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Learn About Boxer Dogs
Boxers comprise a breed of dogs belonging
to the molosser group, which originated
in Germany in the 1850s. They were initially
bred from relatives of mastiffs and Old
English bulldogs. The boxer breed is so
named because of their tendency to stand
on their hind legs and make boxing motions
with their front legs in play; their name
comes from the German verb boxen, meaning
the same as does the similar English verb
"to box."
Boxers were initially used to bait bulls
and to work as guard dogs, and were one
of the first dog breeds to be used as
police and military dogs in Germany. They
were introduced to other countries in
Europe than Germany as working dogs in
the late 1800s. Boxers came into popular
usage in war during World War I, in which
they often served as guard dogs, attack
dogs, and messengers. They were put to
work similarly during World War II, after
which many soldiers took them home, beginning
their rise in popularity as pets.
Boxers are compact mastiff type dogs
with tall and thin but muscular builds,
and powerful frontquarters. On average,
boxers weigh 66-70 pounds and measure
21-25 inches in height, with female boxers'
generally being smaller than their male
counterparts. Naturally, most boxers have
floppy ears and long, slender tails; however,
the breed has traditionally been cropped
and docked, and many boxers still are
today.
The boxer's head is distinctive in appearance,
featuring a short, broad skull; a short,
square muzzle; folds extending from the
base of its nose down its muzzle; strong
teeth; and a sturdy jaw. Boxers also have
slight underbites, which allow their strong
lower teeth and powerful jaws to protect
their upper teeth.
Boxers are normally fawn or brindle in
color. Almost all boxers have black masks,
and may or may not have white flashing.
About a quarter of all boxers are predominantly
white in color. Boxers' coats are short,
shiny, and smooth, and fit them tightly.
Boxers are playful, inquisitive, devoted,
and outgoing. Having an amiable temperament
and being strong and energetic, they tend
to make great active family dogs. Boxers
can be stubborn, but value companionship
and generally want to please. Though they
are generally friendly, they can be aggressive
toward strange dogs, particularly if they
are large in size; however, boxers generally
get along well with other family pets.
Boxers are not reputed as high-maintenance
dogs, but, like all breeds, they have
some specific needs. Being very active
and animated dogs, boxers require daily
exercise and mental stimulation. However,
one must be careful not to over-exercise
boxers in hot weather or excessive humidity,
as they do not tolerate such conditions
well. They require little maintenance
when it comes to their coats, needing
only occasional grooming to remove dead
hair. The lifespan of an average boxer
is 8-10 years.
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