Boxer Dog Breed

The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany in 1895 and was the result of cross breeding between Bullenbeisers, which are now extinct, Mastiffs, Terriers, and Bulldogs.

They were developed in part because of the sport of bull-baiting. A bull would essentially be placed inside of a ring shaped pit where dogs would attempt to immobilize them.

Bull baiting would eventually be outlawed, and the Boxers became popular as working dogs for slaughterhouses that needed to keep livestock subdued in the slaughteryard. It is speculated that the Boxers name comes from the German word "Boxl", which was the German name for the dogs while in the slaughteryards.

The Boxers would soon leave their dark history behind them as they grew in popularity as German police dogs and family pets. The AKC would recognize the breed in the early 1900s; however, they would reach their highest popularity in the mid 1940s following World War II.

Boxer Dog Breed: Temperament

The Boxer is the most energized, affectionate, and playful canine you will ever encounter. If you are an active individual, then this may be the perfect dog for you.

They can be very obedient when properly trained, but are always on the look out for fun and games. They will typically be accepting of other pets in the household, but are wary of dogs they are not familiar with.

This breed offers protection for the family without sacrificing the happy go lucky attitude that is oftentimes missing from other guard dogs. The downside of this breed (If you want to call it that) is that the design of their nose causes them to snore!

Boxer Dog Breed: Health

Boxers naturally are energetic fireballs, and it will take more than a walk around the block to extinguish the flames. Ideally they should have a safe place to run and play games to tire themselves out, but if a large yard is not available a daily jog on the leash around the neighborhood will suffice.

This breed is ill equipped to live outdoors as their tolerance for cold is moderate, and their tolerance for heat is negligible. They should be allowed to live indoors and have the option to have full run of the yard if they wish to do so. The grooming requirements can be met by a once a month combing to get rid of any dead hair.

The most serious health conditions that are correlated with this breed are canine hip dysplasia, boxer cardiomyopathy, and subvascular aortic stenosis. Lesser associated health risks include colitis, corneal erosion, hypothyroidism, and gastric torsion.

It should also be noted that predominantely white boxers can have hearing impairments.

Boxers will on average live to be 8-10 years old.