A member of the working group with a short, sleek coat and an athletic, nimble physique, the boxer may be anywhere from medium-sized to enormous in size. Boxers are high-spirited and devoted pets with friendly, outgoing personalities. They have a natural urge to guard their family and, when socialized as puppies, usually get along well with kids.
Characteristics of the Boxer
Boxers’ personalities tend to be outgoing and energetic. They are quite sociable and loving. This dog’s sociable nature makes him an easy pet to teach.
History of the Boxer
It is possible to trace the boxer’s family tree back thousands of years. But it was in Germany at the tail end of the nineteenth century that the foundations of the breed were laid. Dogs of the mastiff type were reduced in size through selective breeding, and one such breed, the Bullenbeisser, was originally developed for hunting huge animals. Because boxers are closely linked to practically all bulldog-type breeds, bulldogs also had a part in the development of this breed’s genetic composition.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the smaller, slimmer boxer swept over Europe and eventually the United States. Unfortunately, they participated in barbaric activities like dog fighting and blood sports. The trustworthy canines also served in other capacities, including on farms, as security dogs, as support animals, and in the police and armed forces. Boxers were among the earliest canine breeds used as police dogs in Germany.
Boxers have been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States since they were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
Acupuncture for Boxers
The boxer is an athletic breed that requires a lot of playing and exercise. Likewise, the breed requires rigorous training to channel its boundless energy in constructive ways. Thankfully, the boxer requires little in the way of regular care.
Exercise
Because of their high levels of restless energy, boxers need frequent and lengthy training sessions. At minimum twice everyday, you should walk your boxer for 30 minutes. Exercising and playing active games with the dog, such as jogging, hiking, and fetch, can assist to maintain physical fitness and mental acuity. Being people-oriented canines, boxers would rather be performing an activity with you than playing alone in the yard.
Keep in mind that boxers have a low tolerance for extreme temperatures. They are not well protected from the cold because of their short coat. And boxers, with their short noses, can’t pant effectively to cool themselves in the ring. Boxers should mainly train inside during very hot or cold conditions. If you must go for a stroll when temperatures are high, schedule it for the early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t as intense.
Grooming Is Easy Because of their Short Coats Boxers have very few hairs to maintain. Use a curry brush once a week to remove dead hair and dirt from their coat. In the spring and autumn, when the weather is changing, you may expect higher shedding, so you’ll need to brush more often to keep up with the extra hair.
It also requires bathing less often than other coats—once every few months, on average. But many boxers are droolers, so you may need to wipe their fur around the mouth with a moist towel.
Depending on the dog’s natural nail wear rate, monthly nail trims may be required. Also, daily tooth brushing is also recommended.
Training
Without the right kind of training and socialization, boxers may become too energetic and disruptive. That’s just how their vivacious personalities are. Historically, boxers have been used for hunting by jumping on their prey, thus it is important that they be trained consistently from a young age to avoid jumping on humans.
Ideally, a boxer puppy should begin attending puppy training classes as soon as it reaches the minimum age required. There, it may learn the fundamentals of obedience training and how to behave appropriately among other dogs and humans. Keep your boxer socialized by introducing it to new people and places, and have everyone it meets praise it for excellent behavior. You may assist your dog learn obedience and enhance your relationship with it by enrolling it in dog sports, service dog courses, or similar activities.
Common Health Problems
In addition to their intolerance to extreme temperatures, boxers also are prone to some common health conditions1. They include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart conditions
- Thyroid problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Cancer
The Importance of a Healthy Diet and Proper Nutrition
Provide fresh water at all times and stick to dog food that has a balanced diet. The amount and kind of food your pet needs may vary with age, activity level, and other variables, so it’s important to follow your vet’s advice. Make sure to keep an eye on your boxer’s weight on a regular basis to avoid health problems caused by obesity.
In addition, boxers are susceptible to bloat, which may cause the stomach to twist dangerously on itself, much like other deep-chested dogs. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals while standing at a raised bowl may help reduce gas.
Finding a Good Home for Your Boxer: Where to Adopt or Purchase One
To adopt a boxer in need of a home, you should look into local animal shelters and breed rescue organizations. Obtaining a boxer is not too difficult due to the breed’s widespread popularity. Depending on the breeder’s reputation, the price of a puppy may range from $1,000 to $2,000, however this might be much more or lower depending on the dog’s pedigree.