Surely, you will be curious about the name Boxer Dog that DailyPets.net is about to introduce to you in this article, right?
Origin and History of the Boxer Dog Breed
The Boxer dog is a breed of protection, combat, and working dogs that originated in Germany in the 19th century. Nowadays, it is recognized that the starting point of this breed can be traced back to the Bullenbeisser breed (German Bulldog), which is now extinct.
Initially, the Bullenbeisser breed was primarily used for hunting, where their task was to catch the prey and hold it until the hunter arrived. Over time, hunting practices diminished, and they began to be bred for smaller size. One of the breeding outcomes, the Brabanter Bullenbeiszer from Brabant, Belgium, was crossed with the English Bulldog to create the Boxer dogs we know today.
Boxer Dog.
Before 1894, although the Boxer breed was known, the breeding was somewhat chaotic. It wasn’t until three Germans named Friedrich Robert, Elard König, and R. Höpner decided to establish the Boxer Dog Club and standardize breeding. Even today, the standards set by the club in 1904 continue to be applied to the Boxer breed.
Why is it called the Boxer dog?
Despite numerous stories and theories to explain why they’re called Boxers, the prevailing explanation is based on their physical characteristics and behavior.
Observing that the front legs of this breed are white from the paws up to the ankles and that they often play and express emotions using their front paws, people have likened them to boxers. This resemblance to a boxer’s stance and movements led to the name “Boxer” being chosen, even though their origin is in Germany.
Physical Characteristics of the Boxer Dog
As a breed born for work and combat, agility and compactness are essential traits. A male Boxer typically weighs between 27 and 32 kg, while a female weighs between 24 and 29 kg. They stand at a height of 56 to 63 cm for males and 53 to 61 cm for females. Moreover, a purebred Boxer must meet specific criteria:
The length from the nose tip to the eye socket should be one-third of the length from the nose tip to the back of the head. Their lower jaw typically protrudes and curves upwards, similar to a person clenching their jaw.
Furthermore, the wrinkles on their face are usually confined to the area around the mouth. Wrinkles on the forehead appear only when their ears are erect.
Their ears are usually cropped and stand upright to match the appearance of a fighter. Uncropped ears are relatively long, reaching close to the cheeks.
In general, Boxers have a relatively square, robust body with a broad chest that tapers towards the rear. The front legs are straight, while the hind legs are slightly angled.
The white markings on the four legs contribute to their boxer-like appearance, resembling a boxer wearing white gloves and delivering punches. This is why they’re called “Boxer” dogs.
Historically, Boxers had long tails like many other breeds. However, tail docking became common due to their roles in hunting and combat. Consequently, Boxers typically have short tails.
Boxers possess a short, smooth coat that hugs their bodies. The recognized colors for this breed are brindle and fawn, both of which have a white stripe running from the neck or face, resembling a dog wearing a vest.
Additionally, there are all-white Boxers, where their entire coat is white. However, due to health concerns associated with this coloration, it is not recognized as an official color for the breed.
Personality Traits of the Boxer Dog
Despite being a fighting and hunting breed, the Boxer dogs have incredibly gentle, lovable, and loyal personalities. However, this applies mainly to their owners or individuals they consider family.
Boxer dogs are extremely vigilant and not friendly towards strangers or other animals. They might growl and exhibit cautious behavior, displaying their instinct to protect their territory more intensely than most other dogs. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t take them to parks or for walks in public places. Their aggression usually surfaces in response to perceived threats.
Another notable personality trait of the Boxer dog is their high energy and liveliness. They are always brimming with energy that needs to be released daily. You must take them out to play and run regularly to ensure your home remains intact.
Because of their excellent courage, Boxers are commonly used in the military and police forces. They excel in search and rescue operations and perform exceptionally well in protection tasks.
How to care for a Boxer Dog
Maintaining a balanced, healthy, and robust physique is crucial as a working and guard dog breed. If you’ve decided to have a Boxer dog, investing extra money in energy-rich foods like beef, pork, or packaged foods is recommended.
Minimize starch intake to prevent weight gain. Increase the proportion of meat in their diet and establish a daily exercise routine. With these measures, you can raise a Boxer dog that embodies the true spirit of a fighter.
Regarding bathing and grooming, you need not worry too much. Their short coat means you won’t face excessive shedding like with long-haired breeds. However, Boxers aren’t particularly well-suited for extreme hot or cold weather. Consider getting some jackets in winter; in summer, keep them indoors more and take them out during cooler times.
Remember that Boxers drool quite a bit due to their distinct muzzle structure. Therefore, be prepared to wipe drool off your floors regularly.
Allocate 30 minutes to 1 hour each day for exercising them. Also, establish rules and start training them from a young age. This way, you can ensure your Boxer dog is well-behaved and under control.
Common diseases of Boxer dogs
Boxers are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic disorder that gradually weakens their eyesight, eventually leading to impaired vision or blindness. Statistics show that up to 70% of Boxer dogs are affected by this disease. Therefore, it’s important to maintain regular eye hygiene (preferably daily) by gently wiping around their eye area with a damp cloth.
Due to their relatively small nose, Boxers often face difficulties in breathing and may encounter respiratory issues. This can lead them to breathe through their mouths more frequently, which contributes to drooling and snoring during sleep.
The Boxer’s body is susceptible to the development of tumors, particularly brain tumors and those related to lymphoma. If your “fighter” has white patches covering over 1/3 of its body or light-colored fur, applying sunscreen to its ears, nose, and white patches can help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer risk.
Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is one of the most common congenital heart defects in Boxers. If not regularly monitored and treated promptly, this condition can lead to fainting or sudden death. Since it can be challenging to detect, especially in Boxer mixes of unclear lineage, purchasing a Boxer from reputable sources is important to ensure their health.
As with any breed, routine veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to the well-being and longevity of Boxer dogs. If you’re considering getting a Boxer, research and find a responsible breeder who prioritizes their puppies’ health and genetic well-being.
Boxer dog price
The price of a Boxer dog can vary widely depending on various factors such as the dog’s lineage, pedigree, location, breeder reputation, and whether the dog is intended for pet, show, or breeding purposes. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $2,500 or even more for a Boxer puppy from a reputable breeder.
When buying a Boxer dog, you need to choose a reputable source to purchase from, such as trustworthy breeders or rescue organizations. Avoid buying dogs from pet stores or unclear origins.
You should also request to see records of the dog’s health and the health of its parents. Make sure the dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and has had recent medical check-ups.
Ideally, before making a purchase, you should have the Boxer dog undergo a health examination by a veterinarian. This helps detect any health issues and ensures you receive a healthy dog.
