Which lives longer, the Boxer or the German Shepherd Dog?

The Boxer has the longer median lifespan: Boxer 11.3 years versus German Shepherd Dog 11.3 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Boxer or the German Shepherd Dog?

On the Breed Health Score the Boxer scores 47/100 and the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100. The German Shepherd Dog scores higher.

Boxer vs German Shepherd Dog

The Boxer has a median lifespan of 11.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 47/100 (grade D); the German Shepherd Dog lives a median of 11.3 years with a score of 59/100 (grade C). On the overall index the German Shepherd Dog scores higher. Both share the same median lifespan.

Boxer

47grade D

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Median lifespan

11.3 yr

Size

large · 25-32 kg

large · 22-40 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

47D

59C

Conditions

ARVC (cardiomyopathy)Aortic stenosis Mast cell tumours BOAS Degenerative myelopathy

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Degenerative myelopathy Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency GDV (bloat)

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.