Boxers -- Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right for You

When choosing a dog, it's important to choose the breed that's right for you. In order to do that, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you're thinking about adopting or purchasing before you do so. The Boxer is just one breed among many from which to choose.

History/Background: The Boxer was developed in Germany and was originally an ancestor of 2 German mastiff type dogs - the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer, later crossed with ancestors of the mastiff and bulldog. This breed was initially used for hunting and would hold an animal in its strong jaws until the hunter arrived. It was also used for bull baiting and pulling carts and later became a cattle dog and was used to round up livestock. Because it learned tricks so easily, the Boxer became popular as a circus and theater dog.

Although originating in Germany, Boxer is an English name that suitably describes how the dog uses his front paws to play or fight, much like a human boxer. Early Boxers may have been ferocious but today's breed is very gentle and makes a loving family companion.

This breed of dog came to the US in 1903 and began to gain popularity in the 1940s. Talents include watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search and rescue, competitive obedience, performing tricks and service dog. There are 2 types of Boxers - American and German.

Physical Characteristics: The Boxer's body is compact, muscular and strong. It has a shiny, close-fitting coat and short hair. The different colors include fawn, brindle, white and various shades of red with or without white markings. The tail is usually docked, and the ears are sometimes cropped. The lower jaw extends beyond the upper one, curving upward. The nose is large and black, with open nostrils, and the eyes are dark. A Boxer's height is 21 to 25 inches, and weight is 53 to 70 pounds.

Personality/Temperament: Boxers are highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn and are good for competitive obedience. They are happy, high spirited, curious, energetic, playful and clownish and constantly on the move. They are sensitive, good natured and get along well with children. They are loyal and affectionate and bond very well with their family, and it is a Boxer's nature to protect it's family and home. Because of its courage, it makes a great guard dog and will restrain an intruder in the same way as a bulldog. This breed is extremely athletic, even in old age. Without daily mental and physical exercise, this breed may become high strung or bored, resulting in chewing, digging or barking. The Boxer needs lots of human leadership and requires a dominant owner or may become stubborn, sneaky, demanding, boisterous and hard to control. Training should begin early and be firm and consistent.

Possible Health Conditions: Some of the health conditions that plague this breed of dog include cardiomyopathy and other heart problems, sub-aortic stenosis and hypothyroidism. This breed can be prone to skin allergies and sometimes prone to epilepsy and hip dysplasia. From age 8 on, a Boxer is more likely than other breeds to develop tumors. There is also a tendency for allergies. Boxers may drool and snore and may have excessive flatulence. White Boxers are prone to deafness. The life expectancy for this breed is about 11 to 14 years.

Exercise/Grooming: Boxers need daily work or exercise as well as a long brisk daily walk. They enjoy fetching a ball or other sessions of play. Grooming is fairly simple and includes brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathing only when necessary. Boxers are very clean and will groom themselves much like cats. They are average shedders.

Living Conditions: This breed of dog does okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised and is fairly active indoors. They do best with at least an average-sized yard. They can chill easily in the winter and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.

Summary: The Boxer is pretty easy to care for, is highly intelligent, playful and protective and makes a good family companion but is strong, needs regular exercise and requires a dominant owner so as not to develop behavioral problems. If you are looking for these characteristics and traits in a dog and are able to fulfill its needs, then perhaps a Boxer is the right breed for you.