Boxer Breed Characteristics

The boxer is a breed of dog popular with both families and professional dog handlers alike. The boxer's clownish personality and solid appearance make it both intimidating to intruders and lovable to its family. The boxer is often crossbred with other dog breeds, both accidentally and on purpose, and can make a good family pet.

  1. History

    • According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the boxer breed of dog originated in Germany in the 19th century and was originally bred for dog fighting, bull baiting, cart pulling, rounding up livestock and catching large prey animals such as bison. In more recent years, the boxer has been used as a courier during war, and a seeing-eye dog. The boxer's origins come from German mastiff dogs as well as bulldogs. The name "boxer" came from the way the dog uses its paws in combat, almost in the same way a boxer uses his hands. The boxer has been recognized as a breed by the AKC since 1904.

    Appearance

    • Boxers come in two major colors: fawn and brindle, though others are pure white. Some boxers have white flashing and a black mask, while others do not. The boxer is a large, lean and muscular dog with a short muzzle and a well-proportioned head. The boxer's ears are set high and naturally fall forward. However, many owners choose to crop their boxers' ears so they stand up. The boxer has a high tail that is usually cropped, especially by owners who plan to show their boxers. The average boxer weighs 50 to 70 lbs. The boxer has a short-haired coat that does not require much grooming besides the occasional brushing. The boxer sheds an average amount of hair.

    Character

    • The boxer is a playful, clownish breed of dog who is fiercely loyal to its owner and family. The boxer is a high energy dog who requires a long walk daily, as well as some off-leash playtime. The boxer is generally good with children and other animals, provided it has been well socialized from an early age. The boxer is an intelligent breed of dog and does well with obedience training. An untrained boxer is usually extremely boisterous and enjoys jumping on people as a greeting. A well-trained boxer can be taught good manners and make a good-natured family dog. The boxer is protective of its loved ones and is often used as a guard dog. The boxer can also be stubborn and needs a strong owner who is willing to teach.

    Health Issues

    • The boxer is prone to heart problems such as cardiomyopathy. Some boxers are also prone to skin allergies, epilepsy and hip dysplasia. The boxer lives an average of about 11 to 14 years, and is more likely than other breeds to develop tumors from age 8 onward. The boxers tends to drool and snore. White boxers are more prone to deafness than fawn or brindle boxers.