About The Boxer 

The Boxer is well known since the earliest days for their wonderful temperament and character. The Boxer is characterized by its pronounced affection and loyalty to his master and household, his alertness and fearless courage as a defender and protector. The Boxer is an equally fine companion for both children and adults, delighting the children with endless hours of amusing fellowship and games, and the adults with steadfast, loyal companionship.  The Boxers fine qualities make him a wonderful household pet, despite his size. As a rule, the Boxer is basically a quiet dog, as they are more inclined to be silent guards.    

Origin

 The Boxers historical background began in feudal Germany, where he was a working dog developed from several other breeds, including the Bulldog and the Great Dane. There, a small, courageous hunting dog with a mastiff-type head and undershot bite was used to secure a tenacious hold on bull, boar, or bear and other wild game pending on the hunters arrival. He became a utility dog for peasants and shop owners. In the 1880s, descendants of this type of dog were bred to taller, more elegant English import, and the era of the modern Boxer had begun. Imported to America after the First World War, his popularity really began in the late 1930s. His appeal in the show ring led to four “Best in Show” awards at prestigious Westminster Kennel Club between 1947 and 1970. 

Physical Appearance

 The ideal Boxer is a medium-sized dog;  adult males height ranges from 22 ˝  -25 inches and females range in height from 21-23 ˝ inches.  Adult males may reach 75-80 pounds, females usually weigh 10-15 pounds less. There is no giant or miniature varieties. The Boxer is a square built dog of good substance (sturdy and balanced musculature) with short back, strong limbs, and a tight-fitting coat. There is two equally acceptable and attractive colors, fawn and brindle. Fawn shades vary from light tan to mahogany. The brindle ranges from sparse, but clearly defined , black stripes on a fawn background, to such a heavy concentration of black striping that the essential fawn background color barely, although clearly, shows through ( which may create the appearance of  “reverse brindling”). White markings should be of such distribution as to enhance the dog’s appearance, but may not exceed 1/3 of the entire coat. On the face, white may replace part of the otherwise essential black mask, and may extend in an upward path between the eyes. It is not uncommon to have a totally white Boxer born in a litter. An all-white coat, or a predominantly white background (know as a “check”) may occur.  

Breed Characteristics: “Beauty and Brains”

 The Boxer is officially classified in the Working Group, in which he excels. Boxers have been used in the lines of military and police work, as well as a “seeing eye” dog, and a therapy dog for the sick or elderly. The Boxer is a hearing guard dog, very intelligent and alert to protect his family but tolerant of any stranger once he knows there is no danger. He is a happy, highly-spirited dog who delights in children and is eager to play long after he has left puppyhood  behind. The mood-mirror character combined with the wrinkling of the forehead, along with charming and friendly nature have endured him to generations of Boxer lovers. By nature, as are most dogs, the Boxer is meticulous about his cleanliness, another of many traits which make him a most desirable family member.

 Care of Your Boxer

 Confinement

 The Boxer requires relative little care, but ownership of any dog entails definite responsibilities. For the sake of your dogs safety and well being, don’t allow him to wonder on the property of others. Keep him confined at all times to your yard or indoors where he won’t be a nuisance. Exercise within a fenced yard area or a brisk walk on a leash should be adequate. Consider what dangers lie ahead for an unleashed dog that has total freedom of the great outdoors, particularly when he is unsupervised by his master. There are automobiles, poisons, stray animals, dognappers and sadistic people. In short, there are all sorts of nasty things waiting to hurt him. It also prevents a potentially unpleasant encounter with a neighbor’s dog or an overly affectionate greeting that may frighten the small child who may not have had the chance to experience how instinctively tolerant the Boxer really is. The safest way is always the best way. 

Crating

 A crate is an invaluable asset to your puppy’s training and well-being. It is not a cruel means of confinement. A crate is a safe haven for the puppy when you are not home to supervise him. Being a puppy rarely soils in his sleeping quarters, a crate has been proven to aid in housetraining. If you allow your puppy to get acquainted with its crate by cleverly propping the door open, you will find that the puppy will probably enter the crate voluntarily when he wants to rest or retreat. As with any dog bed, place the crate away from drafts in a dry, warm spot. The Boxer is sensitive to high or low temperature extremes.  

Grooming

The Boxer requires very little maintenance, and the owner can easily do it. Nails must be trimmed regularly unless naturally worn down on a hard surface. An occasional currycombing and/or bath should be suffice, as the Boxer has a natural tendency to keep himself clean. Teeth should be cleaned regularly and checked for tarter. You can learn to do this yourself, or use the services of your veterinarian.

 Obedience Training

 Basic training can begin as soon as the Boxer puppy comes into the home. Being gentle but firm, begin with normal commands of “No” and “Off” for jumping up. Physically  show the pup what is meant rather than repeating the command. Give lots of praise when he gets it right. Serious obedience training should wait until the Boxer is about 6 months old.  The same spirit and intelligence that makes him quick to learn also gives him a mind of his own, so his training should be purposeful  and consistent. There again, patience is a must, lots of praise and play should always follow the training sessions.