Boxer Dog Breed History
The Boxer dog breed was developed in Germany in the late 1800s by mixing Bulldogs, Mastiffs and Bullenbeiser (an extinct breed nowadays) together. They were bred as hunting dogs and used for bear, wild boar, and deer hunting. They were used to hold the prey and wait until the hunters arrived. The Bullenbeisser is considered a direct ancestor of the Boxer dogs that we know today.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, the breed was introduced to England and the United States, respectively. The American Kennel Club recognized the first Boxer dog in 1904, but it was not widely popular until around the time of the World War II. Today, the Boxer dog is one of the most popular dog breed that is a great family dog, show dog and a guard dog.
Breed Characteristics and Appearance
Boxers are brachycephalic (they have broad, short skulls), have a square muzzle, black nose and a powerful jaw. The Boxer dog’s muzzle is one of its most distinguishing features, and it’s also one of the things that make them such good guard dogs. Their short muzzles give them a powerful bite, and their square jaws are very strong. The body is square and muscular, and the front legs are straight. The hindquarters are well muscled, and the tail is docked.
Coat
While the coat may be short and single-layered, it is actually quite thick and dense. The hair is smooth and shiny, lying close to the body. The Boxer’s coat comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindled, and black. Regardless of color, all Boxer dogs have a white chest and markings on their face. They do not shed excessively.
Size
Males are typically 22–25 inches (53–61 cm) at the withers, and females are 21–24 inches (53–61 cm). Males weigh between 66 and 70 lb (30 and 32 kg), and females between 55 and 70 lb (27 and 32 kg).
Maintenance
Any good pet owner knows that their animal needs to be groomed on a regular basis, and this is especially true for Boxer dogs. These pups have short, smooth coats that require very little maintenance, but they do need to be brushed a once a week to remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming.
Boxers also have a tendency to drool, so it’s important to wipe their faces often to keep them clean and prevent staining. In addition, Boxer dogs need their nails trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrowth and keep them comfortable. Lastly, Boxers benefit from regular teeth brushing to remove plaque and keep their breath fresh.
Diet
A Boxer’s diet is an important part of keeping your canine healthy and happy. Boxers are active dogs, so they need a high-protein diet to maintain their energy levels. A good rule of thumb is to feed your Boxer two to three cups of food each day, divided into two meals.
When choosing food for your Boxer, look for a high-quality kibble that is specifically designed for active dogs. Avoid foods that are high in fillers or artificial ingredients. If you’re unsure about what kind of kibble to feed your Boxer, talk to your vet for recommendations.
Training
Like all dogs, Boxers need to be trained. This breed is intelligent and eager to please, so they can learn tricks and commands relatively easily. However, Boxers can also be stubborn, so it is important to be consistent with training.
One way to keep your Boxer motivated is to use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise. It is also important to avoid using punishment, as this can make your dog resentful. With a little effort, you can have a well-behaved dog that is a joy to be around.
Activity Level
Boxer dogs are a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise. They are happiest when they have a job to do, whether it’s playing fetch, going for a run, or learning new tricks. For this reason, Boxers are not well suited to a sedentary lifestyle.
Without enough physical and mental stimulation, they can become bored and destructive. If you’re considering adding a Boxer to your family, be prepared to provide them with plenty of daily exercise. A couple of long walks or runs will help to keep them happy and healthy.
Boxer Health Problems
Like all breeds, Boxers come with their own set of health concerns. The most common health concerns for Boxers are bloat, hip dysplasia, Boxer Cardiomyopathy, and aortic stenosis.
Bloat
Bloat is a life-threatening condition that can affect any deep-chested breed of dog, but Boxers are particularly susceptible. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This can cut off blood flow to the stomach and other organs and cause severe pain. If not treated immediately, bloat can be fatal.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, and in dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball does not fit snugly into the socket. This can cause pain and lameness.
Boxer Cardiomyopathy
Boxer cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that is specific to the Boxer breed. It is caused by an irregularity in the heart muscle and can lead to congestive heart failure. Symptoms of Boxer cardiomyopathy include exercise intolerance, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Other Issues
Aortic stenosis is a heart condition that affects the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body. In dogs with aortic stenosis, the opening of the aorta is narrower than normal, which can cause difficulty breathing and exercise intolerance. Aortic stenosis is most commonly seen in older Boxers. While these health concerns can be serious, they are all treatable. With proper care and treatment, most Boxers live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Boxer Temperament and Personality
Boxer dogs are a popular breed known for their fearless and loyal personality. They are also confident and energetic, which makes them great companions for active people. Boxers are also very playful, and they enjoy spending time with their families. However, they can also be quite stubborn, and they need firm training to prevent them from becoming destructive.
Boxer Dogs: For Whom?
Boxer dogs are amazing animals that bring a lot of love and joy into the lives of their owners. However, they are not the right fit for everyone. If you are thinking about getting a Boxer dog, it is important to make sure that you are the right owner for this breed.
Good for Someone Active
First and foremost, Boxer dogs require a lot of exercise. If you are not someone who is active and enjoys spending time outdoors, a Boxer dog is not the right fit for you. These dogs need to burn off a lot of energy, and they will not be happy if they are cooped up all day.
Not Good For Novice Owners
Second, Boxer dogs are very loyal and protective of their family, but proper training and socialization is key to ensuring that they do not become aggressive. If you are not willing to put in the time and effort to train your dog properly, a Boxer is not the right breed for you.
If you are active, patient, and willing to put in the time and effort to train your dog, a Boxer could be the perfect breed for you. These dogs are loyal, loving, and full of energy. If you are looking for a dog that will become a part of your family, a Boxer is the perfect choice.
Boxer Puppy Price
Boxer dogs can be expensive, with prices ranging from $1000-$2000. The price of a Boxer dog depends on a number of factors, including the breeder, the dog’s lineage, and whether the dog has been trained. Ultimately, potential owners should research different breeders and compare prices before making a purchase.
Similar Posts:
- Miniature Boxer – A Good Apartment Dog for Families
- Boxer Dog Names: Ideas for a Boxer Puppy or Similar Breed
- Introducing The Perfect Boxer Lab Mix: Everything You Didn’t Know About The Boxador
- Meet the Large Scent Hound: Bloodhound Dog Breed Information
- Boxerdoodle Dog – Learn What It’s Like to Own This Boxer Poodle Mix
- Sussex Spaniel: Meet the Gun Dog and Learn More About This Rare Dog Breed
- Family-Friendly English Springer Spaniel: Dog Breed Information
- Meet the Welsh Springer Spaniel Dog Breed and Check if You Are the Right Owner. All Breed Characteristics Covered
