Originating during the 19th century in Germany, the Boxer is a breed known for its masculinity. Bearing ancestry from the German Mastiff, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer, these dogs were used for bull baiting, cart pulling, cattling, and rounding livestock. Now in the United States, the dogs are used for service as watchdogs, police dogs, and also search and rescue. Among their many talents, the Boxer is a high-spirited and energetic animal. Loyalty and affection are just a few of the breed’s qualities. They make excellent family dogs, and are known to be great guardians of the home.
     The Boxer boasts a very masculine physique. Their bodies are compact and very powerful. Their muzzle is short and blunt. The jaw has a slight under bite. The neck is round, strong and very muscular. Their front and hind legs are well muscled and parallel. The Boxer’s coat is short, smooth and lies tight to its body. Their color markings can range from fawn, brindle, mahogany, red to black, often with a white underbelly, chest and feet. These white markings are called flash. The German breed has a life expectancy of about11-14 years. At adulthood it usually weighs around 50-70 lbs and is about 22-24 inches in height.

         So, why the name “Boxer”? Boxers have a tendency to stand on their hind legs and “box” with their front paws. They also like using their front paws to play with their food, master and its toys also. Boxers can be very playful and clownish. By nature it is not an aggressive breed, but, like all dogs, requires socialization. Daily mental and physical exercise is imperative. Without it, the Boxer can become high strung. As the owner, one must learn to be its leader. Training should start at an early age, while being firm and consistent. Any signs of dominance needs to be immediately corrected by the owners in a calm, but firm, confident way.

         There are some cautions to abide by as the breed has history of heart problems such as cardiomyopathy, and also thyroid issues. They are also more likely to get tumors than any other breed. Careful attention and regular veterinary care at early age can prevent or delay most of these problems. Other than these precautions, Boxers are very good guardians of the home and loving pets for the kids. Celebrity entertainer, Justin Timberlake has two Boxers named Buckley and Brennan. Jennifer Love Hewitt enjoys walks with her dog Mona and even the late Humphrey Bogart had a Boxer named Harvey!

Photo by Photo Agency

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment Preview