Boxer (2024)

In the 1850s, a Bulldog (which actually resembled a small Mastiff) was exported from England to Munich. Years later, early Boxer fanciers used descendants of that Bulldog and the German Bullenbeisser to form the foundation of the modern breed, which was developed to be smaller and lighter than its predecessors. In 1894, three Germans took steps to stabilize and exhibit the breed, which they did in Munich in 1895 for the first time and thereby brought Boxers to widespread prominence.

Boxers were initially bred to be working, hunting and guard dogs. Later they became popular theater and circus dogs and were used to carry messages, ammunition and supplies during both World Wars. Today they are used for military and police work and as a breed is one of the pioneering guide dogs for the blind. They are also used as sensitive seizure-alert dogs and do well in agility, obedience and conformation.

The source of the breed’s name is uncertain, although some fanciers speculate that it was coined by an Englishman in reference to the characteristic sparring gestures made with its front legs during play, that remain a hallmark of this breed.

Other theories concerning the origin of the name “Boxer” include:

• that it is a corruption of “beisser,” which means “biter”
• that it is a corruption of the word “boxl” or “boxeln,” which were nicknames for one of the Boxer’s ancestors, a now-extinct breed called the Brabanter
• that it was coined simply because the dogs were “prize fighters.”

The boxer dog is a medium breed dog, with a compact and powerful looking body. This breed has a short and shiny coat. The body is squared off, with a strong neck and a high tail. The Boxer dog gets its unique look from a lower jaw that extends out past the upper jaw. The boxer has deep dark brown eyes, a wide black nose and black facial markings on the muzzle. Folds are apparent on the face, beginning at the base of the nose and carrying through to the sides of the muzzle. The short, smooth, close-fitting coat comes in fawn, brindle, tan, mahogany and black often with white markings.

Personality

Boxers may look tough as nails but under the surface they are lovable, curious, courageous, strong and athletic. They are prized as both a guardian and a family companion; being dignified, exuberant, affectionate, alert, self-confident, utterly loyal, very clownish and playful.

Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?

A Boxer can adapt to a smaller garden, but they are fairly active and will need to be taken out for exercise twice a day. They will do best with a large yard where they will be able to burn of some of their energy during the day. They are sensitive to heat and cold - their short snouts make it hard for them to cool themselves down in humid weather, and their coats are not thick enough for the cold so they are dogs who can live outside.

Boxer tends to be wary with strangers, fearless when threatened, alert and protective of their families which makes them reliable watchdogs and guard dogs. They will sound the alarm that strangers are approaching and their menacing, muscular appearance will deter anyone who poses a threat.

Boxers are an active, athletic, highly energetic breed and as they grow into adulthood they never lose the desire to romp and play like a puppy. They need lots of mental and physical exercise, daily long brisk walks will help burn some of their energy. They also love to run, jump and play (fetch being one of their favourites) in large open areas. Plenty of chew toys will also keep them busy throughout the day. Another good way to exercise them mentally as well as physically is by participating in dog sports like agility, flyball or obedience - they also love to perform tricks. Be careful not to exercise them too heavily in hot weather as they are prone to heatstroke. If they don’t get enough exercise they can become bored and will then find mischievous ways to occupy themselves - usually chewing anything in sight.

These dogs are cuddle bugs; they thrive on pats, hugs, scratches and belly rubs. They are very social and love people, craving attention and physical contact - they will want to be with their owners all times; becoming their shadow. Boxers love to carry things around the house from a toy to a shirt, or just about anything and they also make a sound (usually when they want something) unique to their breed that some owners call a “Woo Woo”. They drool, slobber quite a lot (especially after drinking), snort, sneeze, grunt, snore and they sometimes have flatulence which can be quite smelly,

They need an owner who has a firm but friendly hand and can put their foot down in regards to what the dog is allowed and not allowed to do; they also need proper socialization and training from a young age. If not they can become sneaky, demanding, boisterous and hard to control.

