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Boxer Information
 Photo taken at the Old Fort Cluster Dog Show in Fort Wayne, Indiana.    |
Until dog fighting and bull baiting were outlawed in the mid 19th century, the Boxer was one of the breeds used for that purpose. While fighting, they would stand on their hind legs and act as if they were 'boxing', which led to their name.
Though today they are not fighters, they still have the same courage and ability to defend as they did back then. They were used in Germany for police training since they had great intelligence, were fearless, agile and had great strength.
In 1904, the first Boxer was registered with the American Kennel Club. The American public didn't take much of an interest in the breed until around 1940, after consistent group and Best In Show winnings.
Many Boxers tend to be very dominant and can also be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. Some may have very strong instincts to chase cats and other small animals. Typically if they are raised with cats and other dogs, there is going to be very little problems with them getting along.
Boxers truly adore their families and want to be near them. For this reason they should never be considered an outdoor or kennel dog. Some may be destructive if left alone in the home so a crate is recommended until the dog can be trusted to not destroy things/chew things that they shouldn't. This is not only to protect your household items, but to also protect the dog as well- chewing household items can be very dangerous to your pet. A curious puppy chewing on an electrical cord can lead to electric shock and even death.
Boxers are known as "wiggle butts" by many due to the fact that when they are excited, their entire rear end wags. For many of them when they are young, their excitement is difficult to control. Enrolling your Boxer puppy in obedience training or general puppy classes may help, as well as keeping your puppy physically and mentally stimulated.
Because of the short face, Boxers snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are humorous to some people; irritating to others. Many Boxers, especially those with loose jowls, slobber or drool, especially after eating and drinking. Then of course, dogs being dogs, will get a drink and then shake their head- which will leave traces of water and slobber on your cabinets, walls, and possibly on you. Though Boxers are generally a clean breed, there will be some issues with them getting things dirty- so be aware before you consider a Boxer (or any breed).
Boxer health issues include Hip Dysplasia, Thyroid Disease, Cardiomyopathy, and Aortic / Subaortic Valvular Stenosis. Both parents should have OFA certificates (hips), yearly CERF (eyes), and be cardiac-clear for cardiomyopathy and other heart defects. Also ask about low thyroid, bloat, colitis, and especially tumors and cancer in the lines.
Boxers are susceptible to respiratory difficulties and heatstroke in hot, humid, and/or stuffy conditions. For obvious reasons, this breed loves shade and air conditioning. In the summer months, it's best to exercise in the early morning/late evening when it's not quite so hot so that your Boxer doesn't get overheated. Limit outdoor play time when it's extremely hot/humid as well. If you board your dog during the summer, make sure that the kennel has air conditioned facilities and that the staff is aware of the breeds breathing issues during hot/humid conditions. I personally don't recommend using a kennel with indoor/outdoor runs for this reason- Boxers cannot take the heat/humidity and if they are left outside, horrible results can happen. Even though kennel staff may work with dogs for a living, many of them may not be very aware of certain problems with every breed, so do your best to educate them prior to leaving your pet in their care.
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