
	PETS AND ANIMALS

Boxer Dog Breed

As with most breeds, the exact origin of the Boxer is uncertain. The best guess is that he is a cross between a Great Dane and an English Bulldog, and that he was developed to fight with boars and to bait bulls. Bred to be both a guard and a playmate, the Boxer has a well-controlled temper. He is renowned for his great love for his owner, as well as for his faithfulness to the entire family. He is alert, fearless, independent, modest and trustworthy with children.

The ancestors of this well-known breed were the German Bullenbeisser and the English Bulldog. Boxer The Bullenbeisser had been used for centuries to hunt bear, boar and deer. Its task was to hold fast on the nose of the prey until the hunters arrived to kill it. In later years, this breed grew smaller and was then called the Brabanter.

In the 19th century it was this smaller type of Bullenbeisser that was to be crossed with an English Bulldog to start the line that would lead to the modern Boxer. Particularly tolerant and protective of children, the Boxer loves to join in their games whenever the opportunity arises and will take any kind of mauling and roughhousing. Even in old age, a Boxer never fails to be interested in family activities - in short, this is a fun-loving, energetic dog with a way of edging itself into the hearts of all those who come to know it. Bred to be both a guard dog and a playmate, the Boxer has a well-controlled temper that sometimes breaks out. Faced with danger it becomes determined and brave, but with its human family he is docile and affectionate. This breed is generally obedient and easily taught.

As a short-haired dog, he is clean, easy to take care of. Unlike some other similar breeds, he is not good in extremes of heat and cold.

Boxer Breed Outline

FCI Official Name	Boxer
Country of Origin:	Germany
Classification FCI:	Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds. Section 2.1 - Molossoid breeds, mastiff type.
Utilization:	Companion, Guard and Working Dog.
AKC Classification:	Working Group
Personality:	Intelligent, playful, fun-loving, even-tempered, affectionate, very devoted to its owner. The Boxer is weary of strangers and makes an excellent protection dog. When threatened, they exhibit fearless courage that would deter most intruders. They are highly adaptive to the home environment and will not claim all your spare time.
Size:	Medium
Height:	21-25 inches at shoulders
Weight:	55-60 lbs;
Colors:	Fawn or brindle : Fawn comes in various shades from light fawn to dark deer red but the most attractive shades are in the middle range (red fawn). Black mask. The brindle variety : fawn background of varying shades has dark or black stripes running parallel to ribs. Stripes must contrast distinctly to ground color. White markings should not be discarded.
Average Litter Size:	6
Life Span:	10-12 years
Grooming Requirements:	A quick brushing will be sufficient.
Shedding:	Moderate
Social skills:	Gets along with familiar dogs quite well, but can be aggressive toward strange dogs.
Suitability for Children:	The well-bred Boxer is gentle, fun loving and patient with children. He may be wary of unfamiliar children.
Exercise Needs:	Very high. The Boxer needs plenty of daily exercise (2 hours daily would be ideal for this high energy dog).
Train Ability:	Easy to train but can be stubborn.
Health Issues: Boxers are considered strong and sturdy dogs, but they suffer from several genetic diseases which include:
Aortic Stenosis Dilated Cardiomyopathy (CDM) Corneal Dystrophy Atopy (Allergic Dermatitis) Atrial Septal Defect Cervical Vertebral Instability Cryptorchidism Cutaneous Asthenia Deafness Demodicosis Dermoid sinus Gastric dilatation-volvulus (Bloat) Hip Dysplasia Gingival hyperplasia Histiocytic ulcerative colitis Mastocytoma	Oligodendroglioma Cystinuria Pulmonic Stenosis Endocardial fibroelastosis Ulcerative keratitis (Corneal ulcers) Vaginal hyperplasia Factor II Hypoprothrombinemia Distichiasis Esophageal dilation Spondylosis deformity Sinus arrhythmia Central and peripheral neuropathy Carotid body tumors Fibrosarcoma Melanoma Histiocytoma (Malignant histiocytosis) Hypothyroidism Progressive Retinal Atrophy - PRA Pyloric Stenosis Sick sinus syndrome Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) abnormalities - "cherry eye" von Willebrand's Disease Ectropion Cataracts Epilepsy Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Negative Characteristics:	Many Boxers are aggressive toward dogs of the same sex. They have been known to chase and injure cats. They snort, drool and snore pretty loudly.