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The Boxer dog breed is named for the characteristic boxing motion they make with their front paws while in a confrontation. They almost look like they’re boxing their opponent. For their ancestors, the opponent was big-game or another dog in a sparring match. Today’s Boxer prefers to spend time with their family.
This highly intelligent, confident breed is patient and protective. As such, they are great around children and often used as working dogs. The American Kennel Club has this breed categorized in the Working Group. The United Kennel Club has the Boxer dog breed listed in the Guardian Dog Group. Boxers are working guardians.
The male Boxer is larger than the female standing 23-25 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 65-80 pounds. The female stands 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 50-65 pounds. This breed is good-looking and athletic with rippling muscles. They have an extremely short coat of fur, smooth and shiny, and close lying to the skin.
The Boxer dog breed has a shortened, or brachycephalic, muzzle, a wrinkled forehead, droopy eyes, naturally floppy ears and an underbite. They naturally have long whip-like tails. The breed standard is to dock their ears and tails when they are young. When docked, both the ears and tail stand erect. This loyal, affectionate breed has dark brown eyes and Boxers are either fawn or brindle in color with white markings.
History of the Boxer Dog Breed
The Boxer dog breed was developed in Germany. Boxers were bred from the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct big-game hunting dog, the Bullenbeisser or German Bulldog. They are courageous and have a strong work ethic.
The Boxer was recognized by the AKC in 1904. However, the breed wasn’t popularized until the 1950s. In 1951, a Boxer named Bang Away won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and became a national celebrity. Since then, Boxers have been one of the 15 most popular breeds. They are currently at number 14 on the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular Dog Breeds List.
Boxers make wonderful service dogs. They were one of the first breeds to be chosen for police training in Germany. They served as war dogs in both World Wars. In addition to their police and military work, they also work as therapy dogs, herding dogs, watchdogs, protection dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Their work for the police includes drug detection and search-and-rescue.
The Boxer at Home
While good working dogs, they really enjoy spending time with their family. They are a people dog and do not like to be left alone. They almost suffer from separation anxiety. In training, expose them to lots of people and situations during early puppyhood. Early training and socialization of this active dog is a must. The Boxer is highly intelligent and easily trained but tends to get bored with repetition. Training must be engaging and positive. Boxers are good candidates for obedience, agility, and herding activities.
The super energetic Boxer requires over forty minutes of exercise a day to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. Without this they can become restless and destructive. Convenient access to a fenced in yard is beneficial, but they can adjust to apartment living if enough exercise time is provided.
Boxers do not have a tolerance for extreme heat or cold. They are especially susceptible to the heat and overheat easily. These dogs were meant to be always kept inside as a member of the family and are not conditioned to live outdoors.
While they are known to be a gassy breed who drool a lot; they do not bark much and do not require much grooming. A rub down once or twice a week with a grooming mitt and an occasional bath is all that is required. Don’t forget to trim your dogs’ nails and brush their teeth on a regular basis.
Graceful and powerful, sometimes silly, the Boxer dog breed is a loving, devoted companion that will always want to be by your side. To help them get the exercise they need, install a PlexiDor Dog Door and give them instant access to romp in the backyard. Our doors come in two styles, standard and electronic. We have sizes for dogs up to 220 pounds. The easy-to-open saloon style doors are perfect for small dogs and extra-large dogs alike.
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