Boxer Dog Breed: Characteristics and Temperament

Boxer Dog Breed is one of the most famous breeds not only because of its size or character but also because it is a very affectionate, friendly, and fun dog.

That’s why everyone loves him as part of the family! They are highly intelligent, loyal, faithful, and guardians of their families.

They love to play with children, which is why many describe him as a puppy, regardless of age. It is a breed of German origin that was used for work and business in its early days. But also to fight with bulls. It was first made known in 1850.

These puppies usually have high energy, which they use in games. They are also brilliant, which is why they must constantly be active. They are very attached to their family, which is why they protect them whenever necessary, with great loyalty.

They usually live very well with the other animals that live in the house, but they must be raised considering the environment in which they will develop.

However, they tend to instinctively attack other dogs and cats if left on their own unsupervised.

In this sense, it is recommended that adopters observe and watch them at all times, or they are preferably always alone without other dogs or pets.

Therefore, if you adopt a boxer, it is best to adopt only one dog.
They are not animals that bark often, so if it happens repeatedly, they must have a good reason for trying to communicate.

In general, they use growling in their language, although this does not necessarily imply anything negative, as their mode of communication is broad.

Boxer Dog Breed Behavior

The initial goal of developing and breeding this breed was to make them into fighting dogs.

However, he turned out to be a fairly calm and friendly breed with a balanced demeanor, which sets him apart from all other breeds.
Very often, a dog is employed in service work, such as, for example, as a firefighter, to help search and rescue disaster victims.

They are responsible for guiding us to find the missing.

He is pretty loyal and harmless to people. That is, they are incapable of harming or hurting. Although it is essential to mention that they are a slightly territorial breed, it is recommended to remain vigilant when you have strangers around you to avoid feeling uncomfortable or senselessly threatened.

This characteristic makes it a boxer dog breed

  • Playful, it is a perfect dog for families with children, as they have enough patience to live with them.
  • Moreover, they like your company, and that’s why they always seek your attention.
  • Although they are affectionate and love to play, they can sometimes be a bit surly in their treatment, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing it with bad intentions or looking to attack.
  • This is due to his enthusiasm when sharing with the family.
  • That’s why you have to train him so that he learns to know his strength and to control it.
  • His character is very jovial and sociable, but the adopter must teach him to channel it so that he does not overdo it.

Being such an intelligent dog, he will soon understand the extent of his strength and know how to handle it carefully when he meets his family. Thanks to this same intelligence, he will be able to follow orders easily, allowing him to bond with his family in an intimate and very functional way.

Physical Characteristics Of The Boxer Dog Breed

Fur

  • This type of dog is ideal for people with allergies because their coats are short, so they don’t shed frequently.
  • It is very soft to the touch and pleasant.
  • Its color varies from specimen to specimen, manifesting in shades of tan, black, and some cases, even brindle.
  • Specimens with white spots all over the body and black spots around the muzzle have been shown.
  • Cases are rare, but there are also albino dogs, although these specimens do not fall under the FCI breed standards, as they are specific and rare cases.

Physical

  • They are medium-sized dogs, but depending on the country they are in, their height and weight can vary.
  • Head heavy and robust.
  • Little black nose. It is folded, which is a typical feature of boxer shorts.
  • Muscular neck and powerful jaw.
  • Strong, straight legs.
  • is brachiocephalic
  • Concise and shiny hair.
  • The color of its coat is generally fawn. It is also common for them to have a black mask on their muzzle.
  • Her lips are thick, the lower one falling gently.
  • Wide chest.
  • As for the legs, they are wide and with strong fingers

Note 

Size: Males measure between 58 and 63 cm.
As for the females, they are a little smaller.
Its weight is around 30 kilos in males and 25 kilos in females. Both are sturdy and large.

General Tips For Caring For A Boxer Dog Breed

Boxers are energetic dogs requiring daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love to play, run, and explore, so taking them for daily walks, runs, or playtime in the park is essential. They have an energy level of 0.8, meaning they need a lot of physical activity to keep them stimulated.

Having a robust build, you must undergo daily exercises to maintain your health. In addition to playing demanding games. It is not recommended for people who live in small apartments, as it requires large spaces.

A dog behaves much better in warm and tropical temperatures, so the cold is not favorable to it. Being a short-haired dog, it is easy to care for as it does not require large amounts of shampoo or time care.

Although he is a very affectionate and friendly dog, do not mistake pampering him too much and neglecting his education. It is essential to educate it in obedience, as well as the way of socializing, to avoid involuntary accidents in front of children and other people. This education will facilitate its control, both by the dog and the adopter.

Boxer Dog Breed Health Issues

These dogs are prone to heart problems. And one of the most common conditions that afflict them is dilated cardiomyopathy.

