Mischievous but sweet, Boxer is a loving family companion. They’re powerful but silly, often known as the family clowns. They are playful and love their families. Protective of their people and homes they are wary of strangers.
People really love them and they are one of the most popular dog breeds of America. A boxer may look worried all the time due to his wrinkled face but he is an upbeat and playful dog. Boxers are wonderful watchdogs and have a good reputation for being great with children.
Boxer Dog Breed Overview
| Group: | Working Group |
| Size: | Large (65-80 pounds) |
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Best Suited For: | Families |
| Temperament: | Loyal, Active, Playful |
| Exercise Needs: | High |
| Drooling Potential: | Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Low |
| Similar Breeds: | Bulldog, Rottweiler, Dobermann |
1. Basic Features
Boxers are a combination of strength and elegance. They have a muscular built and their face exhibits an alert look. Due to their commendable alertness, they make perfect watchdogs. Boxers have a short-haired coat mostly in fawn and brindle colors.
Their coat is shiny and smooth and lies tight to their body. They have white markings called flash on their body. These often extend to the neck or face. Boxers also come in an all white coat.
Boxers have a short muzzle and a large nose. Their eyes are dark brown in color. Also, their ears are set high. They are either cropped or sometimes kept natural.
2. Boxer Origin
The Boxer is said to be of German origin.
The larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser are known to be the boxers ancestors.
These breeds no longer exist but they were known hunting dogs and were used to hunt wild boars, bears, and deer. The boxers came into existence in the late 1800s. In World War II, the dog was used as a military dog. This made the boxer instantly famous as a service dog. The boxer was one of the first dogs to be employed in police or military.
This dog now had many roles including cattle dog, police dog, war dog, watchdog, and a guide dog. Later, boxers became more established as family dogs. They were soon one of the most popular breeds in the US.
3. The Personality of Boxer
Boxers are very playful and outgoing. They love people and are very responsive to commands. They are happy dogs full of energy. Known for being intelligent, they are quick learners. They are clownish and very silly. Boxers are loving and affectionate towards their family.
They are very courageous and make great guard dogs due to their alertness. Boxers may be dominating and stubborn. It is thus important to teach him that dominance over other pets, dogs or humans is wrong.
boxer is not aggressive or dangerous like he seems. He is just overprotective and an instinctive guardian to his family.
It is thus recommended to socialize him in a proper manner since puppyhood.
4. Boxer Behavior
Boxers are very high-spirited dogs. They are very obedient and bonds well with the family. They’re very loyal and great with children too. If socialized properly, they will do well around other household pets.
Boxers at some point can turn stubborn as well. This behavior can lead to a demanding behavior which may go out of control at some point. It is thus important that the owner is dominating and the dog sees you as his head. Similarly, any sign of dominance by the dog should be right away corrected.
Boxers are active breeds and require proper exercise to prevent any destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing or digging.
5. Exercise Requirements
Being strong and active, boxers require a good dose of daily physical and mental activity. Along with daily walks and runs, some extra work or exercise should be included. They enjoy games and playtime with owners.
They are playful dogs and will readily be up for new adventures. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that the dog is taken around in a leash or plays in a fenced area. Since he is a high energy dog, care should be taken that they don’t jump around small children.
6. Diet Needs
A boxer is always full of energy. He requires a good amount of exercise and thus a high-quality diet. They require high-quality calories which should come from animal protein. Treats are an important part of training. However, a check on treats is recommended which could possibly cause obesity.
As boxers are prone to obesity. You could possibly check healthier treat options for your boxer.
7. Trainability
Boxers are an intelligent breed and quick learners. They respond well to training, however, can be easily bored with repetition. Boxers excel in a number of dog sports as well. A boxer, however, may not be tolerant of very extreme temperatures. This should be kept in mind while indulging your dog in activities outside under the sun.
Early socialization is recommended for overall healthy development.
They are also trained to be service dogs. A boxer does great as a therapy dog too. Drug detection and search-and-rescue are some other fields where they excel.
8. Common Health Problems
Heart problems are a major concern in boxers. Sub-aortic stenosis, thyroid, and certain cancers are also a risked health condition with the breed.
It is important to carry out thyroid, hip, and cardiac tests. Brain tumors and degenerative myelopathy are also occasionally spotted.
Some white boxers may also be prone to deafness.
9. Who Should Adopt a Boxer?
Boxers are friendly dogs and attach to their owners. Though the boxer needs a great deal of exercise, he does well in an apartment if his needs are met. Any yard should be fenced.
Boxers tend to take up destructive habits if their needs aren’t properly met. Thus, they require homes where they are provided with proper exercise and companionship.
Above all, boxers are great with other dogs and children as well!