Our Commitment to Healthy, Purpose-Bred Boxers
At Dark Horse Boxers, health is never an afterthought — it is the foundation of every breeding decision we make. Our goal is to produce structurally sound, temperamentally stable Boxers that can thrive as family companions, working dogs, and performance prospects for years to come.
We believe responsible breeding means health testing before breeding, making informed pairings, and standing behind the dogs we produce for their lifetime.
Comprehensive Health Testing
All breeding dogs in our program undergo breed-appropriate health testing per the American Boxer Club Testing and Reporting Guidelines before they are ever considered for breeding. Results are reviewed carefully to ensure we are making ethical, informed decisions that prioritize long-term health and soundness.
Cardiac Health
Boxers are a breed known to be predisposed to certain heart conditions. For this reason, cardiac health is a critical component of our program.
Our breeding dogs are evaluated for:
- Congenital heart disease
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
- Overall cardiac function appropriate for breeding
Hip & Joint Health
Structural soundness plays a significant role in a dog’s comfort, mobility, and longevity.
We screen our breeding dogs for:
- Hip health
- Proper joint structure
- Movement and functional soundness
These evaluations help reduce the risk of inherited orthopedic issues and support long, active lives.
Thyroid & General Wellness Screening
Thyroid function and overall health markers are assessed to ensure our dogs are physically stable and well suited for reproduction.
Routine wellness screenings include:
- Thyroid evaluation
- General health panels as recommended by our veterinarian
- Ongoing monitoring throughout the dog’s life
Temperament Is Part of Health
Health is more than test results — mental and emotional stability matter just as much.
We place significant emphasis on:
- Stable, predictable temperaments
- Confidence without aggression
- Dogs that are people-oriented, trainable, and emotionally resilient
Dogs that do not meet our temperament standards are not bred, regardless of pedigree or appearance.
Thoughtful Pairings, Not Random Breeding
Every breeding pairing is planned with intention. We evaluate:
- Health testing compatibility
- Structure and movement
- Temperament balance
- Pedigree diversity
No breeding takes place without a clear purpose and a thoughtful plan.
Raised With Care From Day One
Our puppies are:
- Raised in a home environment
- Exposed to early neurological stimulation (ENS)
- Socialized with people, sounds, and everyday household experiences
- Observed closely for temperament development
This early foundation plays a crucial role in shaping confident, adaptable puppies.
Transparency & Buyer Education
We believe informed owners make the best homes.
Health testing information for each breeding pair is:
- Publicly Available on OFA.org, our website, and our Facebook page
- Discussed openly and honestly
- Explained clearly so families understand what it means — and what it doesn’t
No breeder can guarantee perfection, but we can guarantee integrity, education, and transparency.
Lifetime Responsibility
Our responsibility does not end when a puppy goes home.
We:
- Stand behind our dogs
- Offer lifelong breeder support
- Require that any dog from our program be returned to us if circumstances ever change
This is part of our commitment to ethical breeding and lifelong accountability.
Our Promise
We do not cut corners.
We do not breed for trends.
We do not compromise health for convenience.
We breed Boxers with intention, integrity, and respect for the breed.
We uphold the American Boxer Club Code of Ethics.
Dark Horse Boxers 