Boxer

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Size: Large
Other Names: German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

The Boxer is a stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog. The head is the most distinctive feature of the Boxer. Boxers have a square muzzle, an underbite, and very strong jaws. Boxers were originally a docked (tail shorted) and cropped (ears) breed, and this tradition is still maintained in some countries. However, due to pressure from veterinary associations, animal rights groups and the general public, both cropping of the ears and docking of the tail have been prohibited in many countries around the world. There is a line of naturally short-tailed (bobtail) Boxers that was developed in the United Kingdom. Boxers with excessive white markings are conventionally called "white" Boxers. When white markings, called flash, extend onto the neck or face, the dogs that have these markings are known as "flashy".

A short-coated house dog who can live in town if exercised hard; little grooming, a playful indoor manner, and a voice that announces visitors.

The Boxer was bred from the English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser, a dog of Mastiff descent, and is part of the Molosser group. He has a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war.

Height: Male: 22-25 inches; Female: 21-23 inches
Weight: Male: 65-75 pounds; Female: 50-60 pounds
Color: Fawn or brindle, black mask, with or without white markings
Coat: Short, shiny, smooth, close-lying
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Litter size: 6–8 puppies

Temperament

Boxers are a bright, energetic, friendly, and playful breed and tend to be very good with children. As puppies, Boxers demonstrate a fascinating combination of worrisome expressions, energetic curiosity, flexible attention spans and charming characteristics. By nature, the Boxer is not an aggressive or vicious breed, however he does need socialization. The Boxer’s suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength makes him a formidable guard dog. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dogs and puppies, but issues with larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex, may occur. Boxers are generally more comfortable with either human or dog companionship.

Training

Due to the Boxer’s intelligence and working breed characteristics, Boxers respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, such as clicker training, which affords the dog an opportunity to think independently and to problem-solve. Training based on corrections often has limited usefulness.

Care and grooming

Boxers are active dogs, and require adequate exercise to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing or digging. Boxers are an athletic breed, and proper exercise and conditioning is important for their continued health and longevity. Care must be taken not to over-exercise young dogs, as this may damage growing bones; however once mature Boxers can be excellent jogging or running companions. Because of their brachycephalic head, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions.

Shedding

Low to moderate.

Health

Boxers have a higher-than-average rate of cancer and may develop cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. Heart screening and keeping the dog lean are important.

Crosses that include the Boxer

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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