Boxer Dog Breed Characteristics
Height
53 to 63 cm at the shoulder
Weight
60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy
10 to 12 years
Coat Colours
Fawn, brindle
Boxer
Bright, brave and devoted
About the Boxer
The square-jawed and well-muscled Boxer looks like a pugilist, but beneath that tough exterior is a loyal and friendly dog that loves to be the life of the party. They play well with children and other dogs, and are extremely devoted to their owners.
They were originally meant to be guard dogs, but at home they tend to be silly and playful. Boxers will often break out into zoomies out of excitement, only stopping to give extra-sloppy kisses to their family members.
They are also very sensitive to human emotions, making them great as service and therapy dogs. With all these qualities, they are both excellent guard dogs and house pets, and can be counted upon to protect their owners.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Boxer, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
4/5
Friendly with Dogs
3/5
Ease of Grooming
5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Prey Drive
3/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
3/5
Good for Novice Owners
3/5
Apartment Living
3/5
Boxer Breed History
The Boxer is one of the more famous German breeds, and was bred down from the German Bullenbeisser, or bull biter. While the Bullenbeisser could be found in the Middle Ages, the ancestors of the breed go back as far as 2500 B.C., during the time of the Assyrian empire.
The modern Boxer dog was developed in the 19th century, when a breeder in Munich bred a fawn Bullenbeisser with an unknown local dog. One of the pups in that litter would be called Lechner’s Box, and would be considered the start of the Boxer line.
World War I would see the Boxer pressed into service as a messenger and guard dog. This would continue until World War II, and returning soldiers would bring home their loyal war dogs, making them popular with families.
Today they remain one of the most popular do-it-all dog breeds, and there seems to be no sign of their popularity waning.
Caring For a Boxer Puppy
- Temperament: When performing their duties, Boxers are dignified and alert, but when playing around with their family, they’re sweet and patient.
- Grooming: They are incredibly easy to groom and only need brushing once or twice a week with a hound glove or curry brush.
- Exercise: These dogs need a great deal of mental and physical stimulation. Around an hour and a half of moderate to intense exercise per day is advisable.
- Nutrition: Boxer dogs and puppies do well on commercial dog food. Adults will need three to four cups of dry dog food each day. Boxer puppies will need one to two cups, depending on their activity levels. For more exact amounts, consult with your veterinarian.
- Training: It’s easy to train a Boxer since they’re so smart and love to receive praise and treats from their owners.
How to Choose a Responsible Boxer Dog Breeder
It’s important that you buy your dog from a reputable breeder. The best Boxer breeders will be part of breeding organisations that have a set of standards and guidelines for the care and raising of their animals. By buying your puppy from one of these breeders, you will help ensure the future health of the breed, as well as the health of your puppy.
When looking for a Boxer for sale, try to schedule a visit to the breeder’s property so you can see the living conditions of their animals and meet the dam and stud, if possible. Experts at puppy breeding make sure to conduct health tests for their animals. The breeder should also be able to advise you of any genetic issues that their dogs may have.
Boxer FAQ
Can Boxers be left alone throughout the day?
No, Boxers are not suited to spending most of their time alone – they need the company of their owners or family members. Leaving a Boxer alone for an extended period may cause them to become moody and develop negative behaviours.
Are Boxers aggressive?
No. While they are excellent as guard dogs and have been used in the past as attack dogs during their military service, Boxers are not naturally aggressive. They may be trained to be aggressive on command, but a well-socialised and well-trained Boxer kept as a family pet should not be aggressive.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Boxer
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
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