Strong, intelligent, and playful are Boxer dog breed traits like being part of an active family. They are known as the most popular breeds, and although they may appear intimidating, they will be affectionate family pets. Continue reading these facts from the Canvas Personalized to determine whether this hunting dog is right for you.
1. Overview About Boxer Dog Traits
| Origin | Germany | Good With | Families, children, seniors, other dogs, cats |
| Dog Breed Group | Dog fighting, Guard Dogs | Temperament | Friendly; willful; outgoing; playful & loyalty |
| Common nicknames | German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer | Energy Level | Active/ High energy |
| Height | Dogs 22–25 in (56–64 cm) Bitches 21–24 in (53–61 cm) | Shedding | Occasional |
| Weight | Dogs 66–70 lb (30–32 kg) Bitches 55–60 lb (25–27 kg) | Tendency to Drool | Medium |
| Coat | Short, shiny, smooth, close-lying | Snore | Low |
| Color | Fawn or brindle, and white | Bark | Low |
| Life span | 10–12 years | Easy To Train | High |
Today’s boxer dogs are orginally bred from an old lineage of guard dogs known as molossus. There are numerous kinds of boxers, such as the American boxer, the German boxer, and the English boxer. In 1904, the American Boxer Club officially recognized the boxer breed as the beloved companion today.
Sourced by The American Boxer Club
Boxer’s ancestors are the hunting dog, wild boar, and deer for their hunter-masters because they were originally bred from the German Boxer and the American Boxer. With its joyful, exuberant personality and devotion to its owners, the boxer puppy is the most popular in the US. But it is often suspicious of outsiders and will not be aggressive until they feel a threat to their families.
Furthermore, they are intelligent, attentive, high energy, and friendly. As a result, they prefer to play, run, and romp with owners and are usually great with kids and other breeds. If you love to have a big dog that will delight you while remaining gentle with your children, this breed may be the right for you! Remember that pet parents are always eager to physically and mentally stimulate your Boxer in most of its favorite activities.
2. All Essential Information To Care For Boxer Dogs
Check out these fundamental things below before deciding whether this boxer breed of dog is appropriate for you.
Appearance
Boxer dogs are classified as medium- to large-sized dogs since they weigh 50–80 pounds and stand approximately 2 feet tall at the shoulder. Moreover, the boxer’s most outstanding distinguishing characteristic is its head. It also means it is brachycephalic, with a large, short head and square muzzle.
Sourced by The American Boxer Club
The perfect ratio of the length of the muzzle to the size of the head should be 1:3. Folds run along both sides of the muzzle from the nose’s root, and the nose’s tip should be higher than the root. Moreover, the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper and curve upwards, generally called an underbite or “undershot bite.”
The Boxer breed is robust, stocky, and forceful, having a large, deep chest and a short, powerful back. Moreover, the tails are typically docked and carried high, and their feet are tiny, with arched toes.
Beyond the great head, the fawn boxers are known for their short coats, muscular bodies, and various colors. Boxer dogs frequently come in fawn, brindle, or white colors, with flecks of white over the chest, face, and paws. Some are entirely white boxers and are not albinos. Purebred black boxers do not exist because the boxer lacks a solid black coat gene, or it can appear around the eyes and lips.
Boxer Dogs Characteristics
There are different types of boxers, such as the American boxer, the German boxer, and the English boxer, so their personalities are loyal, affectionate, energetic, and eager to meet many people. Although many factors impact personality, white boxers are still intelligent and well-behaved. Moreover, the Boxer is not aggressive or vicious but usually preoccupied with its loved ones, making it a good guard dog.
Boxer dogs mature in about three years, longer than most dogs. Moreover, they are “headstrong” dogs, which might affect improper obedience training. So please give the positive reinforcement dog training tips for a young boxer’s tremendous energy.
Boxers are working dogs, so if they are alone for long periods, they will become bored and start getting into mischief. Like border collie and beagle dog breeds, boxers need exposure to various people, sights, activities, and experiences to form solid bonds. The sooner the dog meets other pets and families, the better it will develop into a well-rounded, outgoing personality.
Ideal Living Environment
The boxer dog breed is adaptable to different environments, even on a country estate or an apartment. So it’s not conducive for the white boxers to be left alone for a long time with no chance to socialize with new things outside. Since they are high energy dogs and very social with others, they would suit boxer owners who can spend more time walking or playing with them daily.
Moreover, keep your boxer puppy warm in the cold season because it has a short coat. And even in the hot temperatures, the Boxer still fared well if you applied dog sunscreen.
