Boxer: The Dog That Punches

If you’ve spent any time with a boxer you’ve probably noticed two things, they are strong-bodied and like to play a lot and will get on their hindlegs to “box” their fellow canine. This breed can look tough and fierce but tell a boxer “no!” and you’ll get the sad puppy dog eyes and droopy muzzle that makes them look as if they are saying they are sorry and didn’t mean it. They are one of the top ten most popular breeds that are owned in the U.S. and are part of the working group of dogs.

History

The boxer traces its lineage to Germany. In the 19th century the dogs were developed and gained recognition after being in a dog show in 1895. The first boxer club was founded a year later. They were originally used to run down, wrestle, and hold down large game like bison and boars until their hunter/owner could arrive. The breed has split into three types, the English boxer, the American boxer, and the German boxer. The German boxer is the heaviest and strongest while the American is the lightest and smaller in size. The breed gained popularity in the U.S. after WW1 in the late 1930s.

Appearance

Boxers are medium-sized, muscular, and have short fur that is easy to maintain. They have a chiseled head with a broad, blunt muzzle. They are proportionally built and have an athletic body that is balanced. Males tend to range from 22 to 25 inches and females range from 21 to 23 inches at the withers. Boxers are usually fawn with some white and black markings or brindle. There are also white boxers but they aren’t as common. White boxers are not part of the breed standard but they have proven to be great therapy dogs and service dogs. Some boxers may have sensitive skin and break out in rashes or have seasonal allergies. Overall, they are hearty and can live 9 to 11 years or longer with good nutrition and medical care.

Personality

Boxers are intelligent, bright, playful, and energetic. They can be great with children if properly trained to not play rough with them and are natural guard dogs. They need a lot of exercise and can become bored of the same repetitive routines so introducing new toys or new stimuli is important. Boxers love to play and when they meet another boxer the play can be rough and they may jump up during intervals of chasing each other around and box with their front paws.

They can learn commands and tricks quickly and respond very well to positive reinforcement. They can be stubborn but that can be related to improper training or sometimes trying to get a boxer to leave a dog park. Boxers also have mastered the art of making worrisome expressions which can make a person feel that the dog is really listening to them or understands their moods.

Always keep them busy! Boxers love to play and track, some play fetch while others loves to chase something like a laser pointer or frisbee. They need plenty of exercise or else they may become bored and frustrated which can mean your beloved couch might be torn up. The payback for being attentive, providing outlets for play, and good nutrition is lots of sobbery drooling kisses. Boxers are also problem solvers so make sure your house is puppy-proofed and they have something to do other than figuring out how to open the fridge.

Boxers are great dogs and comical with their expressive faces. They tilt their head when you talk to them, give you a sad look when they want whatever you are eating, and love attention.

Facebook Comments

2 thoughts on “Boxer: The Dog That Punches

  1. Wonderful article – very informative, particularly about chewing up the couch and kisses.
    I know this is a comment section, but I do have two questions, if I may ask them.

    Well I will go ahead…Are they known for being powerful “pullers” with a toy in their mouths?
    Rather than fetch, our little Misty prefers to have you pull (or at least try to) the ball our from her mouth. Her mouth/jaw strength is ridiculously high. I was wondering if this is a trait for this breed. Also, with boxers belonging to the working breed, I do not know how to compliment that in a surburban environment. Actually, I am unsure how a dog’s particular “group” applies: does it mean boxers are happiest when they have a task – work – to do? If so, are there any suggestions as to what surburban tasks to give my boxer?

    Thank you ever so much to anyone who can answer my inquiries. The family loves so very much our almost two-year old boxer. Jeannine

  2. Some boxers definitely like a game of tug of war and they do have powerful jaws. It’s because of the muscles and how they wrap up and around their skull. Many people think breeds like staffordshires and such have death grips but many breeds do.

    As for “working” out your boxer – sometimes a puzzle or task will stimulate them – some dogs love to carry things, some wear little backpacks and get a sense of working, others like to try and get treats out from some toy. Many of the boxers I’ve met like to find things hidden under blankets, inside a box, etc and thrive with going to dog parks and having buddies to romp around with and burn off some energy.