Rica M
There are different breeds of dogs nowadays. You have a lot of choices, depending on your needs. Whether you need a companion or for protection, dogs can be really man’s best friend! One of the best breeds of dogs is the Boxer. In fact, boxer dog breeds are intelligent and loyal. However, they do not like to be left alone at home.
If you are interested in getting a boxer, this article might help you know more about boxer dog breeds. At the end of this article, you will learn all the relevant boxer dog information. It includes boxer dog personality, boxer dog characteristics, boxer behavior, etc.
So, if you are eager to learn, let us start!
Table of Contents
About Boxer Dog Breeds
It is vital to know more about boxer dog breeds before deciding to take care of them. This way, you can ensure to adjust and give the dog what he needs based on his personality, behavior, and even on his health issues if any.
At a glance, here is some boxer dog information that you need to be aware of:
Boxer’s Coat
- Characteristics: Flat
- Color: Brindle, black mask, Fawn, and with or without white flashing
- Length: Short
- Grooming Needs: Low maintenance
Club Recognition
- AKC Classification: Working dog
- UKC Classification: Guardian dog
- Prevalence: Common dog
Features
- Squashed face or Brachycephalic
- Droopy eyes
- Naturally floppy ears
Range Of Height at Withers
- Female: 22 in.
- Male: 24 in.
Range of Weight
- Female: 50- 65 lbs.
- Male: 65- 80 lbs.
What to Expect
- Energy Level: Very energetic
- Exercise Requirement: 40 minutes per day
- Life Span: 8- 10 years
- Social Needs: High
- Tendency to Bark: Low
- Tendency to Dig: Low
- Tendency to Drool: High
- Tendency to Snore: Moderate
Boxer Dog Breed History
Boxer dog breeds come from two European breeds of dog, which no longer exist. Breeding the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser will make Boxers. When we say Bullenbeiser, it means bull-bitter. Bullenbeisers are dogs that were usually used to chase big game through the forest. They are strong and agile dogs with a recessed nose and broad, powerful jaws.
In England, they favored Bulldog as a good breed for sport. While in Germany, they are used large-Mastiff dogs for sport. Breeding boxer dogs starts when German hunters want to create new breeds of dogs during the 1830s. German hunters want to crossbreed their Bullenbeiser and Mastiff-type dogs to achieve the size they like.
As a result, they came up with a robust and agile dog. It has a streamlined body with a firm grip. However, Boxer dogs are entirely established as a new breed by 1895. The name Boxer came from the German Boxl. In fact, Boxers are the first breed of dogs that Germans used for police and military activities.
By 1900, boxers are finally established as general utility dogs, pets, and show dogs. Then soon after, AKC starts to recognize the breed. But it was in the 1940s when the breed did begin its rise and popularity. As the years go by, boxers became the fourth most breed in the USA. This is the story behind boxer dog breed history.
Boxer Dog Personality
Boxers are also known as ‘hearing guard dogs.’ That is because boxers are alert and watchful. They are dignified or self-assured, especially when they are not clowning to you. Besides, boxers are playful and patient with children.
When they meet strangers, they tend to show their conservative attitude. They tend to be aggressive to defend their family and home. Nevertheless, one good Boxer behavior is they respond politely to friendly people.
When it comes to Boxer’s temperament, it may be affected by some factors. Some of the factors include heredity, training, and socialization. Dogs with good temperaments like playing and approaching people. They are willing to come to people and be held by them.
One way to determine boxers’ personality is by meeting their parents, sibling, or any blood relative. However, it does not guarantee anything. As said before, there are factors affecting boxer dog personality, and that is a consideration. Like everybody else, boxers need socialization. They need to be exposed to many people, experiences, and sounds. It helps develop their personality.
Boxer Dogs Size
Boxer dog size may vary depending on its gender. For female boxers, its height may range about 23 inches. When it comes to its size, female boxers may weigh from 50 to 65 lbs.
On the other hand, male boxers’ height is about 24 inches. For its weight, it ranges from 65 to 80 lbs.
Feeding Boxer Dogs
Boxer owners need to know the right way to feed their pets. Boxers’ diet must be formulated precisely for the medium-sized breed with high-energy. It is not about just providing your boxer a food. You need to look for high-quality, nutritious dog food so, most likely, they will live a longer and healthy life.
Note that boxers can be overweight easily if they are overfed. Therefore, it is significant to prepare a healthy and balanced diet for them. You can set a regular feeding routine.
It is recommended to have them fed two meals per day. It is also helpful to limit giving treats and not ever leave the food out on your dog all day. You can visit a veterinarian to know the proper diet for your boxer.
Like any other dogs, boxers’ dietary needs may be subject to change from puppyhood to adulthood. There are cases that even in their senior years, their nutritional food needs also change. Veterinaries’ recommendations are ideal for giving proper meals to your boxer according to his need. Remember, there is always a variation in feeding depending on the boxer’s size, energy, and health status.
