Boxer

Boxers are loving and faithful, and will loyally protect their pet parents. They also have a clownish side to their personality, and get along well with children.

The breed descends from two German Mastiff dogs: the Bullenbeiszer and Barenbeiszer. These breeds were crossed with the Mastiff and Bulldog, creating the Boxer. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Boxers are cousins to “practically all recognized breeds of the Bulldog type.”

The breed was first registered by the AKC in 1904, but didn’t become a popular pet until the 1940s.

Personality

Entertaining, clownish, friendly and outgoing
Adaptable and very intelligent
Love people
Devoted to their pet parents, and will protect and defend them
Wary of strangers, but then friendly if they are not a threat
Can be overly playful and rowdy
Will remain puppylike until 2 or 3 years of age
Can be stubborn
Good watchdogs
Make distinctive “woo woo” sounds when excited or they want something

Size

55-70 pounds
21-25 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Lifestyle

Good family pet
Love to play with children, but will be calm and patient with them as well
Like the company of other dogs
Do well in an apartment if given daily walks
Need dominant and firm pet parents

Training

Easy to train at an early stage, but not when older
Need good discipline for when they get too boisterous
Respond best to positive reinforcement
Because of their strength, must be properly trained in obedience to reduce risk of injurying or killing other animals
Need to be socialized with other dogs to avoid dominance
Must be taught not to jump up on people

Exercise

Need a long, brisk daily walk
Daily play needed to satisfy their energetic and playful nature

Coat

Short and smooth
Brown, fawn or brindle color, sometimes with white “flash” markings on chest and belly
Easy maintenance coat
Average shedder
They will clean and groom themselves, so bathe only when necessary to avoid stripping oils from the skin and fur

Health

Prone to cancer
May also be afflicted by cherry eye, demodicosis, atopy and acne
Care must be taken in very hot or very cold weather, as Boxers do not deal with either well

Lifespan

9-11 years

Rescue

To find a Boxer to adopt in your area, visit the American Boxer Rescue Association

PHOTO: Zolazet

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