Boxer | Dog Size, Life Expectancy, Personality & Care

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

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Boxer, smooth-haired working dog named for its manner of “boxing” with its sturdy front paws when fighting. The Boxer, developed in Germany but with roots traceable to ancient Assyria, includes strains of Bulldog and Great Dane in its heritage. Historically, the dog was a big-game hunter. “In medieval times,” reports the American Kennel Club, the breed’s larger ancestor (the Bullenbeisser) was “used by noblemen to run down, catch, and hold such formidable opponents as bear, bison, and wild boar on vast ducal estates.” Because of its reputation for courage, aggressiveness, and intelligence, the Boxer has been widely used in police work but is also valued as a watchdog and a companion. It is a trim, squarely built dog with a short square-shaped muzzle, a black mask on its face, and a shiny short-haired coat of fawn (reddish brown) or brindle.

Care and upkeep

Because of its high energy, a Boxer requires a great deal of exercise. It should have a securely fenced yard, though it generally should not be left alone. The breed enjoys walks on lead, runs in safe areas, and games of fetch or other vigorous activities. Many also like playing in water. Mental exercise is equally important. Boxers should be trained not only so that they are well behaved but also because they enjoy the mental challenge of learning new things. They can excel in dog sports including obedience and agility competitions.

Coat care is simple and consists of weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Dogs with especially deep wrinkles may need to have them cleaned and dried.

Because it is brachycephalic (short-headed), the breed may experience problems of the throat and breathing passages that limit the amount of air reaching the lungs. This causes the dog’s panting to be less effective, making cooling down difficult. Thus, Boxers do not do well in hot weather and can die of overheating. They do best in temperate weather. The breed is prone to a fatal arrhythmia and should be screened by a veterinary cardiologist. In addition, Boxers are susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, and puppies should be raised on a large-breed puppy food, which slows the rate of growth and lessens the risk of dysplasia.

Temperament

Although Boxers may look grumpy, they are extremely playful and loving. A highly energetic dog, the Boxer frequently applies that enthusiasm to everything it does. A Boxer is moderately friendly to other dogs, strangers, and pets but extremely affectionate to its own family. The breed is well suited for active people, but it may be too boisterous for older individuals or the very young. Highly intelligent, it learns quickly despite occasional stubbornness. Boxers generally only bark when there is cause, and they are good watchdogs and outstanding protection dogs. The breed also makes excellent service dogs.

These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.