Origin: Germany
Origin of Name: The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser,.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
Ancestor of Boxer, war dog of the Assyrian Empire, 2,500 BC But what we think of as boxers today can be traced back to the late 1800s and early 20th century. The breed is believed to have been bitten by German dog fanatics from the larger, heavier German breed to Buldenbisser ("Bull Bitter").
In medieval times, Bullenbeisser was Germany's chief big game hunter, used to arrest, capture, and capture such formidable opponents as bears, bison, and wild boar on estuarine estates. By the early 1800s, the political situation in the German states was changing. The German nobles were out of favor. Their estates were severed, and the cherished tradition of lavishly appointed boar hunting came to an end. By 1865, the powerful Bullenbeisser was out of a job.
Through a prudent cross for a small, mast-type breed from England, the obsolete big-game hunter gained a new lease on life. By the late 1800s, the modern boxer - a sleeker, more elegant dog - had come into focus. (The English name refers to spares of the Boxer breed, such as an Inamdar, with his front paws when playing or defending himself.)
Over the years, boxers have done many things: athlete, cattle dog, police dog, war dog (in both world wars), watchdog, conservation dog, and guide dog for the blind. The AKC registered its first boxer in 1904, but the American oddity of the breed began in the 1950s, when a Westminster-winning boxer named Bang Away became a national celebrity. Since that time, the Boxers have ruled as one of America's Top 10 most popular breeds.
The boxer's short, shiny coat requires very little grooming. A good over once or twice a week with rubber curry-brushes or hound gloves makes him look his best. The boxer is considered a clean dog, which occasionally needs a bath. His nails should be trimmed at least once a month until worn on a naturally hardened surface, and his teeth should be brushed frequently to prevent tartar buildup - daily if possible.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are important in channeling the energy and abundance of the breed in a positive way. Boxers are highly intelligent, but can get bored with repetition. They go for their own brains and are excellent problem solvers. Not always tolerant of other dogs of the same sex, most boxers of the opposite sex enjoy each other's company. Boxers excel in a wide range of canine sports, including obedience, agility and herring, and they perform brilliantly as service, aid and medical dogs, and in roles such as drug detection and search-and-rescue.
Boxers are very playful, high-energy dogs. They require adequate exercise each day, on a leash or safely in a dense area. The boxer should never be let loose. The breed's heritage as a wild game chaser means they spend a good time jumping and leaping as young dogs, needing constant reminders to teach them to stay "down". Because the boxer is a powerful, active and playful dog, he may not be the best choice for a very ferocious adult, nor for a young child who is overwhelmed by a well-meaning but bouncy puppy.
Boxers should perform well on high-quality dog food, whether it is professionally manufactured or home-prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
The boxer does not have a high tolerance for extreme heat or cold, and should always be kept indoors as a dear member of the family. Responsible breeders screened their stocks for health-related conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, thyroid deficiency, degenerative myelopathy, and some cancers. The breed's national parent club's website, the American Boxer Club, provides in-depth information about the breed's health and care.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: