Boxer (dog)

The **Boxer** is a breed of dog. Boxers were originally bred for fighting, but today they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are so popular that over-breeding is a concern.

The average lifespan of a healthy Boxer is 9–11 years.

## History

The Boxer was originally bred in Germany for bull-baiting and dog fighting. After these were outlawed, Boxers became hunting dogs, farm dogs, and family pets.

The Boxer breed was created by breeding the brabanter and Bullenbeiser (two existing dog breeds). Boxers were originally bred to fight and were later used as military sentry or police dogs. Today, though, many decades of breeding have produced a Boxer that is too gentle for this type of activity.

## Characteristics

Boxers can range from medium size (weighing around 65 pounds) to medium large (around 75 pounds). On average, male boxers are 22-25 inches tall at the withers (tops of the shoulders); females are 21-24 inches at the withers.

Boxers' coats can be various colors, like fawn, brindle, fawn-brindle mix, white, white-fawn mix, and brindle-white mix.

Boxers are good guard dogs. They are strong and like to run in open spaces.

### Relationships with people

Boxers are loyal dogs, and unlike certain breeds, they are not "one-person" dogs. They can become loyal to a person, family, group of persons, and family friends. They are well-suited to be with children and elderly persons, though they can knock people down while playing.

These dogs may be feared because their stance can look intimidating. However, they make friends by nature and are curious dogs who love to explore. They rarely bark without a reason.

Boxers are easily trained and want to please. While not aggressive, they will show some protective behaviors over their owners and families, especially children. Boxers do well with other dogs and pets like cats, if the owner has gotten the animals used to each other and socialized them together.

### Energy & play

Boxers have a high energy level and require lots of exercise. They love to play and have fun. Owners note that they act "puppy-like" their entire lifetime. Their temperament is jovial.  Mean Boxers are rare.

Boxers love to chase, run, play tag and get any form of attention whenever possible. Boxers are easy to train to do tricks, especially for rewards including attention, love and recognition. They are clever dogs with a good memory. They love to ride in vehicles and are good "road trip" dogs.

### Training

These dogs can have some neurotic behaviors and can become anxious if left alone. If they are left alone, "crate-training" is important. Dogs who are crate-trained do not mind the practice and often feel secure in a den-like setting. But being in an open house may make the dog agoraphobic, causing them to destroy things.

Because Boxers are very bright dogs, they may challenge an owner mentally by being defiant or by being openly obstinate. This type of behavior requires training and patience.

Sometimes people get a Boxer, then give it up to a rescue or pound because they are not ready or willing to devote the time that Boxers require for training and attention. A Boxer will not be ignored and will go to great lengths to draw attention to itself, good or even bad. Jumping on people is a common complaint, so positive reinforcement training is a must. They are affable, lovable, clown-like, yet dedicated dogs who adore their owner(s).

## Health and care

Before buying a Boxer, experts say, it is crucial to make sure a breeder is responsible (and is not an abusive "puppy mill"). 'Puppy mill' dogs may have hidden medical problems.

### Cropping

Boxers have naturally floppy ears. It is common for owners to have their Boxers' ears "cropped" (cut, bandaged, and splinted to produce points). However, many veterinarians now refuse to crop Boxers' ears. Many owners prefer the ears' original look and/or want to avoid painful and possibly cruel cosmetic surgery.

Most Boxers have their tail cropped at birth.

White Boxers, which were drowned at birth for much of the breed's span, are now sold or allowed to be distributed as pets. However, most are neutered or spayed to prevent breeding.

### Common medical problems

Medical issues common to Boxers include inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia, certain forms of heart defects, and certain forms of cancer.

Like all dogs, they should get all necessary and regular vaccinations, have regular veterinarian checkups and teeth cleanings, along with a good diet and plenty of exercise.