Characteristics of a Boxer

Bred from the English bulldog and a now-extinct breed of European canine, the boxer is a popular family pet today. This large, short haired, stocky dog was actually the seventh most popular dog breed in America in 2010, according to the American Kennel Club website. Although they are a favorite among pet owners, it is a good idea to know about the characteristics of this breed before you rush out and get one of your own. They can be a bit challenging not always be the best fit for everyone.

  1. Playful

    • Boxers are full of energy and love to play. They seem to run continuously and are always ready to jump and move about, reserving little time for the lazy behavior of their English bulldog cousins. These dogs love to tease, are very feisty and perfect for those who have lots of time to spend wrestling and being silly with their pets. If you want a lap dog or a breed that piles up in a corner and takes it easy all day, the boxer is probably not a good option.

    Slow To Mature

    • All dogs go through some sort of "puppy phase.' Generally this lasts a few months and then the dog matures and settles down a bit. Boxers do not mature as quickly as most other breeds and may remain puppy-like and overly energetic for three or four years before mellowing out. Even after mellowing, the boxer is a breed that will retain some of its puppy characteristics throughout its life. Many boxers will remain playful and energetic as long as they are alive.

    Need Humans

    • Think about the time you will have to spend with your dog before taking on a boxer. The boxer is a breed that enjoys and needs human interaction on a regular basis and does not do well when left alone. Boxers need to be with their human families for a significant amount of time each day to prevent the development of destructive behavioral problems. They also tend to be better behaved as housedogs that have consistent connection with their people, and are not well suited for being yard dogs or doghouse dogs that spend much of their time alone.

    Aggressive Toward Same Sex

    • For the most part boxers are happy to see you as well as your other pets. Boxers are known to be good around other pets, including cats. Mostly they just want to play with them. Some more aggressive boxers will still usually leave other pets alone unless the boxer is male and there is another male dog in the home. They are rarely aggressive or forceful with humans, but they tend to try and intimidate other male dogs on occasion and occasionally they could chase cats, even if they only see it as a form of playing.