Dogs: All About Boxers

Boxers have a high spirited personality. They are great with kids and are known for this quality. In most cases they get along well with other household animals. However, rodents, chickens, and rabbits may be too tempting for the breed. They are known to stand upon their hind legs while boxing at their opponents with their paws. They also paw at their toys and use their front legs like they are boxing. Which is one of the reasons they get their name. They love to play and are very energetic. They need at least two hours of play everyday. However, if you have children that would cover a lot of playtime.

The body of the Boxer is very muscular. The Boxer grows up to 22-25 inches in height. They can weigh between fifty-three to fifty-seven pounds. The tail is usually docked and some have cropped ears. The coat of the Boxer is very shiny and easy to maintain. Their coats come in fawn, brindle, white with various shades of red. Usually they have white markings and some have black masks. The Boxer is easy to groom. They have short hair and shed average. All they require is a firm bristle brush. Bathe the Boxer only when necessary. The oils in their coat keep their skin from drying out. Excessive bathing can remove these important oils. Boxers are naturally clean and bathe themselves like cats.

Some of the health concerns is this breed are serious and some minor. One of the more serious complications can be heart problems or thyroid problems. Some Boxers can get tumors after the age of eight. However, it is not quite known why but, some white Boxers are subject to deafness. One minor problem the breed might have are skin allergies. Most Boxers live for about eleven to fourteen years.

The ancestors of the Boxer breed are the Barenbeiszer and the Bullenbeiszer. They were developed in Germany in the nineteenth century. Later they were crossed with the Bulldog and the Mastiff. They were uses as courier's during war times and as seeing eye dogs for blind. The Boxer was imported to America after World War I. Along with their intelligent and alert expressions they are very distinctive guardians.

Boxers are known to be indoor dogs. They are sensitive to cold in the winter as well as extreme heat in the summer. So they seem to do better indoors. Sometimes they may have excessive flatulence and they can drool. When they sleep they snore and love to lay on their backs like a person. They desire human affection. This breed makes a great companion.