Boxer Dog Breed | Boxer Dog Breed Facts! Learn 8 Interesting Facts of the Boxer
Like 0 Dislike 0 Published on 20 May 2017
Boxer - Dog Breed
The Breed History
This breed originates from Tibetan lines of mastiff dogs; progressive development of the modern breed type has occurred since the 16th century, primarily in Germany. A breed club established the first breed standard in Munich in the late 1800s. The breed is a bulldog type, and these trace back to Molossus bloodlines. Other bloodlines bred into the boxer include terrier and perhaps English Bulldogs. The boxer is thought to get his name from the way he used his front paws during fights since it resembled a human boxing action. Others feel the name is a derivative of the Germanic word boxl. The year 1904 marked the first AKC registry.
Breeding for Function
In Germany, the boxer was a top choice for police work. Before fighting and baiting were outlawed, this breed was also used for these old sports. In Germany, the breed was used for hunting large game such as boars or bears and their powerful jaws were used to secure the catch. They were also used in theater and circus. The boxer was also used as a watchdog, assistance dog, and has become a very popular companion and obedience dog.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 21-23.5" (53.5-60 cm), male 22.5-25" (57-63.5 cm).
Weight: females 55-65 lb (25-29.5 kg), males 65-80 lb (29.5-36.5 kg). Males are heavier boned.
Coat: The short glossy coat is brindle or fawn. White marking ("flash") is allowed over up to one third of the coat. All-white pups can be born, but are not used for breeding. The mask is usually black. Longevity: 11-13 years.
Points of Conformation: This dog is a medium-built athletic dog with well-developed musculature, and a springy stride. The brachycephalic head is broad and the muzzle is blunt and broad. Eyes are dark brown, and the forehead wrinkles when ears are pricked. Ears are usually cropped and the nose is black, a distinct stop is present, and a slight prognathism is the standard. The topline slopes slightly down towards the back end, they have a deep thorax with a short back and a slight tuck-up is standard. Dewclaws may be removed and tails are generally docked. Feet are compact, with well-knuckled toes.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Boxer breed characteristics reported include: A dog with high intelligence, independent minded, and possessing excellent strength and stamina. He is a watchdog and a good defender and loves to be around children. This breed is sometimes aloof with strangers, but enjoys close human contact. They are bred for a stable temperament and can be very playful, even boisterous. They are considered high-energy dogs and should be given daily exercise and play sessions to help them keep fit and mentally challenged. Training and socialization should be consistent and start early. These dogs may snore and can drool. They have low grooming needs, and are low shedders. They tolerate temperature extremes poorly. They should not be off-leash because of their well developed chase and fight instincts.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Heart size, based on the vertebral heart scale is normally larger than other breeds.
Boxer dogs may have an increased relative thickness of the LVW and IVS that is independent of aortic size, aortic velocity, or arterial blood pressure, and this morphology should be taken into consideration when screening Boxers by echocardiography.
A natural bob-tail Boxer line has been developed due to the heterozygous dominant expression of the T gene. Homozygous dominant individuals are pre-natally lethal.
Drug Sensitivities
Boxers have reportedly had severe reactions to injectable (IV or IM) acepromazine, including profound hypotension, collapse, respiratory arrest, and profound bradycardia.