Boxer vaccination schedule

A general Boxer puppy vaccination schedule by age, with what each vaccine protects against. Schedules for the US, the UK and the EU. Your vet sets the actual one.

DHPP #1
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Bordetella (if going to puppy class or daycare)
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).
DHPP #2
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #1 (at 12 weeks or older)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #1 (regional)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Rabies #1
12 to 16 weeks, as state or local law sets it
Protects against rabies.
DHPP final dose
16 weeks or later
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
DHPP booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Rabies booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against rabies.
Lyme yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Bordetella yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).

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Questions

When should my Boxer start vaccinations?

Most Boxer puppies start their first DHPP between 6 and 8 weeks in the US, or 6 to 9 weeks in the UK and EU. Use the form above with your puppy's age and country to see the next-due date.

My Boxer is large and brachycephalic. What does that mean for vaccines?

The core schedule is unchanged. The brachycephalic part means watch for stronger reactions to combined doses; the large-breed part means hold off on strenuous exercise until your vet confirms growth is finished, at about 15 months. Vaccines themselves are well tolerated.

When can my Boxer start hard play?

Short play starts after the final puppy vaccination (given at 16 weeks or later), when your vet says protection is in place. Long-form running waits until your vet confirms growth is finished, at about 15 months. Boxers also overheat easily, so plan around weather.

Should my Boxer get titer testing later?

Some vets offer titer testing for adult Boxers in place of repeat boosters. Discuss it after the first-year series is complete.

Same schedule for a Boxer mix?

Yes. The core vaccines are the same for purebreds and mixes: DHPP, leptospirosis in the US (AAHA), and rabies where the law or travel requires it. Vaccines such as Lyme and Bordetella depend on lifestyle and region, not breed. The schedule above works for any Boxer mix.