Boxer Dog Breed
Dog Group: Working Group
Class: Working
Description
The Boxer has a square-built, muscular physique with a very sleek and shiny tight coat. This is a powerful and very sturdy breed, with a wide muzzle and a very intelligent and watchful expression. The coat of the boxer can come in a selection of variations: white, fawn, brindle or red with white markings. This dog has very dark eyes and an upturned lower jaw. The tail of the Boxer is usually docked, and the ears triangular and erect. This breed boasts a proud and confident appearance.
Temperament
This breed is very energetic and playful, with a friendly and cheerful disposition. Although the Boxer can be willful at times, he is generally a very happy, keen and alert dog with a high level of intelligence and an eagerness to learn and to please. This breed is very protective and will guard the family well, but at the same time he is not an aggressive dog and is known to get along with children and other household pets when properly socialized. The Boxer is a pleasant combination of playfulness, alertness, loyalty, affection, intelligence and amiability.
Height and Weight
The male Boxer will grow to around 22-25 inches in height, and will reach approximately 60-70 pounds in weight. Female Boxers are not far behind, reaching around 21-24 inches in height and 55-65 pounds in weight.
Common Health and Behavioral Problems
As with other larger breeds, hip dysplasia is a risk factor for the Boxer and can result in swelling, reduced mobility and arthritis. Other risk factors for a Boxer include skin tumors, digestive problems, heart murmurs and flatulence. Deafness is more common in the white variation of the breed.
Ideal Living Conditions
The Boxer is a very energetic dog and will therefore require regular exercise. This breed is not unsuited to life in an apartment environment, but will always thrive best with a readily available garden in which to exercise and play. Like many other very short-haired breeds, the Boxer does not like extreme temperatures and should not be subjected to extreme cold or heat.
Exercise Requirements
Boxers are energetic dogs, and they need daily exercise. Their love for company means that interactive games make an ideal form of exercise, so a game of fetch or Frisbee will go down a treat. The boxer also enjoys his daily walk, which is of particular importance if he lives in an apartment.
Diet and Nutrition
The Boxer has a lot of self-control when it comes to eating, and unlike some other breeds, will not eat for the sake of eating. This active breed thrives best on two meals per day, and providing complete, dry food with plenty of fresh water will keep him nourished and healthy. The Boxer can come across as underweight simply because of his lean, muscular physique – this does not mean that you should force-feed him; it is simply the way that the breed’s body is formed.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of a healthy Boxer is around 12-14 years, and this can be maximized through healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and plenty of exercise.
Grooming Requirements
The short, tight coat of the Boxer is easy to keep healthy and glossy, and can simply be brushed with a firm bristle brush. You can also wipe over with a damp cloth when necessary. Keep bathing to a minimum to preserve the essential oils in the Boxer’s skin.
Origin
The Boxer originates from Germany and comes from years of crossbreeding, starting with German Mastiff-like dogs and later crossing them with English Bulldogs. The breed has been used for many purposes in the past from hunting and working to herding and fighting. Once known as an aggressive, ferocious breed, the Boxer has become a gentle yet protective dog that enjoys the company of humans and other animals when properly socialized. The American Kennel Club first registered the breed in 1904.
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Secrets to Dog Training Testimonials
"My name is Mitch Fletcher; I’m 22 years old and live in central Pennsylvania. I have a Boxer named Chopper who is about a year and a half old. He is excellent with my family, friends, and the general public. I am able to take him everywhere I go and spending time with him is what I look forward to everyday. The Secrets to Dog Training Books have helped me immensely in reaching the goals that I have for my dog.
From the basic obedience rules to the advanced training tips, I have used the recommendations and commands from Secrets to Dog Training and our success is clear. Placing my dog in a “sit, stay” and jogging over 200 yards away without looking back, then calling him in with the slightest recall is just one of our many inspiring routines. I am now getting into the dog whispering section, talk about connecting with your pup. I recommend this book to everyone who has a dog, especially if they have specific areas where their dog needs help. The problem solving sections of the book are great. Happy Dog Training."
-- Mitch Fletcher (Pennsylvania, USA)
More Resources
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