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A well-constructed boxer in peak condition is a terrifying scene. A male can stand up to 25 high on the shoulder; Females are smaller. His muscles wave under a short, tight-fitting coat. Dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead gives the face a cautious, curious look. The coat may be fawn or brindle with white markings. Boxers move like the athletes for whom they are named: a powerful forward with a loud sleek and graceful look.
The boxers are upbeat and playful. His patience and protective nature have earned him a reputation as a great dog with children. They take the jobs of guard and guardian of the family seriously and will fearlessly carry out the threats. Boxers do best when exposed to many people and other animals in early puppies.
Ancestor of Boxer, war dog of the Assyrian Empire, 2,500 BC But what we think of as boxers today can be traced back to the late 1800s and early 20th century. The breed is believed to have been bitten by German dog fanatics from the larger, heavier German breed to Buldenbisser (“Bull Bitter”).
In medieval times, Bullenbeisser was Germany’s chief big game hunter, used to arrest, capture, and capture such formidable opponents as bears, bison, and wild boar on estuarine estates. By the early 1800s, the political situation in the German states was changing. The German nobles were out of favor. Their estates were severed, and the cherished tradition of lavishly appointed boar hunting came to an end. By 1865, the powerful Bullenbeisser was out of a job.
Through a prudent cross for a small, mast-type breed from England, the obsolete big-game hunter gained a new lease on life. By the late 1800s, the modern boxer – a sleeker, more elegant dog – had come into focus. (The English name refers to spares of the Boxer breed, such as an Inamdar, with his front paws when playing or defending himself.)
Over the years, boxers have done many things: athlete, cattle dog, police dog, war dog (in both world wars), watchdog, conservation dog, and guide dog for the blind. The AKC registered its first boxer in 1904, but the American oddity of the breed began in the 1950s, when a Westminster-winning boxer named Bang Away became a national celebrity. Since that time, the Boxers have ruled as one of America’s Top 10 most popular breeds.
The ideal boxer is a medium-sized, square-built dog with small objects behind it with short limbs, strong limbs, and a short, tight-fitting coat. His well-developed muscles are clean, hard and appear smooth under taut skin. His gait reflects energy. The gait is firm yet elastic, stride free and ground-covering, the car proud. Developed to serve as guard, working and Companion Dog, she combines strength and agility with elegance and style. His expression is alert and his nature is firm and smooth.
The chiselled head affixes a distinctive individual stamp to the boxer. It should be in the correct proportion of the body. The broad, blunt muzzle is the distinguishing feature, and great value is placed on being of proper form and balance with the skull.
Looking at the boxer, first consideration is given to the general form and overall balance. Particular attention is then devoted to the head, after which individual body components are examined for their correct construction, and conductive evaluation for efficiency.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
The boxer’s short, shiny coat requires very little grooming. A good over once or twice a week with rubber curry-brushes or hound gloves makes him look his best. The boxer is considered a clean dog, which occasionally needs a bath. His nails should be trimmed at least once a month until worn on a naturally hardened surface, and his teeth should be brushed frequently to prevent tartar buildup – daily if possible.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are important in channeling the energy and abundance of the breed in a positive way. Boxers are highly intelligent, but can get bored with repetition. They go for their own brains and are excellent problem solvers. Not always tolerant of other dogs of the same sex, most boxers of the opposite sex enjoy each other’s company. Boxers excel in a wide range of canine sports, including obedience, agility and herring, and they perform brilliantly as service, aid and medical dogs, and in roles such as drug detection and search-and-rescue.
Boxers are very playful, high-energy dogs. They require adequate exercise each day, on a leash or safely in a dense area. The boxer should never be let loose. The breed’s heritage as a wild game chaser means they spend a good time jumping and leaping as young dogs, needing constant reminders to teach them to stay “down”. Because the boxer is a powerful, active and playful dog, he may not be the best choice for a very ferocious adult, nor for a young child who is overwhelmed by a well-meaning but bouncy puppy.
Boxers should perform well on high-quality dog food, whether it is professionally manufactured or home-prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
The boxer does not have a high tolerance for extreme heat or cold, and should always be kept indoors as a dear member of the family. Responsible breeders screened their stocks for health-related conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, thyroid deficiency, degenerative myelopathy, and some cancers. The breed’s national parent club’s website, the American Boxer Club, provides in-depth information about the breed’s health and care.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: