Breed Profile –
Boxer Dog |
The Boxer is a medium-sized security dog.
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| Group: |
Working |
Uses: |
Guardian |
| Color: |
Fawn or brindle with a black mask; white markings not to exceed one-third of the coat. |
Coat: |
Short, shiny, lying smooth and tight to the body. |
| Life Span: |
10 to 12 years |
Grooming: |
Routine brushing to control shedding; minimal bathing; regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. |
| Height: |
Males, 22 to 25 inches; Females, 21 to 23 inches. |
Weight: |
65 to 80 pounds with females generally 15 pounds less |
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General Information
The AKC standard describes the Boxer as a "‘hearing' guard dog," thus also making him a definitive choice for the deaf. Not only does the Boxer offer his ears and eyes to humankind, he also offers his nose! As a search and rescue dog, the Boxer has assisted rescue workers in emergencies, such as earthquakes and avalanches. The Boxer is able to "sniff" out lost individuals buried under knee-deep snow, rock or rubble.
Since Boxers are so people-oriented, they care very little about their living environment. He is sweet, good-humored, family-oriented, trainable and adaptable. Boxers are people dogs, devoutly attached to their families and protective of them. Today's Boxer is indeed a stylish companion dog as well as a guardian.
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Physical Characteristics
The Boxer was developed in Germany as a medium-sized security dog. The head is the most distinctive feature of the Boxer. The breed standard dictates that it must be in perfect proportion to the body. The Boxer breed was were originally docked and cropped, and this tradition is still traditional in some countries. Docking is the removal of portions of an animal's tail or ears. Recently, due to pressure from animal rights groups, veterinary associations as well as the general public, cropping of the ears and tail has been prohibited in many countries.
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Health and Training
To say that the Boxer is trainable is not to say that he is easily trained. A dedicated owner, who understands the way a Boxer thinks, will have very few problems training the Boxer. Unlike his ancestors, Boxers tend to ask "why" before they execute a command—especially before they execute a command four or five times simultaneously.
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Other Info
Is the Boxer the Right Dog for You?
Although it's fascinating to learn about the origins of our beloved Boxer, few of us today can relate to those butcher-dog legends. We can imagine, however, that the dog used to pin a wild boar to the forest floor needed courage, stamina and determination. These are three desirable qualities for a protection dog, which the Boxer delivers today with real style. Nonetheless, the breed today has overcome this primitive mentality and is a resourceful, intelligent dog.
There are many endearing qualities that characterize the Boxer breed. He is sweet, good-humored, family-oriented, trainable and adaptable. The temperament of the Boxer cannot be compromised. Of all the working dogs, the Boxer stands out for the sweetness of his character. A mean Boxer is an oxymoron: no such animal should exist. Today's Boxer is indeed a stylish companion dog as well as a guardian. He is gentle with children, respectful of the elderly and obedient to each family member. Boxers recognize friends instinctively.
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