Cross Breeds

What is the cancer percentage in boxer dogs?

Hi. Ive been looking at boxers recently and i was considering getting one until i saw all of these reports on being highly prone to cancer. It has kinda put me off them now. What is the percentage that boxers will develop cancer? Thanks. Stars.

Public Comments

1. Well, I have heard the reports on this and cancer is VERY high on the list for Boxers. In fact, a very good friend of mine and breed mentor is a retired Vet Tech and use to breed Dobes for almost 35 years. At the clinic that she use to work, she had only seen ONE Boxer in 18 years at that practice, that did not have cancer before the age of 6-7 years old. I had considered a Boxer, myself, a few years ago, but stayed clear because of that. My breed of choice is a Dobe, which also has a very high rate of Cancer and Cardio problems. At least, they have now found the gene in both the Boxer and Dobe, where as breeding stock can be genetically tested for Cardio, but not cancer. Good luck with your decision. There ARE problems with every breed. Add: Read this. Scroll down to *Cancer*. http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/view_boxer-dog-health-testing.htm
2. I Think It's 5 Percent According To The Link I Read. You Can Read It Gives You Great Info,.
3. The average for all breeds dying from cancer is 27% - it's the biggest killer of all breeds. For Boxers it's 38% (about the same as for Labradors), but there are a number of breeds which have worse % - Rottweilers, 45%, Flat coats 54%, Airedales 39%. On the other hand, their average lifespan is around 10 yrs which is the same or better than some breeds - the Rott & Dobermann for instance.
4. Not sure about the exact percentages. They are prone to mast cell tumours but tend to get the less malignant variety that can easily be surgically removed. My old boxer lived to be 14 and never had cancer.
5. I dont know the percentages but my boxer died of cancer at the age of 7 and the vet said that boxers were prone to develop cancer.