Getting to know the Boxer
The Boxer has a blunt face, steady gaze with a hint of mischief, an undeniable joy for life, and incredible grace, the Boxer is affectionate to children and a steadfast friend and guardian to the whole family
Appearance
The Boxer is a medium sized, square built dog with a noble appearance. He combines strength and agility with elegance and style. The breed has a short back, strong limbs and a short square muzzle with a protruding lower jaw and facial wrinkles. His well developed muscles are hard and appear smooth under taut skin. Most Boxers in the United States have docked tails and cropped ears but in some countries, these cosmetic procedures are outlawed (one or both practices).
The hair coat is short, shiny and lies smooth and tight to the body. It can be brindle, fawn or brown, with or without white markings. Completely white boxers are not common since breeders typically cull them due to their high risk of deafness. Despite the current fashion to breed taller Boxers, the standard tells us that the males stand 22.5 -25 inches at the withers and weigh about 60 to 75 pounds. Females are a bit smaller at 21-23.5 inches and about 50 to 65 pounds.
Character and temperament
Although the Boxer is a loyal and intelligent family companion, his somewhat stubborn and self-confident character and high prey drives require careful consideration. He must be obedience-trained to control his exuberance and guide his mettle into acceptable channels. He is, after all, a big, strong dog. The Boxer and Intelligence Lifelong puppy behavior is what best describes a Boxer's personality. They are fun loving, playful, energetic and very happy dogs. They are very intelligent and learn quickly though they can be stubborn and sometimes devious. They are very loyal to their owners and are excellent with children. Male dogs are more laid back than females. The female will often try to assert her dominance in situations with other dogs. Boxers love to use their front paws to ?box? with other dogs. They will gladly welcome visitors into the home but will not hesitate to protect their family when it is necessary. They are very people oriented and crave companionship. They love to jump on things so training should begin at an early age.
If you looking for a dog that will lie quietly in a corner out of your way, or to be out in a kennel, you need to consider a different breed. Boxers are extremely people oriented type dogs. They need to be in the center of the family. Often times I find myself sitting on the couch with two dogs pinning each side of me and one lying on my feet. They believe they are 45-80 pound lap dogs! When I get up, they all do. When I grab my keys, they think they get to go for a ride. If you'd like a more independent breed, pick something else.
Boxers, especially when young, can be destructive. Chewing becomes a constant pastime. A crate becomes essential when raising a boxer pup. When you're not there to baby-sit, the pup should be retired to a crate. That way the pup is safe (from biting electric cords, eating dangerous items, or angering the owner because it chewed up the couch). The crate, in turn, becomes a haven for the pup. A place where they can got to escape and take a nap. It is also a safe place when traveling in a vehicle. Dogs should never be loose in the back of a pick-up!!!
Frisbee, or go running or hiking, you're in luck. Boxers need a fenced yard with room to run. If they get bored, they might turn to destructive behavior. Boxers must be indoor dogs. Their short coats and minimal body fat makes them unable to endure cold conditions outside. If they must be outside during the day, make sure they have a heated or indoor area for them to retire. On the other hand, they also can not take extreme heat. A cool place with plenty of water in the warmer months is also essential. There is minimal grooming with a boxer. A brushing once a week and a bath once a month is usually sufficient to keeping their coats healthy. Trimming their nails and cleaning their ears is about all else you have to do. No expensive trips to the groomers' every 4 to 6 weeks.
Some Boxers can be drooly. If you can't handle being slimed once in a while, a boxer's not for you. After they eat and drink, a wipe with a towel is sometimes helpful. Don't get me wrong. They are not drooling machines like a St. Benard or some of the Mastiff breeds. If you don't mind making the proper adjustments for bringing a boxer into your life, and the positives outweigh the negatives in your mind, then you're ready to join the ranks of boxer owners. Be ready! There's no going back to any other breed!
Since February 18, 2007
