Thursday, June 14, 2012

Dog Breed Profile: BOXERS

Are you thinking about getting a new dog?
Is a Boxer on your list of choices?
Before you go to pick out a dog, here is some information that may help you to decide if a Boxer is the right dog for you and your family. 
Lucy playing with her pig toy
Origin: 
Boxers originated in Germany and have been found in Europe since the 16th Century. They were originally hunting dogs, and used for fighting and bull baiting until the practice was outlawed in Germany in the mid-nineteenth century. Boxers have also been used as police and military dogs, performance dogs, and general companions. They were rarely seen in North America until World War II, when servicemen became interested in the breed.
The name 'BOXER" comes from their tendency to use their forelegs when fighting.

Physical Description:
Medium size, compact, muscular, and squarely built. The Boxer is exemplary in it combination of stylish elegance with Strength and Agility. Its stride is free and ground-covering, with a proud carriage. Its head is distinctive with a broad, blunt muzzle and alert expression. Its coat is short and shiny.

Height: 21 - 25 inches     Weight: 50 - 80 lbs
Life Expectancy:  8-10 years

Temperament:
The Boxer is a fun-loving and playful dog that is extremely loyal and affectionate with family. They are exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing. It is a perfect companion for an active family. They are excellent with children and generally good with other pets, and make friends easily.

Exercise:
They are extremely energetic but only have moderate exercise needs.  They need daily mental and physical exertion, they like to run but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or a long walk on a leash. They love to play with people, and other dogs.

Training: 
Boxers are fairly easily trained. They do require a moderate amount of attention.

Grooming Needs:
They have a very short coat needing bathing only as required and occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Nails should be trimmed once a month to keep them short, and ears checked regularly for the presence of debris and odour.

Best Owner:
The boxer does well with families, or in single owner households. They can live comfortably in house, apartments, or any dwelling provided they are getting the attention and play time they like/require.

Potential Health Concerns:
breathing problems, cardiac problems, various skin conditions, many types of cancers, thyroid disease, eye problems, orthopaedic problems, Gastro-intestinal conditions, and many more.

Before getting a Boxer puppy, it is recommended to look into getting pet insurance as Boxers tend to be one of the most costly breeds to own considering all of their potential health concerns. 
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