They also usually affect skin tumors, among others that we will mention below:

Diet: Normally, the boxer consumes large amounts of food, so it is essential to maintain strict diet monitoring to avoid overweight obesity and all related problems.
Respiratory problems: They are brachycephalic dogs, so they usually have respiratory problems, for example, heatstroke.
Behavior: Being so emotionally attached to loved ones and family, they find it very difficult to be left alone for too long, leading to behavioral issues that break things you have around them. They do this to drain the anxiety generated by loneliness.
Genetics: Some specimens may suffer from hip dysplasia epileptic seizures due to their genetic propensity. Therefore, the possible appearance of this pathology must be monitored. The tendency could be known in advance if there is a family history of the specimen at the time of its adoption.

The breed is also prone to developing cancer and gastric torsion, the latter of which is preventable by paying particular attention to the food provided.

They, therefore, require a balanced and quality diet and respect strict meal times.

Boxer Curiosities

Boxer Dog Breed

Interesting Facts

Did you know the Boxer had a magazine exclusively dedicated to this breed? Yes, in Germany, the magazine “Der Boxer Blaster” was launched in 1904, a big hit with lovers and admirers of these dogs.

Escaped by Nature

  • Dogs of this breed do not like to be alone.
  • So, if the adopter has to leave him home while he goes to work for several hours, you must ensure he has no way of escaping.
  • You must have a high fence that they can’t climb easily or that you have something nearby to help them get over it.
  • This breed is very athletic, and if it feels alone, it will not hesitate to try to go out in search of companionship.

They are descended from Dogs that Hunt Bears

  • The Boxer was developed in Germany, and among its ancestors is the German bear-hunting dog Bullenbeisser.
  • Boars and deer also.
  • Despite this addiction, the Boxer is an entirely domestic dog.
  • Moreover, its aggressive traces were lost with each generation.

Name

  • The breed’s origin is unclear, but it is assumed that its name is due to its resemblance when fighting.
  • It mimics how a human boxer preferentially uses their front legs as if they were the athlete’s fists.
  • However, this speculation is invalidated by the fact that it seems unlikely that a strongly nationalistic country would place a name derived from a foreign language, especially when dealing with a rival country like England.
  • Also, another possibility of the origin of the name is that it derives from the name Boxl.

They have a legend linked to their flat muzzle

  • Legend states that God created dogs but thought a breed with specific characteristics was needed.
  • As he molded the clay for his creation, he thought he needed a dog with power, speed, courage, and great nobility.
  • It was, therefore, at this time that the Boxer was created.
  • However, the earth softened, and God pushed her away, but the Boxer had already heard everything, he felt better than the others, and his behavior became haughty.
  • So, faced with this attitude, the other races expressed their annoyance and let the Boxer know it with many insults.
  • At this moment, the clay boxer, still soft, faces the others, but, hitting them, his muzzle flattens.
  • But God, instead of fixing him, left him there with the intention that he learn the lesson.

For Therapies

  • Even though some people think it can be dangerous, this dog has been used many times as a therapy animal so that people can better cope with specific situations.
  • Her loving and empathetic spirit is an excellent company for people with depression and other disorders.
  • They like to be with humans and not with other dogs:
  • It is a breed with great sensitivity to people’s emotions, which is why a solid and close bond is created between them and their adopters.
  • Therefore, they prefer to be by their side and not be with other dogs playing or just hanging out, but they will always stay by their human side.
  • This is especially if your adopter is sad or depressed.

Brief Conclusion

Once you have decided to have a Boxer dog as a companion, you must take the time to study, analyze and compare the different professional breeders and the methods they use for their breeding.

This is to have the best guarantee that you will have a partner who will enjoy excellent health and come from a high line of purity.

In addition, this professional breeder will be trained and have all the essential information necessary to start living with the animal, in addition to all the details of the animal’s origin story and family, which will be very useful in case of the health complications mentioned above.

In the same way, it will make it possible to program lifestyles that help prevent them or treat them correctly.

Adopting goes beyond having a new life partner, but a dog is a big responsibility that must be faced with love, and affection so that the dog can have a happy life by his side as he deserves.

FAQ

What is the origin of the Boxer breed?

Boxers were originally bred in Germany during the 19th century as hunting and guard dogs. They were also used in dog fighting, which is now illegal and highly discouraged.

How big do Boxers get?

Boxers are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing 50-80 pounds and standing between 21-25 inches tall at the shoulder.

Are Boxers good with children?

Yes, Boxers are generally very good with children. They are loyal and protective, making them great family pets. However, as with any dog, it’s important to supervise interactions between children and dogs to prevent accidents.

Do Boxers require a lot of exercise?

Yes, Boxers are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They benefit from daily walks, playtime, and training sessions.

Are Boxers easy to train?

Boxers are intelligent dogs eager to please their owners, making them fairly easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn sometimes, so patience and consistency are important when training a Boxer.

Do Boxers have any health issues?

Like all breeds, Boxers can be prone to certain health issues. Some common issues include hip dysplasia, heart problems, and certain types of cancer. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help keep Boxers healthy.

What is the typical lifespan of a Boxer?

Boxers typically live between 10-12 years, although some can live longer with proper care.

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