Boxers are excellent watch and guard dogs. They need a lot of human interaction. Agile, athletic, strong. Some are hyperactive. They can be escape artists. It is postulated that the name Boxer came from the way the Boxer likes to use his front paws in a cat-like manner for just about everything. Boxers have very low threshold for heat and they snore due to their short muzzle.
Germany, 1800s; a German descendant of the Mastiff. The Boxer’s ancestors were two German bulldogs, the Bullenbeisser and the Barenbeisser.
Early Boxers were used for dog fighting, bull and bear baiting, cart pulling, as cattle dogs, to round up livestock and to catch and pin wild boar and bison until hunters could arrive. They later became popular theatre and circus dogs. Present day Boxers are commonly employed as police dogs and in military work.
Exuberant, courageous, alert, playful, affectionate, biddable, curious.
53.5 to 63.5 cm; 25 to 36.5 kg. Colours are fawn and brindle, usually with white markings.
Smooth, short. Low maintenance; a quick weekly brushing with a bristle brush will suffice. Keep the facial wrinkle area dry to prevent skin infection. Bathe Boxers only when necessary. An average shedder. Estimated grooming charges in Singapore: Basic, S$65-80. (Full grooming is not required.)
Various cancers (osteosarcoma), PRA, orthopaedic problems (arthritis, hip dysplasia), heart disease (cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis), dental problems, allergies, bloat, digestive difficulties (soy intolerance), enteritis, corneal ulcer. White Boxers are often blind or deaf.
High, especially when young. Boxers need daily long brisk walks and various exercises to stay in shape.
Can adapt to a large apartment if given a chance to run every day. Fairly active indoors, does best with an average sized yard. Boxers get overheated or chilled easily.
Excellent with the whole family, including children, although they can be too boisterous for very small children. They like friendly strangers also, if properly introduced, but are suspicious of unannounced visitors. Males may be aggressive with dogs they do not know. Not recommended to be left unsupervised with non-canine pets.
High, but these dogs can be stubborn and need early obedience training. Best with an experienced trainer.
Obedience, agility, therapy dog, police work.
