Boxer
AKA: German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer
Description: The Boxer is a muscular and powerful breed that denotes balance in its physical form. Its body is compact and square, with the head lean and unwrinkled and the neck round, strong, and without dewlap. The front legs are straight and parallel while the hind legs are muscled with angulation in balance. The tail is usually docked and carried high.
The ears of the Boxer can be cropped long and tapered. The eyes are dark brown in color. The nose is large and black, with very open nostrils. The teeth and tongue is shown when mouth is closed. The lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, curving upward.
Dynamics: The Boxer has a playful and curious disposition. It is highly intelligent and can quickly understand training. It can be sneaky and stubborn at times, though. It is high-spirited and is constantly on the move. Boxers are also known for getting along so well with children. They are loyal and affectionate and can also get along well with other household pets if properly socialized.
It has been said that Boxers like to use their front paws for just about everything, hence the name. A boxer would paw at toys, bowls, and other stuff in a cat-like way. It tends to look clownish but very playful when it uses its paws.
A female boxer is more aggressive than the male, especially when it is with another female Boxer. It will be friendly with the other but will try to show her dominance most of the time.
A Boxer is keen at working to protect its family and playing with them. They welcome know visitors and will sometimes jump up at people. The breed is also know to be good guard dogs, and are sometimes used in military and police work.
Breed Group: Mastiff, Working
Weight: males 60-70 lbs (27-32 kg), females 53-65 lbs (24-29 kg)
Height: males 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), females 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Color: The Boxer comes in colors of fawn, brindle, white, and various shades of red, all with white markings.
Country of Origin: The Boxer originated from Germany, where two German mastiff type dogs (the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer) were crossed with the ancestors of the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The breed standard was stabilized in 1904. There are now two types of Boxers being bred: the German Boxers (who have bigger head and are more muscular) and the American Boxers.
Activities: The Boxer is an athletic and active breed, therefore it needs lots of exercises and daily walks. It enjoys fetching and other sessions of play. The Boxer is used nowadays for watchdogging, guarding, police and military work, search and rescue, competitive obedience, schutzhund, and performing tricks.
Grooming: Grooming the Boxer is easy because it has smooth and short hair. Brush with a bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. A Boxer can clean itself like a cat and is an average shedder.
Other Info: The Boxer has a life expectancy of 11-14 years. Major health concerns include cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis, thyroid, and heart problems. The breed is also prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and tumors. It may have excessive flatulence. A white Boxer may be prone to deafness.
A Boxer will do okay in an apartment if taken outdoors for exercises regularly. It is fairly active indoors. It is a breed that does best in temperate climates, not too cold, not too hot.