Description: The Boxer dog breed has a powerful but compact body and the head is in proportion to the body. It has a short blunt muzzle, the nose is large with very open nostrils and is black in colour. Their jaw has an under bite.
They have round and dark brown eyes. With ears that are set high, and can be cropped, or un-cropped. When we see cropped ears, they have been trained to stand upright to a point. When the ears are natural these fall forwards lying close to the head. The neck is very round, strong and muscular looking.
This breed has strong powerful straight legs, with the back legs showing well-defined muscles. The tail is set high and is usually docked. Their coat is short and smooth, and is close fitting. Colours are fawn, mahogany, brindle, black with white markings. The boxer dog can occasionally come in a white coat, but some clubs will not register white boxers.
History: This breed was developed in Germany in the 19th century. The boxers we see today were from two German mastiff dogs these where Barenbeiszer and the Bullenbeiszer. There were crossed again with the bulldog and mastiff. These dogs have been used for cart pulling, as cattle dogs, for bull baiting, and dog fighting. They later became popular circus dogs, and then in 1904 some order started to emerge as to the look and size of this dog. The name is thought to have come from the fact that dog uses its front paws to bat at its opponent in the fighting ring.
These dogs are often used for watchdog, police work, search and rescue, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. There are two types of boxer, the German boxer, and the American boxer. The American boxer tends to have a smaller head and a slightly less muscular than the German boxer.
Temperament: This is a highly intelligent breed that has lots of natural energy and curiosity. Being very quick to learn this breed can work well in competitive trials and competitive obedience. This is a highly spirited and playful dog, bonding very closely to its owner and owner's family. These dogs get on incredibly well with children, as long as they are well brought up. This dog gets along with other dogs and household pets.
The boxer likes to use its front paws for just about everything, they like to paw out their toys, and this can look very catlike. These dogs are very keen to work and play. This breed needs lots of good leadership, this will enable the dogs have good manners as they grow up. This breed is renowned for its exceptional courage and will restrain an intruder. Daily physical and mental exercise needs to be undertaken to keep this dog happy. Training should start when a puppy is young, and be firm and consistent to gain the best from this breed.
Health issues: This breed can suffer from heart problems, thyroid problems, epilepsy and hip dysplasia. This breed also can get tumors from around eight years of age.
Grooming: This breed has natural oils in their skin, so bathing should only be done when necessary. Brushing with the bristle brush weekly will be enough. The boxer can be seen grooming themselves, similar to a cat.
Living conditions: If the right amount of exercises is given boxers will do fine in an apartment. They are very active, so a medium-sized garden is recommended. This dog is temperature sensitive, so care must be taken with this.
