Boxer

Breed:

Belongs to the working breed group.

The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from this breed's tendency to begin a fight by standing on its hind legs and boxing with its front paws.

Also called the German Boxer or Deutscher Boxer, it is a medium-sized, square-built dog. The dog has a short back and tight-fitting coat.

Lively and agile, the dogs have been used as guide dogs for the blind, police dogs as well as therapy dogs.. Originally bred for hunting and holding prey, the Boxer was later used as a guard dog.

Origin:

Country/region of origin: Germany

The boxer roots originated in Germany about 100 years ago.

The ancestors of this breed were the German Bullenbeisser and Barenbeisser, dogs of Mastiff descent. They were later crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and English Bulldog. Early on, these dogs were prized for hunting and for pulling carts.

Breeding was haphazard, until the first Boxer record book started in 1904, establishing the breed standard.

In spite of its German origins, "Boxer" is an English name that suitably describes the dog's punchy fighting style. Though early Boxers may have been quite ferocious, the breed today is a very gentle and loving companion.

Personality:

The Boxer is known for its devotion, protective ability and ranks very high in intelligence and quick learning abilities.
It is a playful dog, agile and high-spirited. These dogs get along quite well with children.
A boxer can at times be stubborn and tricky.
It easily bonds very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along well with children.
It's best if obedience training is started early in a Boxer since they have a strong personality and can be difficult to train when older.

Home adjustment:

Boxers can make a wonderful companion at home, but they require hard work and commitment from your side.
They are honest in their choice of human companionship over the company of other animals; and unlike other breeds, Boxers require our friendship. They can exist in a household with other animals, but they prosper best with human contact.
The Boxer is not a breed to be left in the garden and excluded from home environment. Its temperament is such, as to live in the house with the family as a member of the family.
They do not flourish well in extreme weather, be it heat or cold. A warm bed in winter, a cool spot away from the summer's heat are its basic requirements. A good diet, fresh water keeps it in good health.
The Boxer can adapt to any lifestyle as long as its’ owner remains loving and dependable.
Training should start when it is young, and must be firm and consistent. This breed requires a dominant owner.

Care: