The Boxer is an energetic, fun loving dog whose
ancestors are German mastiff-type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and
Barenbeiszer. The dogs were bred indiscriminately. Over time, the
Bullenbeiszer became smaller and was called the Brabanter. These
strong and agile dogs were used by the elite for hunting wild boar,
deer and bear. The dogs’ ears were cropped to avoid being injured by
the game animals. Their strong jaws enabled them to seize and hold
the prey for the hunter. About 1830 the Brabanter was bred with the
English Bulldog ancestor. These dogs were white in color and often
used by cattle dealers to round up livestock. Because of their
ability to learn tricks easily, and their clownish nature, they were
also popular circus dogs.
The German Boxer Klub was formed in the 1860's and the breed
flourished. Around the turn of the century Boxers were introduced to
the US and in 1904 the AKC breed standard was established. By 1925
white was no longer accepted as a standard color. Boxers were often
used for police work and it was believed that a darker color dog
would be more difficult to see at night. During WWI they were used
as military dogs and were utilized as pack dogs, attack dogs, guard
dogs and messengers. Soldiers returning home from WWII brought
Boxers with them and they quickly became popular family pets, show
dogs and guard dogs.
The commonly held belief is that the English
name “Boxer” was given to the breed because of their tendency to use
their front paws when fighting or playing. There are other theories
to explain the origin of the name. “Boxer” was a name commonly given
to dogs and it may be that the breed name was taken from the first
known of the species. There was also a group of dogs known as
“Beirboxer” that were Brabanters crossed with other similar breeds.
Wherever the name originated Boxers seem aptly named when you watch
them stand on their hind legs to begin a fight or jump up in play.
The Boxer has a powerful, well-muscled body with a shiny coat that
fits the body snugly. The jaw is square-muzzled with a powerful
bite; the lower jaw extends beyond the upper. Hearing is keen making
them excellent guard dogs. The coat is fawn or brindle with a white
underbelly and white on the front feet or all four feet. “Flashy”
Boxers have white reaching up to the neck or face. “Plain” Boxers
have white on the toes or a small splash of white on the chest. Fawn
covers a range of colors from yellow or beige to various shades of
red. Brindle is a tiger-like stripe of black against a fawn
background. Some brindle Boxers have more black than fawn in the
stripes and are called “reverse brindle.” So-called “white” boxers
actually have a base coat of fawn or brindle with excessive white
markings.
AKC standards do not allow for more than
one-third of the coat to be white for show. White Boxers are not
allowed in AKC show dog competitions but you will often find them in
obedience and agility trials. Boxers do not carry a gene for solid
black coat color and no purebred Boxer will be black. Show dogs were
once required to have docked tail and ears, but in 2005 AKC
standards changed to allow a description of undocked ears.
|
The first registered Boxer AKC championship was
awarded in 1915. In 1949 Bang Away was awarded Best in Show at
Westminster and went on to win 121 show awards in a six-year period.
Bang Away became famous and appeared on the front of many popular
magazines including Life and Esquire. The breed became very popular
in the US due to his success and is still one of the ten most
popular breeds of dog.
Boxers once had a reputation for being aggressive, and were often
used for dog fighting, but modern Boxers are affectionate, playful
and loyal. Aggressiveness is not acceptable in a boxer, and dogs
with this trait should not be bred. Boxers are highly intelligent
and quick learners but can be obstinate. Firm, consistent training
from an early age by a dominant owner is vital with this breed. When
properly socialized they will get along with other household pets,
although Boxers of the same sex in the same household tend to fight
among themselves to display dominance. If the owner wants to have
two Boxers in the family it is best to have one of each sex. Fond of
children, Boxers are patient with their rowdy antics. They bond
closely with their family and it is their nature to protect their
family and home. Fearless, instinctive guard dogs, Boxers are wary
of strange people and pets but will welcome known visitors with
enthusiasm.
Boxers will adapt to almost any home environment as long as they
have people around. Rambunctious indoors, they will do fine in an
apartment but require lots of regular daily outdoor exercise or long
brisk walks. A house with a medium-sized fenced-in yard for them to
romp around in is best. Being a working breed and they need physical
activity and mental stimulation to keep them occupied and out of
mischief. Their short coats allow them to chill quickly and they
should be indoor dogs. They do better in moderate climates and do
not tolerate temperature extremes well.
The life expectancy of the Boxer is 11 to 14 years. The adult male
will stand 22 to 25 inches and weigh 60 to 70 pounds. Females are
slightly smaller. The main health concern with the breed is that
they are more likely to get cancer than other breeds once they reach
the age of eight years. Other major health concerns include
sub-aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. They are also
prone to epilepsy, allergies and skin conditions. They have a
tendency toward sensitive stomachs and excessive flatulence and a
proper diet is essential.
White Boxers tend to have more health problems than fawn or brindle
Boxers and have a high tendency toward deafness. Many experts do not
recommend breeding White Boxers with other Boxers of any color to
avoid increasing the prevalence of hereditary defects within the
gene pool. At one time many breeders would euthanize white puppies
but now the common practice is to spay or neuter the puppy and place
it with a family as a companion animal.
A dog lover who chooses a Boxer as a pet should consider the
activity level and lifestyle of the family. Boxers will not do well
in a family where they will be left alone all day while their people
are at work. Training must begin at an early age to teach
appropriate behavior. They need consistent physical and mental
exercise to keep from becoming bored and destructive. If you are
willing and able to give the Boxer the time he needs you will have a
loyal, loving, lively and intelligent companion. |
