Boxer
Meet the breed who's got it all: dashing looks, eyes brimming with intelligence, willing to work hard while staying a goofball at the same time. Word is of the Boxer, a medium-sized breed of the Working Group (AKC, KC), that has been capturing peoples' hearts for quite some time now.
With their powerful trot and gleaming short coat, Boxers are a sight to behold and the same goes for their energy levels. Lots of daily exercise – physical as well as mental – is needed to channel that energy into more constructive endeavours than wreaking havoc on your furniture and flowerbeds.
The Boxer is a great family dog, elated to be surrounded by its beloved people and never running out of patience for children – probably because they are kindred spirits. Boxers take their time to mature into adulthood and stay in the puppy phase for about three years.
This loyal, goofy, drooling and happy-go-lucky breed will thrive with fair amounts of consistent training and exercise, and a place alongside the humans it adores so much. However, the Boxer can be suspicious of strangers and become a fierce guardian.
Boxer characteristics
history
The Boxer breed is native to late 19th century Germany, descending from strongly built dogs that performed as hunting aids on the European continent throughout the Middle Ages. Known as the Bullenbeisser – which translates to 'bull biter' – these dogs were bred with little attention to a uniform appearance. What mattered was their ability to hunt large game, like wild boars. The Bullenbeisser's broad jaw ensured a powerful grip on the prey, while its short muzzle allowed the dog to breathe without having to let go.
Breed facts
FCI: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs - Group 2
AKC/KC: Working Group
Protection sport, Obedience, Agility
Boxers also show great talent as assistance and therapy dogs.
Germany
medium
short
health
Boxers are not made for extremes: their short coats do not provide sufficient insulation against cold temperatures, while their short muzzles make it hard for them to cool down when it is hot. Due to their deep-set chests, Boxers should not eat right before or after exercise to reduce the risk of gastric torsion.
The breed is prone to heart conditions, such as Aortic Stenosis and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Boxers are also known to be affected by cancers and can develop mast cell tumours, lymphoma as well as brain tumours, so regular check-ups with the vet can help to detect them early onwards. Boxers may also suffer from Degenerative Myelopathy, as well as Hip and Elbow Dysplasia.
