Traits of the Boxer

The Boxer was developed in the 19th century in Germany, and was used to chase down and hold animals such as boar and bison until the hunter could catch up. It was also used in dog fights, and it is likely that this is where the name comes from; the dog appears to stand on its hind legs and "box" its opponent by striking out with its front legs. The Boxer was brought to America some time after World War I, and it was in the 1930s that there was a surge in popularity for this breed. It is now one of the most popular dog breeds in America.

  1. Appearance

    • The Boxer is a medium-sized dog, with males measuring from 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and around 60 to 70 pounds in weight. Females tend to be slightly smaller. These dogs have lean but powerful bodies, and a square head with a blunt muzzle. The coat is smooth and the hair is short, and is generally fawn or brindle in color, but can be darker. They often have white markings, but are rarely completely white in color.

    Temperament

    • The Boxer is a friendly dog, and craves human attention and love. Their character makes them a great choice for families, as they are protective but still patient and playful enough to live with children. They are eager, intelligent and quick to learn, and are a good choice for obedience classes in competitions. When a dog has been sufficiently socialized, it will generally get on absolutely fine with other dogs and also cats, but should never be left alone with smaller mammals such as rabbits and chickens.

    Health

    • Boxers, like all purebred dogs, are genetically more prone to certain diseases than others. One of the main issues for this breed is heart problems, and they can also be prone to allergies and epilepsy. Cancer, arthritis, hip dysplasia and other back and knee problems also affect this breed, and from the age of eight years they are more prone to tumors than other breeds. Drooling and snoring can also be an issue, and completely white Boxers tend to be inclined to deafness.

    More Facts

    • With such a short coat, the Boxer needs little grooming. They are generally sensitive to changes in temperature, easily getting too hot or too cold. As they have so much energy, these dogs need daily exercise, and tend to move about a lot indoors or out in the yard. However, it is absolutely fine to keep a Boxer in an apartment, providing it gets sufficient exercise. The breed is versatile enough that it was used as a courier during war time and has also been trained successfully as a seeing-eye dog for the blind.