Boxer Dog Breed (Health Problems, History, Temperament & Facts)
Boxer Dog History
The Boxer is a relatively modern breed, dating back to the late 1890’s, originating in Germany.
The first entry in the German Boxer Stud Book was a dog named Flocki, who was entered at the Munich Show in 1895. His sire was an English Bulldog named Tom. His dam was a brindle German bitch who’s ancestry went back to the Bullenbeisser, who was used for bull baiting and other similar sports of the time.
Boxer Dog Characteristics
The Boxer was bred to be medium sized, strong and muscular, smooth coated, with great nobility. He is trustworthy, loyal and loving to his family and makes an ideal family pet. Although he has a reputation as the clown of the canine world, (you need to have a sense of humour to own a Boxer), he is also very sensitive and looks very woebegone and sorry for himself when he gets into trouble.
He is intelligent, quick to learn, very clean in his habits, and easy to house train. He is also quite strong willed so you need to be kind but firm when handling him, as he need no encouragement to be silly.
Ball games are very popular and children are much appreciated by this fun loving breed, but they are gentle with very young children and older people. He is a people loving dog and does not respond well to be left on his own for long periods of time.
Boxer Health Problems & Issues
Most reputable breeders now belong to “The Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme” so their breeding stock should have passed all the health tests required by the Kennel Club. Boxers need to be graded for Aortic Stenosis or any other heart murmur. They are also prone to tumours, mostly benign but they need to be checked.
- Hip Dysplasia is not considered to be a problem in the breed.
- It is now illegal for Boxers born in England Scotland and Wales to be docked except for health reasons.
- While dewclaws are usually removed from the front legs, hind dewclaws are rare.
- A reasonable amount of exercise is necessary to keep a Boxer fit and healthy, a brisk walk for half an hour to three quarters of an hour daily at least, but they love to go on a much longer walk if possible.
- Puppies should only go on short walks until he is at least 6 months old.
- Most Boxers live a long and healthy life, 12/13 years is quite normal.