Meet the Sporty Boxer Dog How This Breed Got Its Name

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Boxer dog photo
Large Breed Hip Dysplasia Thyroid - Hypothyroidism Cardiomyopathy Boxer

Is The Boxer Dog Good For You?

  • 1 The Boxer dog breed is known for their curiosity, friendly attitude, and intelligence.
  • 2 They get along great with other dogs and love people, especially children.
  • 3 Boxer dogs enjoy the outdoors but don’t require a very active lifestyle.

HISTORY

The Boxer we know today wasn’t developed until the 19th century in Germany. The Boxer came about as a cross between two German mastiffs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer, which were then crossed with the Bulldog. All this genetic hodgepodge yielded one great and versatile dog. The Boxer has been used for everything from hunting, to herding, entertainment, cart pulling, and dog fighting. Today, Boxers are used as watchdogs, guard dogs, and in police and military work and search and rescue.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Large

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    Lifespan

    9-11 years, though some have lived to be 13

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    Hair Length

    Short

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    Male Height

    23 to 25 inches (57 - 63cm)

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    Male Weight

    60 to 70 pounds (27 - 32kg)

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    Female Height

    21 to 23.5 inches (53 - 60cm)

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    Female Weight

    55 to 65 pounds (25 and 29kg)

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    Litter Size

    3 to 8 puppies is common with the average being 6

Personality

Very intelligent and quick to learn, the Boxer is adept in many competitive areas, such as competitive obedience and Schutzhund. They are exceptionally loyal and loving, making them ideal family dogs that are very patient with children. It is said that the name Boxer comes from the way this breed tends to use their front paws for a number of things, looking like a boxer when they try to manipulate objects with their forepaws. The Boxer needs an owner that is clearly the alpha, otherwise they will become a challenge to live with..

Color

The under-color should be tan or brindle (a mixture of brown with a sort of marbling), though the tan color may actually occur anywhere along a continuum of brown-ish colors.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of a Boxer is 14 years. The Boxer breed is susceptible to:

More on Boxers

Boxer Breed Health
Boxers' Diet to Cut Weight
How to Groom a Boxer
Train a Boxer to Not Be Aggressive to Strangers
A Boxer's Behavior

Appearance

The Boxer is a breed designed to be a fighter. They aren’t the biggest dog on the lot, but they are exceptionally powerful. Their flat face and mighty jaw were key assets when used in dog fighting. Their head should be held up by a thick neck, leading down to a lean but muscular chest and legs. The typical image of a Boxer has docked ears, but if left natural, they hang down and lie close to the head.

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