In a nutshell, the Boxer is for you if you:

• Do not mind excited and rambunctious dog
• Are active and want a dog that can keep up
• Want a family orientated dog that will do anything and go anywhere with you
• Can be firm with the rules and limitations
• Are willing to spend the time training and socializing them
• Don’t mind drool, noises and flatulence
• Have time to give them the exercise they need
• Can give them the attention they need
• Want a good watch/guard dog
• Want a dog that is easy to groom Have a house with a yard

Where do I get my pup from?

Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or a KUSA affiliated breed club.

Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.

Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the

Puppies page.

Which other breeds are most compatible with the Boxer?

Boxers are great with most dogs, they are very playful so it is a good idea to get a dog that is similar in size so they won't get hurt while playing.

A good choice would be a breed with approximately the same energy level and temperament. Naturally another Boxer, for other breeds you can look at Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Greyhounds, Spaniels, Setter and herding dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds also work well.

Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?

Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.

Should I get two pups together?

This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:

• Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
• Will stress without the other dog being around
• Fight with each other
• Be more destructive and boisterous
• Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
• Mature later

Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble - (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.

Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?

To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another.Additionally,as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine packwill assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs andespecially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and maynot be able to be solved.

Do they get on well with other animals?

A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will get along well with other dogs as well as cats. However; animals such as rodents, rabbits, ducks, chickens and other farm birds may be too tempting so it is not recommended they be left alone with them

Are they good with children?

He adores children and is very patient with them and loves to play with them! However because of his boisterous nature he could unintentionally knock-over a small child. For this reason they are not recommended for families with small children and they should never be left unsupervised with young children.

Training requirements and grooming

The Boxer is highly intelligent and eager to learn but can be a bit stubborn and training should start from a young age.

They may not immediately follow every command and in some cases play a mental game with you called, "Who's the Boss?", taking advantage of anyone who gives them even the slightest bit of leeway. But with patience, consistency and a firm hand they can be trained to do almost anything. Positive reinforcement and treats are the best method for training this breed, and harsh tones and discipline should be avoided.

Because they are very boisterous they should be taught not to jump up at people and to walk calmly on lead.

The Boxer's short coat is relatively no-fuss. They are clean dogs who groom themselves, much like cats do. Weekly brushing will keep their year-round shedding under control and occasional wipes with a chamois cloth will keep the coat shiny. Boxers only need to be bathed as needed, which usually means once every three or four months.

As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. You also need to clean their teeth about once a week as well as trim their nail if they don’t wear them down naturally. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Health concerns

Common health issues with the Boxer includes:

Allergies
Bloat
Boxer cardiomyopathy
Sick sinus syndrome
Pododermatitis (especially on the front feet
Canine follicular dysplasia
Brachycephalic syndrome
Ear infections
Epilepsy
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Insulinoma
Pyloric stenosis
Histiocytic colitis
Congenital elbow luxation
Melanoma
Cutaneous histiocytoma
Sensory neuropathy
Entropion or ectropion
Cherry eye
Corneal ulceration
Cryptorchidism
Sarcomas
Subaortic stenosis.

“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice isGenricpetas they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance,please just follow this link”

Life expectancy

A healthy Boxer can live for 11-14 years.

Interesting Facts

• Boxer’s tails were originally docked because it was more effective when used for hunting. These dogs had their tail docked, and their ears cropped so that wild animals could not get a hold of them.
• Boxers are a popular pet in Hollywood. Boxer owners include Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Shirley MacLaine, George Clooney, Jodie Foster, and Justin Timberlake.

Do`s and Don`ts of this breed

Do’s

• Start training and socialization while they are still puppies
• Give them lots of mental and physical exercise
• Give them lots of love and attention
• Include them in family activities
• Get your pup from a reputable and responsible breeder

Don’ts

• Leave them unsupervised with small children
• Leave them to live outside as they are sensitive to very hot and cold temperatures
• Let them run the house, be firm with the rules and limitations

Reference
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/boxer.htm

http://www.allboxerinfo.com/
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Boxer
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/boxer.html