Dog lovers have different tastes when it comes to dogs. If you are a person who loves muscular, tough, and intelligent dogs, then the Boxer might be the perfect choice for you.
It is evident in its name; the Boxer is a dog that displays an incredibly athletic body. This breed is among the most popular in America for a long time. Once you see the Boxer, it is no wonder why this breed is popular.
Interestingly, the Boxer has various characteristics, which make it unique. Its powerful nature is one of its remarkable features.
Origin of the Boxer
We can trace back the history of the Boxer to thousands of years ago. The earliest records show that the Boxer’s ancestors existed on 2,500 BC, wherein ancient people used them as war dogs in the Assyrian Empire.
Moreover, other accounts show that the Boxer originated in Germany during the 19thcentury. Experts speculated the Germans bred the Boxer from a larger dog called the Bullenbeisser or the ‘bull biter.’
Similar to other dog breeds in our history, people used the Bullenbeisser as a hunting hound. Furthermore, it was not just any ordinary hunter since they used it for hunting big animals, such as bears, bison, and wild boars.
However, during the late 19th century, politicians banned traditional hunting in Germany. This act left the Bullenbeisser idle for a long time and putting it out of the spotlight. Interestingly, dog breeders from England cross-bred the Bullenbeisser with a smaller mastiff-breed, resulting in the modern Boxer.
The modern Boxer shows a more elegant appearance with its slender and muscular body. Experts derived its name from how it plays or defends itself – wherein it uses its front paws like a boxer.
Characteristics of the Boxer
Height: 21.5 – 25 inches
Weight: 65 – 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 -12 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Boxers are large dogs that could stand up to twenty-five inches tall and weighing up to eighty pounds. As mentioned earlier, it has a muscular body, which fits well with its coat. One of its distinct features is its wrinkled forehead, along with dark brown eyes. Its appearance has its resemblance to other mastiff-types, although it has a sleeker and more elegant body.
Boxers are active dogs. They are fond of working, as well as playing. Similar to human boxers, the Boxer has an athletic characteristic. Despite their incredibly strong nature, they are patient and protective, making them an excellent family dog – especially if there are children.
Moreover, they are intelligent dogs. Boxers devote to their task as watchdogs and would show great loyalty towards their family. On top of its protective nature, they are also courageous and would never back down against a threat. All of these features make the Boxer an excellent dog. Even though the Boxer itself is interesting, it is still best to train them properly. Doing this would ensure that the Boxer would work at its best as a family dog and guardian.
Caring for the Boxer
Similar to most dogs, Boxers work best with high-quality dog food. Homemade meals are also fine – provided that your local veterinarian approves them. Always be cautious in the amount of food to serve them since overfeeding could lead to obesity and other severe medical conditions. Treats work well in training them; however, make sure to control the quantity they are eating since this could also lead to obesity.
In terms of its grooming, the Boxer only has a short coat. It means that they require less maintenance compared to other dog breeds. An excellent practice to implement is to brush their coat with a hound glove at least once or twice a week to remove any dead hair. Furthermore, they need occasional baths to keep their body clean. However, if they got into something messy, don’t hesitate to clean them right away.
Moreover, their nails should be trimmed at least once a month. It would ensure that they are comfortable when walking or running and prevents their nails from harming them. Lastly, make it a habit to brush their teeth often. The best practice for brushing their teeth is daily to prevent tartar buildup on their teeth.