased risk of infection, it is best to wait a few weeks or months after he recovers from the surgery before proceeding with neutering him.

Care and Recovery After Neutering Your Boxer

Care and recovery after neutering your dog

Most dogs will take about a week to fully recover from being neutered, although some will take up to two weeks.

During this time, it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s health and keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms or changes.

When your boxer is neutered, he’ll need plenty of fluids and rest.

You should also be aware of some weird behavior like constantly sitting after being neutered.

Make sure you are providing him with plenty of water after the surgery, and don’t be afraid to give him a few extra naps if he seems tired.

Most veterinarians will recommend giving your boxer a painkiller after the surgery, and you should also be careful that he doesn’t jump or play vigorously during this recovery period.

Is It Better to Neuter your Boxer?

Well at the end of the day, the decision is down to you as a dog owner. Certainly, if you have intentions to breed your boxer, this will be out of the question.

It will be an ongoing debate till the end of time, with both sides offering a fair argument.

You need to make your stand as your dog’s owner and do what’s best for your dog. Try to leave emotions off the table, and do as much research as you need to.

Most importantly, do not let your inaction cause irreversible damage to your dog.

In Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Neutering a Boxer Dog

Neutering is an important procedure for any boxer dog to undergo, both for his health and for his safety.

Make sure that you are doing this for the right reasons, and always consider the pros and cons of neutering your boxer dog before deciding whether or not to go through with the surgery.

If you have decided that neutering your boxer dog is the best decision for both of you, make sure that you are prepared for the procedure and understand all of the risks involved, and give your dog a ton of love when it returns home!

Browse around our site for more dog care articles such as why your puppy holds pee all night but not during the day, what to do if your dog ate part of a towel, dog bones cracking when stretching, and many more!

Share this post!
Zack Keithy
Zack Keithy

Hey, I'm Zack, the Chief Editor here. I was formerly a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) for a good 6 years before moving on to greener pastures. Right now, I am still heavily involved in dog parenting duties, and it is my desire to share all our knowledge with fellow dog owners out there! Connect with me on LinkedIn, or read more about Canine Care Central!

no more bad dog breaths banner