Origin
The Boxer was created in Germany in the nineteenth century. His Ancestors were two mastiffs, the Bullenbeisser and the Barenbeisser. They were then crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The first Boxers were used as fighting dogs, for the bullfight, as sled dogs, and as shepherd dogs, to round up the animals and watch preys. They were later popular dogs in circuses and theaters. The main line of Boxers began in 1904. Breeders have raised two kinds of Boxers, the German Boxer and the American Boxer. German Boxers have bigger heads and are largely more muscular than American Boxers. The name “Boxer” comes from the propensity of the dog to remain on his hind legs and to “box” with his front paws. The name could also come from the very first specimens of the breed (Lechner’s Box, for example).
Description
The body of the Boxer is compact and powerful. Males are normally 22.5 to 25 inches (57-63 cm) high at the shoulder and weigh about 70 pounds (32 kg). Females usually measure from 21 to 23.5 inches (53-60 cm) at the shoulder and weigh about 60 pounds (27 kg). Their life expectancy is about 11-14 years. Boxers were originally docked and cropped breed, but this was forbidden in many countries around the world. The Boxer is a short-haired breed, with a smooth, soft coat that sticks to the body. The Boxer does not have the gene for black color and that is why only black Boxers do not exist. They come in two colors: fawn or brindle, with or without white markings. Tawny color varies from pale tan to mahogany. Brindle is a striking example of striped coat with dark stripes on a fawn base. Boxers with white markings covering more than one third of their coat – commonly called Boxers “white” – are neither albinos nor rare; approximately 20-25% of all Boxers are white.
Temper
The Boxer is happy, brave, playful, curious and lively. Very clever, eager and quick to learn, the Boxer is a dog suited for obedience. He is always moving and stays close to his family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known to get along well with young people. His nature is to protect you, your family and your home. They will welcome know guests. They are always willing to work and play. Boxers need human authority and a dominant master. This breed is known for his courage which makes him a special watchdog. This dog needs to go every day walking or strolling. Day after day, mental and physical activity is central. Without it, the Boxer gets nervous. They are dynamic and strong. They need a satisfactory activity to avoid boredom-related practices, such as biting, digging, or licking. The Boxer by nature is not an aggressive or vicious breed. It’s an instinctive guard and can become very attached to his family. Like all dogs, he needs an appropriate socialization. Boxers are mostly patients with other dogs, but difficulties can occur with the most massive breeds, especially dogs of the same sex. The Boxer is portrayed as a guard dog, alert and vigilant, who listens.
Living conditions
Boxers can live well in an apartment if they are active enough. They are quite dynamic in it but are better with a courtyard. Boxers are sensitive to temperature, low or high. Boxers are indoor dogs. Their noses and short coats make them unfit to live outside, despite the fact that they like to play in a fenced yard. Dynamic physical race, Boxers need daily work or activity, and a long and brisk walk. They also love to fetch a ball or participate in other games.
Care
Their smooth and shorthaired coat is not difficult to maintain. Just use a firm brush and bathe them if necessary, as it expels the natural oils from their skin. Some Boxers try to keep themselves clean, cleaning themselves as cats, but some cannot avoid getting dirty, which calls for a shower. This breed shed normally.
