Boxer Dog
The boxer dog, a muscular, short-coated breed with a
distinctive square head has had a place in the hearts of owners for decades.
The boxer’s strong body and gentle, playful spirit are a great combination.
The boxer got his start in Germany; his ancestors are the
Bullenbeizer and the Barebeizer, both powerful breeds. Later, the boxer was
crossed with ancestors of the mastiff and the bulldog. The boxer was a popular
“working” dog, often used to round up livestock. Today, the boxer still shows
his ability to work by serving as a police or military dog.
It is said that his moniker is a testament to his playful and
curious side. You’ll notice that your boxer uses his front paws for just about
everything. He’s likely to paw at his toys and food in a cat-like way. He also
likes to jump up and motion with his front paws, making him look like he’s
actually boxing, and hence the name.
Boxers at Play
Boxer dogs might look tough, but in actuality they are
good-natured, loving, highly intelligent and inquisitive. Perhaps more than
anything else, the boxer is known for his playful nature. He is always ready to
play — even if his owner is not! The boxer’s happy, outgoing temperament works
well with children and
other animals, so he is well-suited for families.
Boxers are also extremely loyal pets and bond closely with
their human families. This loyalty manifests itself in the boxer’s talents as a
guard dog.
Though boxers do need lots of exercise, they do just fine in
a small house or apartment,
as long as they are walked and allowed to play outside frequently.
Taking Care of Your
Boxer
Boxer are very boisterous, which means dog
training needs to start early in order to break your pup of some
potential bad habits. Because he loves being around you and your friends and
family, your boxer is likely to want to jump up to greet you. In fact, he loves
jumping. A good trainer will let him know when it is appropriate to play around
and jump, and when he needs to be a bit more reserved (such as when guests
visit your home). Boxers tend to respond well to training and usually display
an eagerness to work for your approval.
Boxers are very boisterous, which means training needs to
start early in order to break your pup of some potential bad habits.
Boxer Health
·
Boxers
are predisposed to the following health problems:
·
Hereditary
and congenital cardiovascular defects including boxer cardiomyopathy.
·
Cancer
of the skin and other organs of the body.
·
Ulceration
of the eyeball, including ulcerations of the eye that heal very slowly
(indolent ulcers).
·
Gingival
hyperplasia, an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth.
·
Boxers
are known as a brachycephalic breed. Brachycephalic breeds have short wide
heads with “pushed in faces”. Their short faces predispose them to snoring and
upper respiratory problems. Stenotic nares (small nasal openings) an elongated
soft palate (excessive tissue in the back of the throat) and laryngeal defects
cause upper airway obstruction in brachycephalic breeds. Surgical correction of
the defects often relieves the respiratory distress suffered by the breed.
Fun Facts about Boxers
Boxers are known to snore.
At one time, boxers were popular circus dogs.
The American Kennel Club categorizes the boxer as the largest
breed (50-70 pounds) in the “working dog” category.
What’s Not to Love?
The boxer makes a terrific family dog. His smarts, strength
and sensitivity appeal to a wide-range of dog lovers. The boxer will play with
you, protect you and provide you with devoted companionship throughout his
lifetime.
