A medium-sized dog, the Boxer is nevertheless a robust dog with a powerful bone structure. The general appearance is neither heavy nor clumsy. The Boxer is a dog that rarely lives more than 10/12 years. It is therefore necessary to take advantage of this great ray of sunshine in the life of a family. It is a perfect dog for children, with whom it will play without stopping. He loves to be cuddled. Gentle, docile and intelligent, the Boxer is easy to train, although the help of a professional is recommended. He sometimes gets sick and it is necessary to take the right measures. Finally, it does not require too much maintenance.
History of the breed
The Boxer is a direct descendant of the Bullenbeisser, or Brabant Bull Dog, which was used by hunters to immobilize game chased by hounds. Over the course of selections, preference was given to dogs with a broad muzzle and a snub nose up and back.
The development of the Boxer as we know it today began at the end of the 19th century in Germany, with a female called Alt’s Flora, imported from France by a Munich breeder. A litter obtained with a local Boxer included a fawn and white male, Lechner’s Box, whose daughter Schecken in turn became the dam of the first Boxer registered in the first stud book in 1904.
The breed club was founded in Munich in 1895. Its founders established its first standard, which served as the basis for most of the reference documents in the world.
The Boxer breed was recognized by the FCI in 1955.
Physical characteristics
Its coat : short, smooth and with an excellent grip on the whole body.
Color: Fawn or brindle, with a maximum of one third white. The shades of the fawn color can vary, the red fawn being the most remarkable intermediate tone.
Its head : ideally proportioned in relation to the rest of the body. The muzzle is generally broad and powerful, and the relationship between the muzzle and the skull is mostly harmonious. The skull is ideally narrow and “cubic” in appearance.
Ears: are set high on the skull, falling forward forming a slight fold.
Eyes : dark brown, neither too small, nor bulging, nor sunken. The dog’s eyes reflect his alert and intelligent character, without appearing threatening. The contours of the eyelids are generally dark in color.
His body : massive and square, the trunk resting on robust and straight limbs. The withers are marked. The back and loins are short, broad and muscular.
Tail : of normal length and left natural. It is set higher than low.
Education
In order to achieve correct daily behavior, it is important to start training and socializing your Boxer puppy as soon as possible. It is important to opt for positive reinforcement, which will stimulate him, while using firmness. The goal is to make obedience and the application of basic rules and commands enjoyable through rewards and encouragement.
Living conditions
The Boxer appreciates indoor comfort and the proximity of his masters. However, he needs to have an outdoor space to evolve more freely and to spend time every day. In a house, the male tends to drool a little, the female slightly less. He must avoid too hot areas, as excessively high temperatures can cause serious respiratory problems. In general, it is essential to protect him from extreme weather conditions (cold and heat wave).
Health
The short muzzle characterizing the breed is associated with potential respiratory problems, especially in case of excessive heat. It is therefore advisable to never leave the animal in direct sunlight when it is hot. Like all medium to large dogs, the Boxer can be prone to heart problems and can also suffer from hip dysplasia.
During its life, it can also have aortic stenosis. Finally, this breed of dog is not immune to stomach torsion. It is therefore important to make sure that he remains calm before and after each meal.