Description: The Boxer is a strong and agile dog, standing 21 to 25 at the withers and weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. The bitches are slightly smaller. Boxers have short hair which lies close to the dog's body. The Boxer has two basic color variations - brindle and fawn. White Boxers occur more rarely and are not accepted some dog organizations. The Boxer's muzzle is truncated and the lower jaw is undershot. The tail of the Boxer is usually docked, although this is no longer allowed in Europe.
History: The Boxer is descended from a now extinct dog called the Bullenbeisser and the English Bulldog. The Boxer came into being in Germany in the 19th century and was used initially in blood sports like bull baiting and dog fighting. As they are sturdy, powerful dogs, Boxers were also used to herd cattle, hunt wild boar, and pull carts. Because they are intelligent, easily trained, and eager to please, Boxers soon found themselves used in circuses and on the stage.
There is some confusion as to how the name of the Boxer came about. While some believe that it comes from the dog's tendency to bat around with its front paws, others think it is just a mistaken translation of various German words. Regardless, the Boxer does seem to use its paws expressively.
Temperament: The Boxer, while an excellent guard dog, is widely known for its extreme good nature. This dog makes a wonderful, loyal companion and is kind and patient with children (a trait of mastiff type dogs in general). This dog is lively and enjoys playing with friends, either human or canine. The Boxer is protective of its family, but will tend to hold an intruder rather than bite. The Boxer also has a reputation for being something of a clown. Boxers love to be close to their humans and suffer if separated from them.
Health Issues: Probably the most common health problems in Boxers are cardiomyopathy (inflammation of the heart muscle) and other heart diseases. Hip dysplasia can also occur. The Boxer's owner should take care to keep the dog quiet for an hour after eating to help prevent bloat. Tumors are fairly common in Boxers, too. As with many short-faced breeds, Boxers may react negatively to certain anaesthetics, especially acepromazine. Be sure that your veterinarian is aware of this if your Boxer need surgery.
Grooming: Because the Boxer is a short-haired dog, the coat presents few grooming problems. As the Boxer sheds moderately year round, a good brushing several times a week will keep the coat in good condition. Regular baths are unnecessary, the coat benefits from its natural oils. Check the dog for ticks and fleas if it has run in brushy areas.
Living Conditions: The Boxer needs to be kept in the house during cold or inclement weather. The animal's short coat offers it little protection from climatic conditions. The Boxer's short muzzle makes it difficult to tolerate extremes of heat or cold. But, even more importantly, the Boxer needs to be close to its human family. The Boxer has strong emotional needs that cannot be met in a kennel.
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