If you are looking for a suitable dog that can gel with your family and is a great pet/companion, then believe us, Boxer Dogs will not disappoint you!
These dogs are very adaptable, which is why they make not only loyal canine buddies but also a wonderful friend to children. In this article, we will discuss more about this robust dog breed—the Boxer.
Overview
| Height | 21-25 inches |
| Weight | 50-80 lbs |
| Life span | 10-12 years |
| Exercise needs | 2 hours daily |
| Temperament | Playful, Protective, and Intelligent |
| Grooming | Low maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Germany |
Origin of the Boxer
The history and origin of the Boxer dog breed can be traced back to 19th-century Germany, where this breed was developed as a versatile hunting dog. The efforts were made to cross-breed one of the finest hunting dogs, the Bullenbeisser (now extinct), which is a powerful and agile hunting dog known for its ability to catch large game. Their ancestors also include English Bulldogs who were crossed with the Bullenbeisser to create a powerful and intelligent dog breed- Boxers.
Moreover, the peak time of Boxer’s life came during the World War as they gained recognition as messenger dogs, pack carriers, and guard dogs who worked with the German Militants. As the war came to an end, their loyalty and companionship towards the soldiers traveled back to their homes. Today, these dogs are known not only for their skills and roles but also as beloved family pets because of their distinctive appearance.
Talking of their appearance, you would be surprised to know that their short, broad skull and their tiny noses make them intolerant to heat, and they are called a brachycephalic breed (study). This is one of the significant reasons why Boxers can adapt easily to indoor living and do not prefer being in the sun too much.
Appearance of the Boxer
Here are the physical characteristics and attributes of the Boxer dog breed:
1. Size and body
These 21-25 inches tall dogs can easily fit your arms if you can carry 50-80 pounds because we know how irresistible Boxers are! They are medium to large-sized dogs who have one of the most muscular builds, which can make anyone feel intimidated at first! But one can’t deny that these dogs have well-structured and well-proportioned bodies.
2. Coat
As for their coat, Boxer dogs have a short and smooth coat that lies close to their body, which also makes their muscles look bigger. Not only this but they can be found in various colors like fawn and brindle, often with white markings.
3. Other features
Moreover, these dogs have a broad and blunt muzzle, which is one of their distinctive features that sets them apart from other dog breeds. Besides, it would be hard to ignore their dark, expressive eyes and cropped ears that add charm to their appearance.
Personality and Temperament
Every dog has certain traits that set it apart from other breeds; similarly, here is what you should know about the temperament and personality traits of the Boxer dog breed:
1. Playful
If you ask a Boxer parent, you will often hear them saying that these dogs are some of the most playful and energetic. It’s like they maintain their puppy-like exuberance and qualities into adulthood. This can be a green flag if you love puppies and their naughtiness!
2. Family dogs
The Boxer dog breed thrives on human companionships and socializing in social settings. This particular quality makes them fantastic family dogs who can adjust perfectly well with children and active families who can take them on long walks.
3. Intelligent
Another personality trait of the Boxer dog breed is that they are highly intelligent and trainable! With their quick learning skills and sharp minds, all they need is proper mentally stimulating training to be the smartest dog on earth!
4. Protective
As much as they love their human families, these dogs also make fantastic protectors and guardians. Boxer dogs are generally very protective and territorial but do not show aggression as their first instinct. So it will be safe to say that once you bring Boxers home, you will be in the safe paws!
It’s not just us; it is Disney, too, fellas! The breed Boxer was cast in the film, “Lady and the Tramp,” as a character named Trusty.
Grooming Needs of the Boxer
Unfortunately, the Boxer dog breed is not hypoallergenic, but congratulations, they are still low maintenance due to their coat and build. Here are the grooming needs of Boxers:
1. Brushing
You should have dog supplies like a grooming mitt or a firm bristle brush to help you remove loose hair, distribute natural oils, and give your dog a shiny, healthy coat. As for the frequency, you only have to do it once a week, as they are low shedders unless it’s shedding season.
2. Bathing
If your dog has developed a “doggy odor,” it is probably high time to bathe them! The good news is that you only need to bathe them occasionally, that is, every 2-3 months, more or less depending on how dirty they are.
3. Cleaning
Lastly, routine cleaning of ears, teeth, and nail trimming is as essential as taking care of eye booger/eye infections, debris buildup, or fleas and ticks. These are also some common health concerns in dogs. Hence, you can even take your dog for professional cleaning once in a while, but boxers are generally easy to manage.
Exercise and Training Needs
The Boxer dog breed requires at least 2 hours of training and exercise a day, which you can divide in time slots so you and your dog aren’t bored of it. Here are some training essentials that you should add to Boxer’s routine:
1. Walking sessions
Boxers are always up for a walking round! Be it after waking up in the morning, after lunch, after playing with kids, or even after a rigorous workout. Walking is actually great for a dog’s health as well as the dog walkers, so it’s a win-win for all.
2. Agility training
As these dogs need rigorous training, you should organize or enroll them in agility courses that would keep them busy and physically fit. Also, remember that mental stimulation is essential for these hunting dogs, so you better play interactive games and puzzles to keep them entertained.
3. Patience and consistency
Last but not least, no exercise or training would be possible without keeping utmost patience and consistency. You can be strict, but do not use harsh training methods on Boxers, as they can develop behavioral problems, which is not ideal for any dog.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we can say that if you are a first-time dog owner, then Boxers might not be the best pet choice for you! Even though they are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming. It is their training needs can be a hassle and challenging. For newbie owners, we recommend adopting breeds with low to moderate energy levels who do not need too much physical exhaustion. Moreover, the Boxer dog breed fits well with people with experience and active family members who can join them in their mischiefs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The Boxer dogs are good family dogs as they can fit and gel well with family members and children. Although it might take them some time to adjust! Once you give them proper socialization training, there is nothing that can stop them from being the best pets ever!
Boxers are not prone to it, but they can be pretty vocal if needed and bark excessively. Especially if they sense a threat, they can be dedicated and deep barkers who stop for no one. In such cases, you should give your dog behavioral training so they don’t catch unwanted behaviors like barking or biting.
Yes! The Boxer dog breed is known for being THE PERFECT indoor dog! As they are low to moderate brachycephalic breeds, they have evolved to live indoors in the comfort of their owner.
Yes! All the stories you have heard about Boxers being a sleepy dog are true! These dogs, especially Boxer puppies, sleep over 18 hours a day. Although every individual differs, so do their sleeping patterns.
At the age of 14 to 18 months, the Boxer dog breed can be fully grown. However, this depends on many factors like nutrition, underlying health problems, proper training and development, etc.
