The Boxer dog is part of the Mastiff family. The Boxer will always appear as if it is ready for action. However, behind this exterior, there is a dog who is affectionate and playful. It makes people laugh with its silly antics. Boxers love being with their family members. We will now discuss the breed characteristics and features of the beloved Boxer dog, one of the most popular canine breeds.
The ideal Boxer is a medium-sized, square-built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. His well-developed muscles are clean, hard, and appear smooth under taut skin. His movements denote energy. The gait is firm yet elastic, the stride free and ground-covering, the carriage proud. Developed to serve as guard, working, and companion dog, he combines strength and agility with elegance and style. His expression is alert and his temperament steadfast and tractable.
The chiseled head imparts to the Boxer a unique individual stamp. It must be in the correct proportion to the body. The broad, blunt muzzle is the distinctive feature, and great value is placed upon its being of proper form and balance with the skull. In judging the Boxer first consideration is given to general appearance and overall balance. Special attention is then devoted to the head, after which the individual body components are examined for their correct construction, and the gait evaluated for efficiency.
[wpdatatable id=86]History of Boxer
The Boxer evolved as a breed in the 19th century in Germany. Boxers have traditionally been depicted on tapestries dating as far back as the 16th century. It is considered to be a descendant of the Bullenbeisser, or “bull biter,” and an earlier version of the English Bulldog.
Boxers have always been used as working dogs. Of course, it was used as a police dog in Germany in the interwar period. It was valued as a big game hunter for centuries before that in Germany. For instance, it was used to grapple bears, deer, and bison until the hunters could arrive to make the kill.
By the late nineteenth century, the cross-breeding of the German Bullenbeisser with the Bulldog had produced a sleeker variant known as the Boxer. The first Boxer club was held in Munich in 1895, and most living Boxers can be traced back by way of pedigree to these Munich Boxers. It was after the Second World War that the popularity of the breed took off in the United States, as a lot of the returning soldiers brought Boxers back with them.
More About Boxer
Boxer dogs are one of the most popular large dog breeds in the world. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and playful personalities. If you are considering getting a boxer dog, it is essential to know more about them.
In the following sections, we will discuss the appearance, size, temperament, health, grooming, and coat of boxer dogs. Understanding these aspects of the breed will help you determine if a boxer dog is the right fit for your lifestyle and home.
Appearance
The Boxer has a strong and muscular appearance. It has a regal square-shaped head, and its chiseled nature gives it a unique appearance. The jaw is undershot, and the muzzle is blunt, while the chest is broad and deep. Their colors range from fawn to light tan to mahogany, and they would also have white markings. The tail of the Boxer is frequently docked while their ears are cropped.
Size
Boxer dogs are medium to large-sized dogs that weigh 50 to 80 pounds and stand 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Their physique is muscular and athletic, with a broad chest, short back, and a slightly tapered tail. Despite their size, they are known for their agility and grace, which has led to their popularity in a variety of dog sports. Understanding their size can assist you in determining whether a boxer dog is appropriate for your living space and lifestyle.
Personality and Temperament
The Boxer dog has a temperament that is much more stable as compared to other breeds. It is self-assured in its demeanor and does not give in to aggression or excitability. The dog is loyal and loving to its caretakers.
This breed is considered to be a good companion for families, especially if they have an active lifestyle. It is a very intelligent and fast learner, although it might be stubborn at times.
They are not nuisance barkers and will bark only when there is a cause. They make for both great watchdogs, as well as good service dogs. The dog is never mean, even in its older age.
However, the owner might need to keep an eye out for its anguish if it does appear and take steps so that its frustration does not become a regular part of its personality.
When a Boxer has been properly socialized, Boxers are quite patient and protective, making them amenable to households that have children or even other pets. Also, the breed comes with a lot of energy; it needs to be taken out on plenty of walks and given adequate playtime. While the Boxer can be wary of strangers due to its loyal nature, it does not show aggression readily.
Good socialization from an early stage will help it to take well to new people and other pets. Interestingly, for all their size and strength, the Boxer can often tend to behave like a lapdog, it may often try and cuddle the owner.
Health
Some of the common health problems in boxer dogs include:
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
The Boxer has a short snout, and this is responsible for causing several complications in the upper respiratory areas. This can include stenotic nares or narrow nostrils, which restrict the flow of air during inhalation and exhalation.
The windpipe can be too narrow, resulting in a hypoplastic trachea or laryngeal saccules turning outward and obstructing the airways.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome can lead to a lack of oxygenation in case of exertion or stress being caused to the dog.
Parasites
The Boxer is prone to be infected by a variety of worms and bugs. Fleas and ticks, to mites, can infest the skin and ears of the Boxer. In case the dog drinks unclean water, walks on contaminated soil, or is infected by a mosquito, the system of the dog may be invaded by the likes of hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and so on. Apart from causing severe discomfort to the dog, in extreme conditions, they can even cause death.
Heart Disease
Boxers are prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart becomes thin and weak, and it is no longer able to serve its primary function. It does not have the strength to pump blood to the body through the circulatory system. The dog may become weak and even faint or have sudden cardiac death.
Hyperadrenocorticism
Also known as Cushing’s disease, this is a problem of the adrenal glands, whereby they produce an excess of steroid hormone. The onset of the condition is slow, and therefore, it is easy to miss the early symptoms. The symptoms are increased urination, abnormal appetite, thin skin, and hair loss.
Degenerative Myelopathy
It causes weakness and affects the functioning of the nerves in the rear legs. Boxers are frequently prone to this condition. In case the Boxer suffers from this condition, the rear legs will become increasingly weak, leading to disability and paralysis.
