BOXER

APPEARANCE
Developed in Germany, the Boxer is a breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog. The coat is smooth and fawn or brindled, with or without white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic (they have broad, short skulls), and have a square muzzle, very strong jaws and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. Overall, the body gives the impression of efficient strength and power. The Boxer weighs in at around 50-85 pounds, and the height of the Boxer is around 21-26 inches.

PERSONALITY
Boxers are a bright, energetic and playful breed and tend to be very good with children. This dog is always ready for a game or adventure. For those looking for a dog with bags of energy and a real people lover, the Boxer is the perfect choice. At the same time the Boxer manages to be very dignified and steady. They have an inordinate need for human companionship and do not like to be alone for extended periods of time.

TRAINING
Training should begin when they’re quite young, since they can become difficult to handle even when still puppies since they’re so large and strong. Boxers typically respond better to positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training. Training must consist of fairness, firmness, and consistency. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep.

EXERCISE
The Boxer enjoys regular play and outdoor exercise. They thrive on playing with their family and do best with a medium sized fenced yard. A challenging game in the park or a good jog are usually sufficient. Off-leash dog parks are ideally suited to the urban or suburban Boxer.

SOCIALIZATION
Loyal and affectionate, the Boxer is considered a “people dog” for the way they adapting well to children and other dogs they have been raised with. Although some can be dominant and aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. They are often distrustful of strangers unless you really work on this aspect of their training when very small puppies.

LIVING CONDITIONS
Boxer prefers to sleep indoors and does not do well in either hot nor cold climates; particularly in the heat, the short-muzzled Boxer can have difficulty breathing and keeping cool. He should have a fenced yard to roam in, but will do in a city environment if walked daily.

GROOMING
A regular rubbing with a hound cloth is often enough, though many boxers like the skin stimulation of a rubber comb. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary to ensure the essential oils are not stripped from their skin. You may need to step up the brushing during seasonal heavier shedding. You should also check his nails during grooming sessions.

HEALTH ISSUES
The Boxer has a life expectancy of around 8-12 years. Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers, heart conditions such as Aortic Stenosis and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (the so-called “Boxer Cardiomyopathy”), hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy.

HISTORY
The Boxer originated in Germany near Munich in the 1880’s, where he was bred to be a fighting dog and a bull fighter. The Boxer was also used in police work. This breed was registered with the AKC in 1904.

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