Boxer
Posted: 02/15/2023 | BY: Content Writer
Boxer Dog Breed Profile
Pet profile
Ideal for energetic families who have plenty of outdoor space.
- Medium to large (53cm to 63.5cm)
- Typically weighing between 27kg and 32kg
- 8 to 14 years life expectancy
Boxers are known for their lively and excitable personalities. The boxer breed is extremely loyal and great with kids, making them a popular dog breed with families.
Boxer puppies are notoriously lively and have a keen enthusiasm for playing, exploring their environment and surroundings, and experiencing all that life has to offer.
Ideally, the Boxer breed should be in a larger home with a big yard for them to run around in. However, providing you stay active with your Boxer, they will be happy living in a smaller living space.
As a Boxer matures, they will become much calmer. For this reason, adult Boxer dogs make excellent guard dogs. The life expectancy of a boxer is 9-12 years since they are a larger breed.
History Of Boxer Dogs
Boxer dogs are ancestors of an extinct German dog breed from the early 20th century called the Bullenbeisser, which was a big game hunting dog originally bred to hunt wild boar.
By the 1800s, this breed was bred to be sleeker and smaller, creating the modern-day boxer. Boxers are named after the way they spar with their front paws when they play, like an athletic boxer.
Boxers were first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904, and in the 1950s, they grew in popularity. Today, boxers are a very loved and recognized breed.
Characteristics of Boxer Dogs
The boxer is a muscular, athletic breed with a short coat. A boxer’s coat is usually brindle or fawn, with a black mask and sometimes white markings.
Boxers can look intimidating as guard dogs, but really they are generally big lovers and can even be used as therapy dogs.
With early socialization, boxer dogs are usually great with kids and other dogs.
Adopting A Boxer From A Breeder Or Rescue
When adopting a boxer puppy, be sure to get them from a reputable boxer breeder. Boxers can have hip dysplasia run in their lineage, but a breeder recommended by the American boxer club or American kennel club can reduce the risk of poor breeding.
You can also find boxers from a boxer rescue or general shelter. As young dogs, boxer puppies can overwhelm dog owners because they are high energy dogs. They are intelligent dogs, and with training, they make great pets.
Exercise And Nutrition Of Boxer Dogs
As Boxers are one of the most energetic dog breeds, it’s no surprise that they require up to two hours of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy.
However, pet parents must be cautious in hot weather. Boxers don’t do well in the heat due to the shape of their nose and head.
A Boxer needs nutritious, high-quality dog food to keep up their energy levels and stay in good health. The amount of food to give your Boxer depends on his size, age, and activity levels.
Always consult the label or a trained veterinarian if you are unsure how much to feed your dog or how frequently.
Common health problems and illnesses
Boxers do have their share of health issues, which is why it’s a good idea to take out dog insurance for your Boxer while they’re still a puppy.
Bloating is common in Boxers due to their wide torsos, narrow waists, and tendency to over-inhale while eating. It is a serious health problem that can lead to gastric torsion, a condition whereby the dog’s stomach twists and cuts off circulation to the stomach and spleen.
This condition can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
Deafness is reasonably common in white Boxers with an estimated 20% suffering from hearing problems.
Also known as heart arrhythmia, this condition causes the heart to beat erratically and can result in sudden collapse and death. It is difficult to screen for, which means Boxer owners must always remain vigilant for signs of the disease.
These occur as a result of a scratch or damage to the eye’s surface. If one of your dog’s eyes becomes watery, develops a discharge or develops a sensitivity to light, consult your veterinarian for advice.
Mast cell tumors are the most common type of malignant tumors is dogs. These tumors occur when mast cells, that help the dog’s body to fight infection, overmultiply and become diseased.
If you discover any unusual lumps or bumps on your dog’s body, always get them checked out by your veterinarian.
Hypothyroidism occurs when your dog doesn’t produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Symptoms include lethargy, hair loss on your dog’s neck, thighs and tails, and sudden weight gain.
Your veterinarian will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and prescribe a course of supplements to help manage the condition going forward.
Aortic stenosis and right ventricular cardiomyopathy are two of the most heart problems affecting Boxers. Cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition that causes bleeding in the heart and is sometimes more commonly known as arrhythmia.
Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows and obstructs the normal flow of blood in the heart.
A veterinarian can normally identify if your dog is suffering from one of these conditions during a routine check-up. If diagnosed early, aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy can be easily treated with medication.
Fun Facts About Boxer Dogs
- Boxers come in various types of coloring, including brindle, fawn, and white.
- One Boxer holds the world record for having the longest tongue in the world at 17 inches long.
- Boxers used to have their ears cropped and tails docked so wild animals couldn’t grab hold of them easily whilst on a hunt.
- Boxers are known to snore due to their short noses.
- Boxers have a German ancestry.