Boxer Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to a situation where the heart muscles of the dog fail. Boxers have a much higher chance of contracting one specific type of cardiomyopathy, which is known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy. This is frequently also known as Boxer cardiomyopathy.
Bone And Joint Problems
Boxers are prone to several musculoskeletal problems, which include the likes of hip dysplasia, ligament ruptures in the knee joints, etc. The best preventive strategy for such disorders is to keep the dogs at their ideal weight, give a consistently high-quality diet, and prevent too much work on the knees. Joint supplements can also be taken for the same.
Mast Cell Tumor
This is common cancer found in Boxers, and it can range from a benign condition to a point where it is extremely malignant, with a very fast rate of spread. Surgery may have to be prescribed, although it depends on the location of the development of the tumor. In case the case becomes too complicated, radiotherapy might have to be performed.
Care
A proper diet and exercise regimen should be maintained throughout. Routine care should be given by way of a schedule to help the Boxer live a longer and healthier life. Overweight boxers are more prone to developing cancer, arthritis, or such problems, and hence, frequent exercise is a must.
The teeth should be brushed at least three times a week. The diet should be consistent, and too much food meant for humans should not be given. A high-quality diet appropriate for the age needs to be given. Also, it would help if you were wary of the dog chewing on balls or ice cubes.
Feeding
The boxers should be fed puppy food until they reach 80% of the total size that they are expected to acquire. Because of their nutritional requirements, they need to be fed high-quality food which is rich in proteins, fats, and fiber.
At the puppy stage, their diet should contain a higher amount of protein. It also needs to be made of the highest quality ingredients that are devoid of any artificial content.
When the Boxer dog is fully grown up, a lower percentage of protein should be given to them. Also, their metabolism slows with age, and consequently, calorically less dense food should be given. The diet of the Boxer can also include a healthy smattering of treats to supplement the main diet. The owner must ensure that treats that are of an organic nature are given – instead of treats that have unhealthy constituents.
Coat
Boxers have a short coat that has a glossy texture and is soft to the touch. They have a tight coat that does not mat or tangle, and it is good to go after a simple washing. A rubber brush may be used for the coat every week to remove dead hair. It may be used in a circular motion and brushed into the coat.
Grooming
The Boxer is a low-maintenance breed. They have very little odor and can stay clean for long periods. Brushing once a week will be sufficient. In case the dog is an indoor dog, then it is relatively easy to take care of the dog. Boxers are naturally clean animals who like to groom themselves by licking like a cat. Of course, some extensive grooming might be required in case the dog likes to roll around in the dirt or has food and flea allergies in the skin.
Dirt on the surface of the skin may be wiped away with a soft cloth or with pet wipes. Bathing may be done with a shampoo that is available specifically for dogs. The coat needs to be wet thoroughly first, and then the shampoo is applied, followed by lathering and rinsing with fresh, warm water. After this, the Boxer should be dried with a towel. The ear flap may be wiped gently with a soft cloth to remove the dirt.
Training
By the time the Boxer puppy turns three weeks old, it should be able to recognize simple commands, which makes the training more effective. The owner must be well- acclimatized with the characteristics of the dog and incorporate them into its training. Boxers are well known for their love and affection for their family, friendly nature at play, and willingness.
The Boxer does not like loneliness and loves to be with other human beings engaged in forms of recreation. Consequently, they need to be given adequate socialization during the training process. Problems such as biting or barking very loudly might appear and need to be trained.
The Boxer must come to see the owner as the leader. Leash training should be strictly followed, and the boundaries should be well established. In case you adhere properly to this regimen, the dog will be disciplined when accompanying you and will know what behavior is acceptable. It is advisable to teach the Boxer some basic tricks, such as rolling, kneeling, etc. This improves the mental concentration of the dog and also helps to impress your friends and family.
Children And Other Pets
It usually gets along very well with other pets. The Boxer has a lot of energy, and it can keep up with playful children. It is also patient and can tolerate children and their activities without getting irritated. The dog loves to be engaged in playtime activities and can run around for the whole day with children if so required.
Conclusion
To summarise, Boxer dogs are a marvellous breed which would make an excellent companion for the right person or family. They are popular with families, singles, and active people because they are loyal, intelligent, and have a playful personality. However, they, like any other breed, have specific requirements, such as regular exercise and grooming, and they may not be suitable for everyone. If you are thinking about getting a Boxer dog, do your research and understand the breed’s characteristics, and seek advice from a reputable breeder or animal shelter to make an informed decision. A Boxer dog can become a cherished member of your family for many years with proper care, training, and attention.
FAQs
Yes, Boxer dogs are well-known for being gentle with children. They are playful, energetic, and protective of their family, making them excellent children’s companions.
Boxer dogs have a short, smooth coat, so they shed, but not excessively. Weekly brushing and bathing can help maintain their coat’s health and reduce shedding.
Boxer dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times, so it’s important to use positive reinforcement training methods and be patient.
Boxer dogs, like any other breed, are susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and cancer. Regular vet visits and proper nutrition can aid in the prevention or management of these health issues.
Boxer dogs, like any other breed, are susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and cancer. Regular vet visits and proper nutrition can aid in the prevention or management of these health issues.
Hi, I’m Walter,
I live in Oklahoma City, USA, and have extensive dog caring and grooming expertise. In addition, I provide dog training tips and tricks through my blogs in Canine Weekly. I have a Dog Behavior and Training diploma and have previously worked as a Dog Trainer at ROC Animal Training and Behavior and Tip Top K9 of OKC Dog Training.
Apart from writing on Canine Weekly, I share my views on Twitter and Linkedin.