Loving by nature and a key addition to any family, Boxers are social and entertaining pets. Intelligent and enthusiastic, they ensure there is never a dull moment when they are around.

History

Descendants of Brabanter Bullenbeisser, which can be traced back to Belgium, Boxers were the result of crossing a Mastiff and a Bulldog. Initially considered working class dogs, this breed was used to hunt wild boars and work with cattle dealers. They were also used in theatre and circus shows where they performed tricks for the audience.

Boxers as a breed gained popularity around the mid-eighteen hundreds with the formation of the German Boxer Klub. The breeding standard was stabilized in the early nineteen hundreds and the English name, Boxer, was assigned to the dog because of the apt way it imitated a boxer’s fighting style.

Originally a ferocious breed, the Boxer is now a popular family dog and is also used as a guard and police dog, as well as in rescue operations, competitions, and for performing tricks.

Physical description

The Boxer is a well-muscled, square built, medium sized dog with a short coat. Well-defined muscles are this breed’s distinguishing feature. Penetrating eyes, broad muzzle, and an alert expression are some other characteristics that this breed possesses.

Common colors for this breed are white, fawn, red and brindle. Boxers have docked tails and in some cases cropped ears. On an average, this breed is twenty-one to twenty-five inches high and weighs between 65 to 80 pounds.

Grooming/exercise needs

Despite their short coat, Boxers do shed hair. However, regular brushing keeps this in check. Avoid bathing unless necessary because shampoo tends to rob the dogs of their natural skin oils. By nature, this is a clean breed and it makes its own effort to remain that way.

If you are looking for a dog that doesn’t like activity, then this isn’t the right choice for you. Boxers are energetic dogs that require daily walks or run, as well as mental stimulation. This breed is intelligent and easy to train. They are active indoors as well as outside. They enjoy activities such as fetch and Frisbee toss.

Quirks

Boxers tend to be incredibly excited when someone comes home. They have a tendency to do the "Kidney Bean", wiggiling back and forth and bending in joy to compensate for the lack of their tail. People would be much easier to read if they did this!

Temperament

Full of energy, loyalty, and devotion to the family, The Boxer is also playful by nature and makes a great pet. They like to amuse, entertain, and please their families and will follow you around the house all day.

This breed requires a lot of attention, so if you want a dog that will sleep quietly most of the day then the Boxer isn’t your dog. Although not an aggressive or vicious breed, the Boxer’s fierce appearance, like that of the Bulldog’s, keeps people at bay.

Potential health problems

Boxers, like German Shepherd Dogs, suffer from hip dysplasia. In their old age this breed is more prone to getting tumors than other breeds. They also suffer from allergies and heart problems. Like Bulldogs, they tend to snore and drool as well. As with other deep chested breeds, bloat or gastric tortion is a major concern but can be avoided by feeding twice a day rather than one large meal and avoiding exercise before & after meals.

This breed is most at ease in temperate climates and extreme heat or cold makes them uncomfortable. Never leave your Boxer unattended in a parked car on extremely hot or cold days. Also, Boxers should never be kept as "outside" dogs because of this sensitivity to temperature.

Life expectancy

On an average, Boxers live from eight to twelve years.