Boxer
The Boxer is a magnificent dog. Its athletic appearance and silly look give the Boxer an endearing style. A Boxer dog can be found very easily. However, because of its ancestors’ aggressive behaviour, it is important to carefully select the puppy in order to avoid surprises.
Quick Overview of the Boxer
Temperament
- Affectionnate and calm
- Wary with strangers
- Loves to play and large areas of open space
- Good temperament
Appearance
- Strong bone structure
- Robust and elegant
- Noble and proud appearance
- Shiny, coarse, rough and short hair
Health
Overall quite a healthy dog, the Boxer is not immune to problems such as heart and glandular disease, digestive disorders and joint problems.
Temperament of the Boxer
The Boxer is very calm and affectionate. Even though it is quite wary with strangers, the Boxer is extremely docile with its owners and children. It is very affectionate and gentle even though it can become fearsome towards strangers if they are threatening to its family.
It loves playing and spending time in large areas of open space. It is not a lone wolf and needs the presence and attentiveness of its family to be happy.
Even though it is very docile, it is important to train the Boxer at a young age and to clearly establish who the owner is. Its training is not easy and the dog must learn at an early age that it cannot disobey. Otherwise, it will have a tendency to be stubborn.
Breed Appearance
The Boxer has a strong bone structure and a stocky build
It is an elegant and very robust dog. It has a protruding lower jaw (prognathic mouth) and this is actually dictated by the breed standard.
Height
Between 57 and 63 cm (22.44 to 24.80 inches) for the male
Between 53 and 59 cm (20.87 to 23.23 inches) for the female
Weight
Between 27 and 32 kg (59.52 to 70.55 pounds) for the male
Between 25 and 29 kg (55.12 to 63.93 pounds) for the female
Color
The coat colors are fawn and brindle with white markings and a black mask on the muzzle.
Hair
Coat hair is shiny, coarse, tight and short.
Morphology
The Boxer has a large head but it is in proportion with the body. The eyes are very dark, not too small nor too big and fit well with the skull. The ears are set high on the head. Its nose is black. Its natural tail is set high.
According to the FCI breeds nomenclature, this breed belongs to group 2, section 1 and is #144
Characteristics of the Boxer
Does this dog suit your lifestyle?
Every dog breed has its own characteristics. However, the actual character of a dog can vary from one to another within the same breed.
Price and monthly budget
Boxer pictures
Tips About this breed
If the dog has a shelter adapted to its needs, it can live in the backyard in the summer as well as the winter. Considering it loves the presence of humans, the Boxer will be happier living in a cozy home among its family members.
It adores exercise and cool temperatures. It will display great endurance under adequate weather but its resistance will lessen under hot weather. As a result, you should be cautious while exercising and ensure the dog is properly hydrated.
The Boxer has a wonderful character but must nonetheless be properly trained to ensure it develops into a kind family companion. This intimidating and warm-hearted dog can adapt well to all situations as long as it can count on the presence of its family.
Health of the Boxer
Due to its physical appearance including its flat nostrils and short nasal cavities, the Boxer struggles on hot days. It is preferable not to leave it inside a car or to make it run in hot weather because respiratory problems may occur.
It may be plagued by hip dysplasia. Even though it is not all puppies that are affected by this condition, it is preferable to inquire about the dog’s parents’ genes when adopting. Joint problems like osteoarthritis and spondylosis may also be encountered.
Boxers can also suffer from heart disease. Aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy are the main cardiac problems encountered. The Boxer is not immune to digestive disorders and skin problems. Sunburns must be avoided at all costs.
Thyroid disease affects the Boxer more frequently than other breeds. Hypothyroidism is the most recurrent glandular disease for this breed.
GROOMING
The Boxer does not require particular care. Its short coat makes it easy to care for a Boxer. It does not shed much but it has a tendency to drool (especially the male).
History of this breed
Belonging to the molosser category, the Boxer originated in Germany and is quite a young breed. Emerging about a century ago, the boxer is the result of many crosses. It is only around the year 1895 that the breed was officially recognized and listed on the "Livre des origines Français". Except in Germany, this breed has long been little known and this even after the Second World War.
The Boxer’s ancestor is the German Bulldog which became known as the Bierboxer as a result of numerous crosses. The Boxer itself is a cross between an English Bulldog and a German Bierboxer. The German Bierboxer having become very aggressive, the cross with an English Bulldog resulted in a more gentle and stable breed.
At the time, the English Bulldog was hard working and less lazy than it is nowadays. As a result, today’s Boxer is sharp and agile. It combines the affectionate characteristics of the English Bulldog and its lazy attitude.
Thanks to its great muscular strength and agility, the Boxer was long used in dog fights and bear hunting. Today, the Boxer has maintained its strength and musculature and has become a gentle and loyal companion appreciated for its good character.
