Who Should Own A Boxer?

The distinctive features of the boxer – its chiseled head, square nose and distinct under bite – give it the look of a highly trained athlete. Boxers have put that athleticism to use as police dogs, therapy dogs and service dogs for the blind, but it also gives the breed a confidence that, along with its solitary nature and suspicion of strangers, makes the boxer a wonderful guard dog. Energetic and strong, the boxer is patient with children and protective of his family, is well suited for active people who can provide him with the exercise he needs to stay strong.

Boxer History and Origination

Descended from the larger mastiff, the boxer was originally developed in Germany, and although his large size and strong stature make him seem somewhat imposing, his clowning expressions and playful nature belie that belief.

Boxer Training Advice

Also, boxers require regular exercise to prevent boredom, which can lead to unwanted activities like chewing or digging. The breed is funny and playful, but can tend to be a bit too boisterous at times, and needs proper training so your boxer does not assume pack leader status, which will lead to stubbornness and an inability to control your dog as it grows into an adult. Boxers are generally patient and gentle with smaller dogs and puppies, and are not considered violent or aggressive, but dogs of the same size or of the same sex could present problems. The boxer is intelligent and cheerful, and easily trained using positive reinforcement techniques and treats training.

Possible Health Problems

But be careful not to over-feed him. An overweight boxer is more prone to hip dysplasia,

Other health problems for boxers include cancer, which is by far the biggest health problem for the breed, resulting in the deaths of almost a third of them. Too, a boxer with white markings is susceptible to deafness, and allergies are also a common problem for the breed. Keep in mind that care should be taken when your boxer is a puppy so that he is not allowed to run too much, as his hip and leg bones are slow to develop and can be injured with too much exercise. Boxers do not do well in either extreme heat or cold, and because of the shape of their noses, they often snore, a sound that loving owners will likely find charming.

How do they look?

Boxers can range in size from 50 to 70 pounds, and have a life span of 11 to 14 years.

Their coat is either fawn or brindled, with white markings.

Notable boxers:

Joel and Benji Madden of the band Good Charlotte have a boxer, Cashdog, and Rocky, who appeared in an episode of “The King of Queens,” was also a boxer. Too, a boxer, Presley, took home the top prize($250 000) in the reality show “World’s Greatest Dog.” Actress Shirley McClaine named her boxer Caesar, while Jodie Foster played mom to boxer Lucy.

Fast facts:

• Boxers are affectionate within their families and love to be around children.
• By nature, boxers are distrustful and suspicious around strangers, making them great guard dogs.
• The boxer’s name is believed to be derived from the breed’s ability to stand on its hind legs and use its front paws to “box” with its playmates or opponents.
• In 2008, boxers took their place as the sixth most popular dog breed in the United States, moving up from the seventh place position they had held for the previous five years.

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