Boxer Information & Boxer Dog Facts

The Boxer as we know him today is a handsome, athletic dog, well-known for his affectionate nature.  He makes an excellent family companion and he loves children.  However, these powerful dogs were developed in Germany in the 19th century from dogs of the Molosser type for dog fighting.  They are fearless and will instinctively protect their families, but they are never used for this purpose now.

History

Molossers and dogs of the Mastiff type, called the Bullenbeisser, were well-known in Europe in the 16th century and these dogs were the early ancestors of the Boxer.  The breed is related to virtually all of the bulldog breeds which were used for fighting at one time.  These early Boxer-type dogs were also used for stag and boar hunting, where courage was very important.  However, after dogfighting was banned in Germany in the 19th century, efforts were made to retain their historic courage but channel it into a new direction.  Other breeds, such as the British Bulldog, were added and the modern Boxer was created.

The Boxer was used for military work during World War I, acting as a messenger, attack dog and guard dog, and even carrying supplies.  With their intelligence and trainability, Boxers have even been used as guides for the blind.  They have also been used as police dogs and service animals.  Boxers are very versatile and have been very successful in obedience and agility competitions and at flyball tournaments.

Temperament

Today’s Boxer is a medium-sized, powerful dog.  They are known for their intelligence and devotion.  They are protective dogs and they take special care of children.  The Boxer has a strong desire for affection so they need an owner or a family who has time for them and who will give them plenty of attention.  He is typically reserved with strangers but welcoming with friends.

The Boxer is a very active breed and they do require plenty of exercise.  Otherwise they can develop the same kind of behavior problems as other breeds who don’t get enough exercise — chewing, digging, barking, and so on.  With enough exercise they don’t usually have any of these issues.

credit: sollyth

Boxers usually accept training very well, provided that it is positive training.  They are intelligent dogs and they don’t enjoy constant repetition or harsh corrections.  However, they have a happy, playful nature and they respond very well to positive reinforcement such as clicker training and training that is based on praise and rewards.  The more fun training is for them, the faster and better they will learn.

Appearance

The Boxer has a large, squared bracycephalic (short-nosed) head which makes him immediately recognizable.  Owners claim that the breed uses its front paws more than other breeds in a “boxing” manner, though this is probably not where the breed’s name came from.  It’s more likely that the name came from one of various German nicknames given to dogs of this type.

Boxers have a short, smooth coat that is usually fawn or brindle in color.  It’s very easy to care for their coat.  They simply need to be brushed regularly to prevent excess shedding.  You should bathe your Boxer as needed.  Boxers are typically a very clean breed.  Ears are cropped or not, depending on the custom and law where you live.  Tails are docked or not, depending on the custom and law where you live.  Many Boxers have a black mask on their face and they frequently carry a great deal of white on their chest and legs, with some white on their faces.

So-called “white” Boxers, or dogs with white markings making up more than 30 percent of their coat, are not albinos and they aren’t rare at all.  It’s estimated that they make up about a quarter of the Boxers born.  However, they are not allowed to compete in conformation events by kennel clubs.  They can, however, compete in obedience and agility and there is no reason they can’t be good pets.  It should be noted, however, that they have a higher chance of being deaf, developing cancer and some other genetic health problems.  For all these reasons they should not be bred.

Male Boxers usually weigh 65-99 lbs (29-45 kg).  Female Boxers weigh 50-60 lbs (23-27 kg).  Males stand 22-25 inches tall (56-63 cms).  Females stand 21-23.5 inches (53-60 cms).  The average litter size is around 6-8 puppies.  The average life expectancy for a Boxer is about 10-12 years.  The Boxer is accepted by all major kennel clubs.

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Learn more about the ‘Ultimate Boxer Dog Handbook’ …