 |
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
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.
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. |
||||||
Pet Net was last updated on
. |
