Mary Allen
This seasoned working dog was bred in Germany from early Mastiff breeds and was first shown at a show in Munich in 1895. It became popular in the USA at the beginning of the 20th century and was introduced to England after the First World War. This strong, lively, and active dog was immediately used for various jobs as well as as a pet and its popularity has not waned since.
Boxer – the seasoned working dog
Originally, the boxer was bred as a flexible working dog; today he enjoys greater popularity as a companion dog.
Despite his seemingly combative face, the Boxer has a playful, whimsical side that may surprise those unfamiliar with the breed.
The powerful, boisterous dog is slow to mature and quite long-lived. Since he sometimes retains the goofy demeanor of a puppy until he is three or four years old, he can be a bit of a hassle to train.
Due to her funny and lovable nature, many owners find it difficult to stay consistent. In this way, some specimens of this breed train their people to become great treat lovers. Boxers are nevertheless excellent family dogs.
However, since their impetuous, sometimes pushy nature overwhelms small children, they are more suitable for slightly older and steadfast children. The dog can also prove to be a blessing to parents, with dog and child playing together for hours and then sleeping blissfully.
While they get along well with people, Boxers can sometimes be a bit belligerent with other dogs. Many dogs do not “understand” boxers either, as many still have their tails docked. Thus, an extremely important means of expression is omitted, which can ensure that the canine counterpart perceives the boxer as a threat.
Although the breed is generally very hardy, they have inbred blemishes: a fungus can grow in the folds around the muzzle. Boxers cannot tolerate extreme temperatures because their snout is much too short. Dogs can suffer from heat stroke when it is hot because they are not as good at acclimatizing by panting as other dogs. When it’s cold, Boxers tend to catch colds.
Appearance
His square building is characterized by a powerful musculature that allows him to act extremely quickly. Typical of this dog are its muzzle with the protruding lower jaw and the vertical forehead.
With its reverse jaw closure, it can hold its prey for a long time and breathe at the same time. Boxers have a stocky body with a strong chest and a slightly tucked-up stomach. Their head is powerful and medium-sized, and dark eyes give the dog a serious look. The edges of the lids must be dark in color.
The high set, thin ears are set wide apart at the sides. When at rest they lie close to the banks, while when alert they fall forward in a fold. The coat is short, hard, shiny, and close-lying. The coat can be yellow in various shades of brindle, possibly with white markings.
The tail is set high and is carried upwards and is generally docked to a length of 5cm. In addition to clear eyes, profuse salivation, a white coat, or white markings covering more than a third of the body are also considered faults.
Care
To keep the coat in good condition, it only needs to be brushed with a soft brush every now and then – especially during moulting. The short-haired coat requires little care and there is no shedding in the apartment. Boxers turn out to be very picky when it comes to nutrition. You have to find out what food is right for them gradually, and rarely make exceptions. Because of their sensitivity to cold, Boxers should sleep indoors or in a heated kennel during the winter.
Temperament
The Boxer is a happy, outgoing, and outgoing dog, always ready to play or work. Especially when he is young, he tends to be a bit cocky. He runs fast, jumps well, and has exceptional bravery and discipline.
This breed loves the company of children and adapts extremely well to family life. However, boxers do not accept violence in training. If the training methods are too harsh, they become stubborn and refuse to follow orders. This dog wants to “understand” why a certain behavior is desired from him in order to please his master. The bitches make excellent babysitters for children in the house and are fertile mothers themselves (7-10 puppies).
Since boxers usually have their tails heavily docked, they tend to move their entire hind quarters in a typical way in moments of excitement, happiness, or joy, circling their master while doing so. Because they have a strong fighting spirit, they like to fight with other dogs.
Upbringing
Much of the time the owner will be busy trying to rein in their dog’s boisterous temperament. Boxers are “big” puppies and will retain their childish behavior for a long time. But that’s also what makes them so unique. Nevertheless, with all the jokes and fun, one should not neglect education. Precisely because they are large dogs, you should pay attention to good basic obedience. Strictness has no place in upbringing! The boxer is sensitive and learns much better through positive conditioning.
Area of life
Whether they are indoors or in the garden, Boxers only want to be with their own family. They are very clean and adapt to cramped quarters as long as their relationship with their master is satisfactory. You need a lot of exercises. They suffer from loneliness: If they have to guard a garden or yard alone, this makes them unhappy and they gradually lose their positive character traits. The consequences are even worse if a boxer is left chained for a long time.
Compatibility
Boxers are downright famous for being good with children. A well-socialized puppy should therefore not cause any problems in contact with other pets or conspecifics. The nature of the Boxer is basically affectionate but depends heavily on the “role model” of its owner.
Movement
You should offer the dog as many opportunities for physical exercise as possible, then it will feel in its element. Adult boxers can walk next to the bike (ATTENTION: Not in summer! Always pay attention to the condition of the dog! Due to their short muzzle, they tend to overheat quickly). But they also love to romp and play with other dogs and – even more – a ball game with their owner.