Boxer
Breed History:
The boxer breed originated in Germany in the late 19th century, a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeiser which was crossed with bulldogs to produce hunting dogs. Originally bred for hunting large game such as deer and bears, they also started to get used as cattle herders. It wasn’t long before they found themselves on the front of the First World War where, thanks to their strength and agility, they were used as guard dogs and attack dogs.
After the end of the Great War, their popularity surged when soldiers began to take them back to their homes in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Over time, Boxers transitioned from military and service dogs to family dogs, known for their playful and protective nature.
|
Gender |
Height |
Weight |
|
Male |
56-63 cm |
27-32 kg |
|
Female |
53-61 cm |
24-29 kg |
Size – Medium-large breed
Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
Breed Appearance:
Boxers are a medium-large breed with a sleek, muscular build and a square-shaped frame that reflects their athleticism and endurance. Their distinct face sports a strong skull, a strong lower jaw, and an undershot bite. Their dark brown eyes convey their alertness, high intelligence, and curiosity.
Boxers have short, sleek coats which come in a variety of colours including fawn, brindle and white, often with white markings on their chest, face and paws.
Breed Type - Family/guard:
The Boxer is a high-energy and protective breed known for its boundless energy and high levels of intelligence, but at times can display clownish and stubborn behaviour. Boxers make for good guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts making them thrive as police and military dogs.
Boxers are extremely loyal and affectionate, making them great family dogs and are exceptionally well with children. They are social with other pets and do get along if properly socialized but, female Boxers may occasionally attempt to display dominance.
Training:
Boxers can be a handful to train thanks to their high energy levels and potential stubbornness. They are highly intelligent and love to learn but as with all dogs, especially the boxer, they need to be socialized to be able to coexist with other people and breeds and avoid jumping at them
Health & Care:
Some major concerns with Boxers are cardiomyopathy and other heart problems, sub-aortic stenosis, and thyroid. Boxers can be prone to skin allergies and sometimes even prone to epilepsy and hip dysplasia.
From the age of 8 years on they are more likely to get tumours than other breeds and also develop several allergies. Some white Boxers are also prone to deafness.
Living Condition:
Boxers will need sufficient exercise as they’re highly energetic, remain fairly active indoors and can do best with an average-sized yard.
Boxers do best in temperate conditions and can live in winter conditions but will struggle in summers.
Grooming:
The Boxer's smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only, when necessary, to avoid removing natural oils from the skin. Boxers are very clean and groom themselves like cats and are average shedders.
Advantages:
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Energetic, playful, and fun-loving
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Loyal and protective – excellent family guardian
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Great with children when properly trained
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Intelligent and eager to please
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Short, easy-to-maintain coat
-
Naturally alert – good watchdog
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Generally sociable and affectionate with family
Disadvantages:
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High energy – needs lots of daily exercise
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Can be stubborn or strong-willed without consistent training
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Prone to health issues like cancer, hip dysplasia, and heart problems
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Brachycephalic – may snore and overheat in hot weather
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May become destructive if bored or under-exercised
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Short lifespan (typically 10–12 years)
