Is a boxer the perfect dog for you?
Originally from Germany, the Boxer we know and love today is a descendant of the English Bulldog and the extinct Bullenbeisser. They are in the Mastiff group. They are brachycephalic, which means a short wide skull. Behind those wrinkles and the square muzzle are exceptionally strong jaws and an endearing bite.
Boxer can be found in the category of working class. Their medium and robust build made them perfect for working around livestock, used as messenger dogs, and for pulling small carts and wagons. Unfortunately, due to their strength, incredible grip, and muscular build, they were also used in blood sports.
The short-haired coat of a Boxer can be fawn, brindle, upside down brindle, or white. It is estimated that approximately 15-20% of white boxers have an inherent predisposition to be deaf in one or both ears. At one point, the white cubs were immediately euthanized. However, today most responsible breeders and owners neuter or spay White Boxers as soon as possible, rather than destroying them.
Females typically weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. Males typically weigh between 60 and 80 pounds.
Boxers were one of the most popular family dogs of the 1950s. Today, they are regaining that popularity. They are loyal, loving, playful, fun loving, sensitive, patient, strong, generally friendly, but protective. If they socialize early, they can peacefully coexist with cats and other small animals. Most boxers love boys. Due to their size, strength and exuberance, they should be supervised especially around babies, young children and the elderly. They generally make great family pets, if properly socialized and trained.
Training in socialization and obedience is essential. Both should be done ASAP! Boxers can be stubborn. They require fair, firm, consistent and strong leadership. Positive reinforcement is the recommended method of obedience training. It should be backed up with firm corrections, usually with nothing more than a calm and serious tone of voice. Being sensitive to the mood of its owner, a simple change in its tone of voice goes a long way.
If you decided to have more than one Boxer, it may be better to get a man and a woman. Like other races, boxers tend to experience more challenges with people of the same sex; Especially from woman to woman!
It is important not to over-exercise a puppy. It can lead to serious problems later on. The health problems they face most often are cancer, heart, gastrointestinal, allergies, and hip dysplasia. Its useful life can be 10 to 14 years.
Adult boxers need a lot of exercise, otherwise they will get bored and get into trouble. Long walks, a few games of fetch and take out the edge. Because they are brachycephalic, they are sensitive to extreme heat, humidity, and cold, so be careful.
They are easy to fix, with average shedding. Due to their strength, it is wise to accustom them to baths when they are still young.
Bottom line: do your homework. Know the breed. Stay away from the flea market and puppies from pet stores. Find a responsible breeder. Take that Boxer puppy to Puppy Kindergarten and socialize him ASAP. If you can deal with a little drooling, lots of snoring, and the occasional inopportune passing gas, you will have a wonderful addition to your family.
