The Boxer is a medium-sized dog breed characterized by a large and muscular physique. They are square-headed, have dark brown eyes, and a wrinkled forehead. They can be intimidating with their curious and alert look, but the truth is, Boxers are nothing but playful and mischievous dogs.
They are great dogs for children as they are full of energy. They are also referred to as the Peter Pan of the dog breeds because they’re extremely slow to mature. Added to that, they always never fail to leave a smile on the faces of people watching them.
Boxers are the best companions for those who want a big cuddle buddy and don’t mind the drool. They’re also great family dogs because of their humorous, gentle, and loving nature, especially with children.
Boxer Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Working |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Height | 23-25 inches (male); 21.5-23.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male); females are about 15 pounds less than male |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years |
Boxer Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
History Of The Boxer
Boxers are believed to have descended from the German Bullenbeissers, which are now extinct. These dogs were mainly used by Germans to hunt bears, wild boars, and deers for centuries. Their goal was to catch and hold the prey until the hunters come. But, as years passed, the Bullenbeissers also lost their jobs and were then used by farmers and butchers to drive cattle.
It was the late 19th century when George Alt started the Boxer development.
According to the story, George Alt bred a female Bullenbeiser, Flora, with an unknown breed, which developed a fawn-and-white male Bullenbeiser. This dog was named Lechner’s Box, and he is believed to be the starting line of the Boxer breed.
Lechner’s Box was then bred again with Flora producing new litters. Crossbreeding was continued (to a Mastiff and a Bulldog) until he was able to develop the Boxer breed he wanted. But it was not until 1895 when the breed was put on a German exhibition show.
When the late 1890s came, Boxers became popular in all of Europe. They were then imported to America in 1903. The Boxer’s popularity rose, and they even served the military when World War I and II broke.
After the wars, soldiers brought them home, and the breed was slowly introduced to be companion animals and guard dogs. Until now, they are adored continuously for being energetic and excellent family dogs.
Temperament Of The Boxer
When you first see a Boxer, he might immediately strike as an aggressive type of breed. However, that’s far from the truth.
Boxers are generally known as bright, fun-loving, and active. They love to play, and they must stay busy. Giving him a daily dose of exercise would suffice, but toys are a great way to entertain them too.
When it comes to family, they can be loyal and affectionate. They love bonding with their owners, and they’re very gentle and patient with children. They are best with a family who won’t leave him alone for an extended time as they love having human interaction.
Boxers can be protective as well. They are highly intelligent dogs and will stay alert when the need arises. They can easily adapt to any home situation, whether with a couple, single, or a family of two or five.
As you notice, Boxers make excellent companions. But, to achieve this, they would need early training and consistent leadership. Without those two, Boxers might grow stubborn, sensitive, and proud.
Train them with authority and make them aware of their boundaries. Be firm but never, ever, hurt them.
To make things easier, and to know which temperament you’re dealing with, you can check with the Boxer’s parents. Sometimes, the attitude of the Boxer is also influenced by genetics, so it can be something you might want to look into.
Boxer Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Boxers need a high-quality and well-balanced meal to maintain their optimal health. However, one thing you should know is that Boxers are susceptible to allergies compared to other dogs. You need to stay away from food with common allergens such as soy and wheat. It also mustn’t contain any artificial flavorings or anything synthetic. And you would also like to check if they are allergic to chicken and beef (which most boxers are). A boxer’s food should ideally contain about 20-30% of protein. This can come from fish, pork, or lamb, as long as your Boxers aren’t allergic to it. You can also add some vitamins for extra nutrition. Whether the food is commercial or homemade, it doesn’t matter as long as you ensure that it only contains right and high-quality ingredients. You can also consult the vet if you’re unsure.
- Grooming: Boxers have a very short and little coat. It needs very little grooming that may only need a good brushing at least once or twice a week to maintain its healthiness. Boxers are clean dogs and wouldn’t need a lot of baths too. However, if you’re doing it, make sure you bathe them during warm weather, or you can use warm water. Added to that, pay attention to their wrinkles too and wipe it clean from time to time to avoid infection. Don’t forget to clean the ears and trim the fingernails, too, when needed.
- Exercise: Boxers are highly energetic dogs that require daily activity. The idea is to let them play as much as they want until they use up those pent up energy. A few minutes of walking is the most basic exercise that you can do for your Boxer. However, make sure that you keep him on a leash to prevent him from wandering around. Other than walking, you can also play games such as fetch, frisbee, or even do some training. This will keep him entertained and will also stimulate his brain.
- Health: Boxers are very sensitive when it comes to harsh weather conditions and must be kept inside most of the time. Other than that, they are also prone to several health problems, most genetics. Some major health issues are Cardiomyopathy and Degenerative Myelopathy. They are also more susceptible to bloating and gastric torsion. Other common dog diseases to watch out for are allergies, skin problems, and cancer. It’s always best to get regular check-ups from the vet to ensure that your dog is healthy. You can also take some tests to rule out other medical conditions to eliminate some concerns.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of a Boxer is 10-12 years.
Famous Boxers
- Lechner’s Box: Believed to be the start of the line of the Boxer breed
- Flocki: The first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning a Munich Show
- Meta von der Passage: The mother of the Boxer breed
- Arnulf Grandenz: The first Boxer registered under the AKC
- Sieger Dampf v Dom: The first Boxer champion; owned by Gov. Leham of New York
Fun Facts About Boxers
- Boxers originated from Germany.
- They descended from Bullenbeinsers, an extinct dog breed in Germany used for hunting.
- Boxers’ unusual head shape had a purpose – they were bred to clutch animals until their owners arrived, so their short snout allowed them to breathe.
- They served in two world wars; they were messenger dogs, attack dogs, and guard dogs.
- About 18% of white Boxers are deaf.
- Boxers take three years to mature – Peter Pan Syndrome.
- They come in three colors: brindle, fawn, and white.