Health & Breeding Standards in Boxers
BOXER KENNEL
Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) – Heart
| Grade | Velocity (Vmax) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ≤ 1.9 m/s | Normal finding |
| 1 | 2.0 – 2.5 m/s | Mild subaortic stenosis |
| 2 | 2.6 – 3.5 m/s | Moderate subaortic stenosis |
| 3 | > 3.5 m/s | Severe subaortic stenosis |
Breeding Eligibility:
Only Boxers with SAS results Grade 0 or Grade 1 are approved for unrestricted breeding.
Dogs with Grade 2 may be used only in exceptional cases and only when paired with a partner graded 0.
Hip Dysplasia (HD) – Hips
| Grade / Score | Description |
|---|---|
| A / Excellent | No signs of hip dysplasia. Normal hip conformation. |
| B / Good | Near-normal hip conformation. Slight deviations, clinically normal. |
| C / Fair / Mild | Mild hip dysplasia. Minor radiographic signs. Usually not recommended for unrestricted breeding. |
| D / Moderate | Moderate hip dysplasia. Radiographic changes present. Dogs not recommended for breeding. |
| E / Severe | Severe hip dysplasia. Major malformation. Dogs not allowed for breeding. |
Breeding Eligibility:
Only Boxers with grades A or B are approved for breeding without restrictions.
Boxers with grade C may be considered only in exceptional cases, usually paired with a partner graded A or B.
Dogs with grades D or E are not allowed to breed.
Spondylosis Deformans – Spine
Overview:
Spondylosis deformans is a degenerative spinal condition where bone spurs (osteophytes) form along the vertebrae. It is common in boxers, especially as they age. Usually asymptomatic, but severe cases may reduce spinal flexibility.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 / None | No signs on radiographs. |
| 1 / Mild | Small osteophytes. Minimal effect on mobility. |
| 2 / Moderate | Larger osteophytes, may slightly reduce spinal flexibility. |
| 3 / Severe | Extensive osteophytes, possible stiffness or discomfort. |
Breeding Eligibility:
Dogs with Grade 0 or Grade 1 are generally acceptable for breeding.
Grade 2 may be considered only in exceptional cases, depending on overall health and partner’s spinal status.
Dogs with Grade 3 are not recommended for breeding.
Sources:
International Boxer Health Guidelines – ATIBOX
Clinical veterinary references on canine spinal health
Hip Dysplasia – FCI vs OFA Grading
| FCI Grade | Description (Europe) | OFA Grade | Description (USA) | Breeding Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A / 0 | Excellent / Normal hips | Excellent | Optimal hip conformation | Fully approved for breeding |
| B / 1 | Good / Near-normal | Good | Near-normal hip conformation | Fully approved for breeding |
| C / 2 | Fair / Mild dysplasia | Fair | Mild radiographic changes | Breeding possible only in exceptional cases, usually with Excellent or Good partner |
| D / 3 | Moderate dysplasia | Borderline / Mild | Moderate radiographic changes | Not recommended for breeding |
| E / 3b–4 | Severe dysplasia | Poor / Severe | Major malformation | Not allowed for breeding |