The Boxer is a fairly modern creation; however, its ancestry can be traced back a hundred or even a thousand years ago. It is a member of the breed that is also known as Molosser, Alaunt, or Dogues.
Because this dog was developed way before breeders and fanciers have kept records, not much-written evidence of their origin can be found.
It was believed that this breed has been developed in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire. This area has been mostly populated by German speakers.
These German-speaking people often keep a Mastiff-type dog that they call Bullenbeiser (Bull Biter), sometimes Barenbeiser (Bear Biter).
These dogs got their names probably because they were used to bring down large animals like bears and bulls.
It was after the First World War that a breed similar to the modern Boxer came to be. The Bullenbeiser was bred with other German dogs and English Bulldogs.
It was in the late 1800s that the first Boxer arrived in the United States. Since then, they have rising popularity with the American people. Nowadays, Boxers are generally used as companions and pets rather than their original purpose as working dogs.
Traits and Behavior
The temperament of Boxers depends highly on the trainer. Experienced trainers can produce good-tempered, playful dogs, while inexperienced can produce aggressive and fearful temperaments. With good training, Boxers are extremely loyal, affectionate, playful, inquisitive, and at times, clownish.
This highly affectionate dog can become overly attached to their family, which can be bad since this dog often develops separation anxiety. Normally, Boxers are wary around strangers. However, modern Boxers (with proper training) are friendly and would welcome a new friend eagerly.
Training is of utmost importance to this dog since they are excitable and would tend to jump at people. Their keen sense makes them good watchdogs; however, their friendliness makes them unreliable guard dogs.
Boxers can display aggression towards other dogs and non-canine animals, therefore socialization should be done as soon as possible.
Most Boxers (not all) are highly intelligent and can be taught complex tasks. However, their stubbornness can prove to be a challenge.
They can choose to ignore commands and it would take a huge amount of effort to make them follow.
This dog is resistant and headstrong against corrections, however, they respond well towards reward-based training.
This highly playful dog loves to roll around in the mud and would not be a good match for people who are easily embarrassed or are meticulously clean.
They drool a lot and would eat messily. Owners should expect to clean after their pets constantly.
Pet Care and Diseases
This energetic and active dog needs sufficient amounts of exercise to remain calm and happy. They require at least an hour of daily walks and at least some time to roam around an enclosed area. They are, however, not good jogging partners since they can get winded easily. If not properly exercised, Boxers can become hyperactive, aggressive, vocal, and destructive.
Like most short-haired dogs, this dog has low grooming requirements. Only occasional brushing and bathing is needed. However, special care should be put into cleaning and drying the dog’s wrinkly face and ears, since these flaps can harbor food, dirt, and grime that can lead to infection if not carefully cleaned.
This dog is known to have a short life which varies from 8 to 14 years. Like most giant dogs, they suffer from several health issues. And their brachycephalic heads make it hard for them to breathe. Other health issues include cancers, tumors, skeletal problems, breathing problems, and allergies.
Appearance
Boxers are popular in America and are quite distinguishable. They are smaller than most Mastiff/Molosser breeds, but that is because most of the dogs in that family are considerably gigantic.
These medium to large dogs stands at about 22.5 to 25 inches tall with an average of 23 inches. The females are generally smaller in size.
This breed mostly weighs between 60 to 70 pounds. This dog has a muscular and athletic build. They naturally have long and narrow tails that are either straight or curved.
Boxers are brachycephalic, they shortened or pushed-in face. Their proportionate head looks square and has a flat skull. Their muzzle is quite short and is commonly shorter than the head. The face is wrinkled and contains definite howls.
They have a pronounced underbite, but the teeth should not be visible when the mouth is closed. The ears are naturally medium in length and drop down to the cheeks. Overall, they have a happy-go-lucky, intense and intelligent expression.
This muscular dog is covered in a short, smooth, and shiny coat. Most people agree that it comes in two colors, namely fawn and brindle. However, some dogs can be from light tan to mahogany.
General Information
The breed is expected to live for 9-10 years. A litter may consist of 2-10 puppies, an average of 6. German Boxer and Deutscher Boxer are among its few other names.
Breed Club
Visit these dog club websites dedicated to Boxers. Click these links: