History of the Boxer
The ancestors of this breed were the German Bullenbeisser, a dog of Mastiff descent, and the English Bulldog. The Bullenbeisser had been working as a hunting dog for centuries, employed in the pursuit of bear, wild boar, and deer. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favoured and the Bullenbeisser grew smaller and was then called the Brabanter. In the late 19th century, the Brabanter was crossed with an English Bulldog to start the line that would become the modern Boxer. In 1894, three Germans by the name of Roberth, Konig, and Hopner decided to stabilise the breed and put it on exhibition at a dog show. This was done in Munich in 1895, and the next year they founded the first Boxer Club.
The breed was introduced to other parts of Europe in the late 1800s and to the United States around the turn of the century. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognised the first Boxer champion in 1915. During World War I, the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack-carrier, attack dog, and guard dog. It was not until after World War II that the Boxer became popular around the world. Boxer mascots, taken home by returning soldiers, introduced the dog to a much wider audience and it soon became a favourite as a companion animal, as a show dog, and as a guard dog..The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from this breed of dog beginning a fight by standing on its two hind legs and "boxing" with it's two front legs.
Dog Group Kennel Club Working
Breed Classification The boxer was originally used for bull baiting and as a guard dog, today they are mainly companions and are popular show dogs.
Breed Classification The boxer was originally used for bull baiting and as a guard dog, today they are mainly companions and are popular show dogs.
Feeding Requirements
The boxer is not really a greedy dog. When feeding a boxer it is better that they are fed twice a day as they are very active, always on the go looking for their next adventure. Some boxers have sensitive digestive systems, this will mean that they have to stick to a strict diet, with no treats. A dry food is often favoured for this breed. It is also fairly common for a boxer to appear thin when it is an adolescent, so do not overfeed to compensate.
Other Expenses
The average cost of a puppy is between $800-$1500. After the initial outlay of buying a boxer, the weekly expense is around $10, for general everyday things. Such as treats, toys, and if you are feeding both dry and wet foods.
Average Puppy Price
$800-$1500
Lifespan
9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size
6
General Physical Description
The boxer is a medium sized dog, very muscular, sturdy and deep chested. They have a short muzzle and a slightly upturned chin. The head and muzzle have wrinkly skin, which gives the boxer its unique appearance. When this dog moves it covers the ground quickly. The gait makes it look very noble, and the movement shows great energy in the powerful looking legs. The boxer is built to cover many types of ground.
Size Category Medium
Weight Height Range An adult Boxer typically weighs between 55 and 70 lb (25 and 32 kg). Adult male Boxers are between 22 and 25 inches (56 and 63 cm) tall at the withers; adult females are between 21 to 23½ inches (53 and 60 cm).
Ailments Although the Boxer seems susceptible to many health problems, research shows that the Boxer is, in general, a healthy and sturdy dog. When purchasing a Boxer discuss any concerns with the breeder and research the breeding lines.
Intelligence As the Boxer is an intelligent breed he needs to be dominated when being trained. They are quick to learn good habits as well as the not so good ones. They need to know that their owner knows best as they can be quite willful.
The average cost of a puppy is between $800-$1500. After the initial outlay of buying a boxer, the weekly expense is around $10, for general everyday things. Such as treats, toys, and if you are feeding both dry and wet foods.
Average Puppy Price
$800-$1500
Lifespan
9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size
6
General Physical Description
The boxer is a medium sized dog, very muscular, sturdy and deep chested. They have a short muzzle and a slightly upturned chin. The head and muzzle have wrinkly skin, which gives the boxer its unique appearance. When this dog moves it covers the ground quickly. The gait makes it look very noble, and the movement shows great energy in the powerful looking legs. The boxer is built to cover many types of ground.
Size Category Medium
Weight Height Range An adult Boxer typically weighs between 55 and 70 lb (25 and 32 kg). Adult male Boxers are between 22 and 25 inches (56 and 63 cm) tall at the withers; adult females are between 21 to 23½ inches (53 and 60 cm).
Ailments Although the Boxer seems susceptible to many health problems, research shows that the Boxer is, in general, a healthy and sturdy dog. When purchasing a Boxer discuss any concerns with the breeder and research the breeding lines.
Intelligence As the Boxer is an intelligent breed he needs to be dominated when being trained. They are quick to learn good habits as well as the not so good ones. They need to know that their owner knows best as they can be quite willful.
Show Characteristics
This dog is of square build, with strong bone and obvious well developed muscles. The muzzle and the skull should be in proportion, a powerful muzzle, never small in comparison with the skull. They have an undershot jaw, that is the lower jaw protrudes moderately beyond the upper jaw and bends slightly upward. The eyes should be dark brown, showing a lively and intelligent expression. The rim of the eyes should be dark, fully pigmented, and not be showing any haw. The ears are set wide apart at the highest part of the skull and lying close to the cheek, they should have a crease when dog is alert. The neck is muscular and strong, and it should have a distinct clean outline down to the withers. The chest should be deep, reaching down to the elbows, ribs well sprung and not barrel shaped. The back should be short, straight, and slightly sloping. The feet should be small and cat like with well arched toes, the hind feet are slightly longer than the front. If docked, the tail should be set on high and carried upward. If undocked, again it should be set on high and carried gaily but not curled over the back. It should be of moderate thickness and in overall balance to the rest of the dog. The preferred colors for the show ring are shades of red through to light fawn or brindle with or without white. Solid white is usually not desirable.
Country Of Origin Germany
Energy High
Overall Exercise > 2 hours Daily
Distress Caused if Left Alone High
Personal Protection High
Risk of Sheep Worrying High
Tendency to Bark Medium
Ease of Transportation High
Level of Aggression Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals High
Suitable For Children
High
Energy High
Overall Exercise > 2 hours Daily
Distress Caused if Left Alone High
Personal Protection High
Risk of Sheep Worrying High
Tendency to Bark Medium
Ease of Transportation High
Level of Aggression Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals High
Suitable For Children
High
General Character And Temperament
As a breed these dogs are very lively, strong and very loyal. Temperament wise they are fearless and very self-assured. They make great pets for all the family, adults and children alike. The boxer is a hardy dog full of stamina, not quick to pick a fight, but more than able to defend themselves if they have to. They remain puppy like throughout their lives, making them quite a handful, and unintentionally creating havoc where they go. They can be very destructive if they are left alone at home for long periods of time. They love busy households and are commonly found in hotels and guest houses, where there is a lot going on around them.
Coat Length Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement Less than once a week
Trimming None
Grooming The coat of the boxer is easily kept as it is very short. A rubber grooming mitt used once or twice weekly will keep the coat in good condition.
Color The color ranges from red to fawn, through varoius shades of brindle, usually with some limited white markings, they can also be totally white in colour.
Shedding Little
Suffers From Allergies True
Grooming Requirement Less than once a week
Trimming None
Grooming The coat of the boxer is easily kept as it is very short. A rubber grooming mitt used once or twice weekly will keep the coat in good condition.
Color The color ranges from red to fawn, through varoius shades of brindle, usually with some limited white markings, they can also be totally white in colour.
Shedding Little
Suffers From Allergies True