Large11.3 yr avg
Boxer
AKC · Working
View breedComparison
Boxer vs Rottweiler
Side-by-side comparison from peer-reviewed sources. Lifespan and health figures draw on Royal Veterinary College VetCompass and AKC breed data.
At a glance
Side-by-side
The numbers that most change day-to-day care. A citrus border marks a meaningful advantage.
Large
Boxer
Lifespan11.3 yrrange 11–12
SizeLarge
Weight65–80 lb29.5–36.3 kg
Height21.5–25 in54.6–63.5 cm
Senior at6 yrgeriatric at 10
AKC groupWorking
Energy4/560 min/day
Trainability4/5
Shedding2/5
With kids5/5
With other dogs3/5
Giant
Rottweiler
Lifespan10.6 yrrange 10–11
SizeGiant
Weight80–135 lb36.3–61.2 kg
Height22–27 in55.9–68.6 cm
Senior at5 yrgeriatric at 8
AKC groupWorking
Energy3/545 min/day
Trainability5/5
Shedding3/5
With kids3/5
With other dogs3/5
Health
Common health issues
Top 3 prevalence-ranked conditions for each breed. See each breed's full health profile for screening schedules and source data.
Boxer
- High prevalencetypical onset ~8 yr
Degenerative Myelopathy
Description and veterinary guidance for Degenerative Myelopathy land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~6 yr
Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram)
Description and veterinary guidance for Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram) land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~5 yr
Hypothyroidism
Description and veterinary guidance for Hypothyroidism land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Rottweiler
- High prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr
Elbow Dysplasia
Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Description and veterinary guidance for Osteochondritis Dissecans land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Synthesis
Which is right for you?
Boxer and Rottweiler have similar median lifespans, around 11 years.
The Boxer is large while the Rottweiler is giant — a modest difference in day-to-day care.
Energy levels are close, with a slight edge to the Boxer (60 min/day of directed exercise).
Boxers rate higher for household-with-kids compatibility (5/5).
Both carry 1 high-prevalence breed-specific health risks — see the health section above for condition-by-condition detail.