HISTORY OF THE BOXER BREED
Country of Origin:
The Boxer was bred in Germany from the Bulldog
and the now extinct Bullenbeisser ('bull-biter').
It was bred to chase, bite, and hold onto large game such as dear and boar.
The Boxer's name may be derived from the German 'Boxl' for 'short trousers'
or from the dog's tendency to stand on its hind legs and swing its forelegs when
fighting or playing. U.S. soldiers brought the Boxer home to America where it became
a popular pet (the seventh most popular U.S. breed as of 2006) after World War II.
In the last century, Boxers have also been put to work as messenger dogs, guard dogs,
cattle herders, and police dogs.
Temperament:
The Boxer gets along especially well with children.
They also get along well with other dogs and household pets, Males and Females Boxers may fight each other on occasion.
They are naturally inclined to protect you and your family from strangers.
Boxers are friendly, lively companions that are popular as family dogs. Their suspicion of strangers,
alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. They sometimes appear at dog agility
or obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs,
guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep.
The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs,
pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Boxers have an average lifespan of 10-12 years.
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Size:
The Boxer has a shoulder height of 53-63 cm (21-25 in) and weighs 24-32 kg (53-70 lbs).
Boxers are strong, compact, and agile, with broad powerful jaws and a small nose which enables
it to breathe while hanging onto an animal. Boxers have docked tails and may have cropped ears.
They have a distinctive head with long lower jaws and broad muzzles.
The Boxers head should be unwrinkled, with slight wrinkles on the forehead when concentrating.
The Boxer has an arched skull, sloping shoulders, and high tail. Boxers carry themselves proudly.
Character:
The Boxer is happy, friendly, intelligent, attentive, and loyal. Boxers develop strong,
close bonds with family. They have lots of energy and a serious demeanor, though they can be clownish and playful as well.
They like to grab and carry around just about anything they can in their mouths.
Boxers tend to get rowdy when the food bowl is empty. They make excellent guardians and companions.
Our first boxer Hoss |
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