The dog requires at least 30 minutes, if not more, so provide daily exercise and concentrated play as a working dog plays the most important role. So the Boxers are active in the great outdoors, such as jogging, hiking, camping, and working on farms. And if you have children, a well-trained boxer dog breed will tolerate them. But a strong fence with no escape routes is a good idea if you don’t want your dog to bark at other animals.
Health Issues
The average life expectancy of a boxer dog breed is 10–12 years, so it is essential to test your dog’s needs at different times and the care it needs to stay healthy.
Young dogs, called cattle dogs, are primarily healthy, but boxers are prone to potential health problems like other breeds. So it’s vital to know whether they suffer from health conditions such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, digestive difficulties, or heart conditions such as Boxer cardiomyopathy. Moreover, skin cancer is also a significant problem for the boxer and requires extra sun protection.
The dog is more vulnerable to extreme heat because of its short coat. So the Boxer does not sweat, and its snub nose and thick mouth will not provide enough cooling by panting. The best way is to avoid letting it walk in the hot weather and apply cooled water to its ears, tummy, and genitals, where blood vessels are closer to the skin.
You must ask your vet to check your dog soon once your dog has some symptoms. Without checking and testing immediately, it may die suddenly. Moreover, when adopting a boxer puppy, ask your breeder specific testing questions to ensure you have a healthy boxer breed of dog.
How To Take Care For Boxer Dogs
Boxer puppies, like Pitbulls, have short and tight coats, so they need very little grooming. Although their solid black coat color is easy to care for, you must provide them with healthy dog foods, bathe them occasionally, and clip their nails.
Moreover, brush their teeth daily to prevent tartar accumulation with the help of a toothbrush and toothpaste. Surprisingly, drooling can be reduced by cleaning their teeth and gums.
With the deep facial wrinkles, you need to clean these with a damp washcloth after walking outside. The last important thing is always giving your boxer dog breed plenty of exercises daily to ensure excellent behavior.
>>>Get more knowledge about dog-caring tips to keep your pup healthy and happy!
Training Requirements
Boxers are brilliant and trainable, but you, the owner, need a lot of patience. Avoid using punitive methods; so positive reinforcement works best to teach your dog basic cues, such as how to sit, stay, and come when called. Always remember to praise them with treats or clicker training.
Something to keep in mind:
- The boxer dog breed can be problematic in the presence of other dogs or people. So depending on its traits, intense leash training, and close monitoring whenever you’re out with it.
- Before you take them for training, take them for long walks or play to calm them down and help them concentrate better.
- Early socialization is essential in controlling the breed’s energy in a positive direction because it is used for dog fighting or an athletic breed. It can help prevent undesirable growling, barking, and fighting with other pets. As a result, it will excel in many canine sports and search-and-rescue services, help dogs, and therapy dogs.
>>>Check out the best guide to teach your dog to go potty outside!
Nutrition
A dog’s diet is designed for a medium-sized breed with a lot of energy. Get advice from your vet to look for high-quality dog food and give them the best chance of living a long and healthy life. The diet will change as dog’s age, depending on weight, energy, and health.
Remember to keep in mind:
- A perfect diet plan should follow the AAFCO’s Role in Pet Food Regulation with two meals daily and little snacks. If your dog has a lot of exercises, the diet plan should include high-calorie foods.
- Feed your Boxer dry dog food that is large and difficult to chew. This will aid in plaque elimination and prevent dental problems.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s calorie intake and weight level to prevent him from becoming overweight. Raw fruits and vegetables or homemade recipes are also perfect healthy snacks.
>>>Discover more about the healthy food for dogs to eat daily!
3. Adopting A Boxer Breed Of Dog
Adopting a boxer dog breed is challenging because responsible breeders must spend much time training basic behaviors and have great love to them. So you can spend between $200 and $800 to get a boxer puppy from a shelter or rescue group. But you must pay an extra fee to take many health tests to ensure you have a healthy dog.
This is very affordable compared to buying from a reputable breeder, boxer rescue group, or local dog recuse. When selecting this breed, the initial cost of a Boxer puppy is not the only financial concern. You’ll need to consider the cost of their living needs, such as food, toys, and other items required to keep them healthy, secure, and happy with you.
>>Further reading:
- Border Collie Dog: The Essential Guide To Owning & Training
- All Chihuahua Dog Breed Information & Fun Facts To Take Care
The boxer dog breed is a playful, caring, loyal, and excellent guard dog. With a sense of humor and kindness, this breed will also become the best companion for the family. Check out these facts from the Canvas Personalized to determine if its outstanding traits fit your lifestyle.
