A breeder's guide to Boxer health testing
Playful to the end, this breed has two serious heart diseases and one of the longest health lists of any dog. That list protects puppies, so it is worth understanding. This VerifiedStuds guide explains each test and what we require for the Verified Health badge.
The American Boxer Club is the AKC parent club. Its list, as published by the AKC, covers joints, thyroid, heart and DNA:
Clearance
Who does it
Earliest final result
Hips
X-rays sent to OFA, or PennHIP
24 months (OFA)
Elbows
X-rays sent to OFA
24 months
Thyroid
Blood panel sent to an OFA-approved lab
12 months
Aortic valve (AS/SAS)
Cardiologist exam, usually with an echocardiogram
12 months
Holter monitor
24-hour heart recording
Repeat yearly
ARVC and DM
DNA tests
Any age
First, aortic stenosis (AS/SAS) is a narrowing at or below the aortic valve. It is present from youth, and a cardiologist finds it by listening and by echocardiogram. Mild cases cause no signs, which is why a specialist exam matters.
Second, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is often called Boxer cardiomyopathy. It causes abnormal beats, fainting and sometimes sudden death in adults. A 24-hour Holter monitor counts those beats. Because the disease develops with age, the club asks for a Holter every year.
The ARVC DNA test shows inherited risk. However, it does not replace the Holter, since some dogs without the known gene still develop the disease.
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) slowly paralyzes the hind legs of older dogs, and the gene is common in Boxers. Therefore, breeders aim to avoid pairing two at-risk dogs.
Hypothyroidism is also frequent, so the thyroid panel includes autoantibodies. Meanwhile, cancer is the breed's leading cause of death and has no screening test. So ask how long the stud's parents and grandparents lived.
In addition, white Boxers have a higher rate of deafness. A BAER hearing test is sensible for any mostly white dog.
Brucellosis spreads through mating and has no reliable cure. Therefore, the AKC advises testing stud dogs every six months and females before each breeding. In addition, VerifiedStuds asks for a negative test before every booking. Read brucellosis in dogs for the details.
Ask for the date of his last Holter, and the number of abnormal beats it recorded.
Request his ARVC and DM results on a lab report, and compare them with your female's.
Look up his registered name in the public OFA database for hips, elbows, thyroid and heart.
Find out the ages and causes of death in his family.
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What health tests should a Boxer have before breeding?
Hips, elbows, a thyroid panel, a cardiologist heart exam, a yearly Holter, and ARVC and DM DNA tests, plus a negative brucellosis test.
What is a Holter monitor?
It is a small recorder worn for 24 hours. It counts abnormal heartbeats, which is how vets screen for Boxer cardiomyopathy.
Does a clear ARVC DNA test mean a Boxer is safe?
No. The DNA test covers one known gene only. Therefore, a yearly Holter is still needed.
Can a DM carrier Boxer be bred?
Yes, ideally to a clear mate, which produces no at-risk puppies.
What does VerifiedStuds require for Boxer studs?
Hips, elbows, thyroid, a cardiologist heart exam and a current Holter, with a negative brucellosis test, for the Verified Health badge.
Sources: American Boxer Club, AKC Working Group health testing requirements, OFA CHIC program.
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