A muscular dog with a distinctive profile, the Boxer hails back to 19th century Germany. The progenitors of the breed are were the English Bulldog and the Bullenbeisser, a fierce, boar hunting dog that is now extinct. The first Boxers arrived in the US round about the beginning of the 20th century. The breed was not initially a big hit. It remained quite obscure until after WWII. Today, Boxers are one of most popular breeds, according to AKC statistics.
The initial impression of the Boxer is one of power. These powerfully-built dogs have a droopy facial expression with an undershot jaw, giving them a fearsome appearance. They are short haired and usually fawn and white in color, although Brindle is also quite common.
The Boxer averages about seventy pounds in weight, and stands up to twenty-five inches at the shoulder. They have muscular chests and a squarish jaw that is immensely powerful.In countries where the practice is still allowed, the dogs may have their tails docked and their ears cropped, although this practice is generally in decline.
But the Boxer’s looks are somewhat deceiving. In general, they are sweet-tempered, amiable and very playful. They are protective dogs and have a special affinity with children. Their charity though, does not extend to anyone who tries to harm those close to them. They are courageous dogs, and make excellent guardians.
Boxers are intelligent dogs, but not the easiest to train as they can be quite headstrong. They do not respond to harsh treatment, but are eager to please their owners, so if you want to train this breed then positive reinforcement training is the only way to go.
Unfortunately, this breed is prone to a number of inherited diseases, that can include, skin tumors, heart murmurs, digestive problems, hypothyroidism, progressive axonopathy, hip dysplasia and cornea ulcers. The Boxer lives 10 to 12 years on average.
Grooming a Boxer is an easy task. All it takes is a good brush down, once or twice per week to keep the coat in peak condition.
Other regular grooming tasks include brushing the teeth and clipping the nails. The later can be tricky, and is something many dog owners are a bit squeamish about. If this describes you, you can always ask your vet, or a dog groomer to do it for you.
Boxers have a lot of energy and need lots of exercise, so you need to be prepared for long daily walks. They are also very playful and will enjoy games like tug-a-war and tag.
These loyal, affectionate, energetic and protective dogs are excellent family pets, and it is no surprise that they are one of the most popular dog breeds, world-wide.
Good names for a Boxer can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online puppy names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of female dog names to pick from.