Boxer Dog Health Issues
Generally, a boxer is a healthy breed of dog. However, certain health conditions that boxers may be prone to. Though not all boxers can get such diseases, it is vital to be aware of these issues if you plan to adopt a boxer or are already taking care of one. The following are a few commonly boxer dog health issues that you need to watch out for:
Hip Dysplasia
This disease is hereditary. Hip Dysplasia is a disease, which the thighbone does not fit exactly to the hip joint. One sign your boxer has hip Dysplasia if you noticed him having discomfort by showing pain and lameness on one rear leg or both. As the boxer ages, arthritis can also develop.
To properly assess the boxer if he has hip Dysplasia, your dog may undergo x-ray screening. Once proven, dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred with any other dog, as the disease is hereditary.
There are cases that hip dysplasia is not passed on to your dog through genes but from environmental factors as well. It may develop through a high-calorie diet or incurred injuries from falling or slicking. It can be treated that any range from feeding supplements or total hip replacement.
Deafness
In fact, white boxers are prone to deafness. Based on studies, 20% of white boxers suffer from deafness. Therefore, you must not breed white boxers because deafness can be hereditary. In addition, boxers carrying extreme white spotting genes increase the chance of deafness in the breed.
Allergies
Food-related allergies, as well as environmental allergies, can be common among boxers. The sign of allergy is scaly and itchy skin. If you noticed your boxer having this sign, then you must consult a veterinarian right away to address the issue to prevent severe effects.
Corneal Dystrophy
This is one of the boxer dog health issues. Corneal Dystrophy is a series of diseases related to the eye, which are inherited and non-inflammatory. Usually, this disease affects one or more layers of the cornea in both eyes of the boxer.
There are cases that corneal dystrophy develops as an opaque area at the center of the cornea, close to the periphery. It is not painful, but if a corneal ulcer develops, then boxers may suffer from pains.
Cancer
Boxers are prone to developing mast cell tumors, lymphoma, as well as brain tumors. White boxers, especially boxers with excessive white markings, can be sunburned. As a result, they may develop skin cancer. If you are planning to have or you already have a boxer, which is light-colored, then it is advisable to apply sunscreen on your dog before going outdoors. You can put sunscreen on your dog’s ears, nose, and coat, for protection.
Boxer Dog Training
Actually, training a boxer is not that difficult. Boxers are smart enough to avoid punitive measures. Therefore, positive reinforcement works the best. Boxer dogs worked well with treats, praises, and clicker training.
However, there is one boxer dog characteristic that you need to watch for. Boxers can be brutal around other dogs, most notably at larger dogs of the same gender. You may need to have your boxer on a solid leash or need tight supervision when you are about to go outdoors. Therefore, early socialization is your weapon to develop your boxer’s socialization skills. This way, you can prevent your boxer from growling, barking, and fighting whenever he sees other dogs or strangers.
Getting a Boxer
If you want to get a boxer, the ways can be simple. But, it would be best if you were prepared. If you choose to buy a boxer puppy, it takes you a lot of time and obedience to take care of your dog at first. It would be best if you socialized your boxer puppy to develop his interacting skills. Also, you need to teach your boxer some other skills like sleeping at night and going to the bathroom.
If you still do not find to buy a boxer puppy, you can search on the internet. However, beware of frauds and puppy mills. It would be best to find a reputable breeder, and you can do it by asking around. Visit the institutions first before paying to avoid being scammed. Also, it is essential to rest assured that the boxer you are going to purchase is in good health condition.
There are two other ways to find and get boxer puppies:
Boxer Breeders
In order to find reputable and boxer breeders complying with stringent requirements, you can use the American Kennel Club (AKC) search options. This tool helps you locate reputable boxer breeders that are nearest to your location. It is vital to spare some time to visit the boxer breeder to inquire about the boxer’s health status or any important boxer dog breed information.
Boxer Rescue Centers
Another way to find boxer breeds is to adopt from rescue centers. There are boxers in rescue centers that their owners surrender. Most likely, boxers in dog rescue centers already know basic skills and friendly. But, if it does not work that way, this does not mean that there’s no hope for them. You can teach them by training or hire a dog trainer to help you handle your dog’s concerns.
Also, having a dog trainer to teach your dog is advisable, particularly for boxer dogs that have been traumatized from their past owners. They need immediate care and support to overcome their dark experience, keep living safe, and secure.
Essential Items For Boxer Dogs
You also can check out essential items for your boxer dogs here:
Wrapping Up
Now that you are knowledgeable about boxer dog breeds, you can take care of your boxer properly. Like humans, dogs need tender loving care and understanding from the people, they will call a family. One of the most common and favored breeds of dogs nowadays is Boxer dog.
Many people are interested in having their boxer dog. So, if you already have your own, you need to take care of him properly. This article aims to help you better understand the boxer breed so, in the future, you are not ignorant of what you should and not do. This way, you can have a healthy and happy relationship with your boxer dog or any other dog breeds!
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