Breed Spotlight: The Boxer Dog

Posted January 14, 2016

If you are preparing to add to the family, it’s essential that you do some research about the best breed for you. Whether you’re working with a breeder or planning to adopt, make sure your potential best friend suits your lifestyle and that you, in return, are able to cater to their needs.

The first breed Pawderosa Ranch is highlighting in our new “Breed Spotlight” series is the boxer. The American Kennel Club ranks the boxer as the eighth most popular dog breed and characterizes the dog by its active, bright and fun-loving personality.

Boxers are medium size in stature and are fairly low maintenance dogs that do extremely well as family watchdogs. They love children and are known for their high energy and sometimes-rambunctious tendencies.

HISTORY

Boxers were initially bred in Germany in the 19^th Century as bull baiting dogs and later used as butcher’s helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses. They were employed as watchdogs for hundreds of years and were later imported to the United States after World War I. They quickly rose to be one of the most popular breeds in America.

Ancestors of the boxer include a now extinct breed called the bullenbeisser (a member of the mastiff family) and the English bulldog.

BOXERS AT A GLANCE

Height: 21-25 inches at the withers
Weight: 65-80 pounds
Coat: Short, requires little grooming
Colors: Fawn or brindle with white markings
Build: Stocky, muscular and powerful
Personality: high-energy, playful, loyal, intelligent guard dogs, generally not aggressive toward people or other animals

HEALTH

Typically healthy and strong, boxers are still susceptible to several medical conditions. The two most common heart health issues that boxers suffer from include aortic stenosis and boxer cardiomyopathy. These diseases can be fatal. Minor digestive, glandular and digestive problems can also occur. Thyroid diseases and inflammatory bowel disease are a few of the main offenders.

ARE BOXERS THE RIGHT BREED FOR YOU?

If you are looking for a loyal dog that likes playing fetch, going on long walks and playing affectionately with the family, the boxer may be right for you. The breed needs lots of discipline and exercise to thrive, but they are great companions and courageous protectors willing to respond to anything that threatens their loved ones.