Mary Allen
The German Boxer is a playful and affectionate dog that can be found in many German homes. In the profile, you get all the information you need about the dog breed. 😉
History of the German Boxer
Originally, the German boxer descended from the bull and bear biters, which are now extinct. The European princes in the Middle Ages bred these dogs specifically for bear and wild boar hunting. The wide mouth with an underbite and the upturned nose made it possible for the dog to breathe easily while holding the prey. After the dissolution of principalities and the invention of firearms, hunting dogs slowly fell out of fashion.
Only a few private individuals kept a Bullenbeisser as a guard and protection dog. Unfortunately, the Germans also used the dog for bloody show fights against bulls or other dogs. Around 1850 the first breeders began to cross the Brabant Bullenbeisser with English bulldogs and the German Boxer was born. The now-founded German Boxer Club specialized in breeding a dog with a friendly nature. Internationally, the FCI assigns the Boxer to Group 2, Section 2.1 “Great Dane Dogs”.
Traits and Character Traits
The German Boxer is an even-tempered and sociable dog that learns quickly. He has a pronounced play instinct and a strong urge to move, which he does not lose even in old age. With his friendly nature, he is an excellent companion for children. The dog is initially suspicious of strangers, but never aggressive or snappy.
Still, he is a good watchdog, diligently protecting his family and territory. The intelligent boxer is not easily distracted and remains fixed when given a task. However, if a command does not make sense to him, the dog will be stubborn and prefer to do his own thing. The combination of stubbornness and temperament make him by no means a beginner’s dog. With the appropriate education and socialization, he becomes a great and loyal companion in everyday life.
How Do I Keep a German Boxer?
Considerations before purchasing
Before you get yourself a German Boxer, you should be absolutely sure that the breed suits you. After all, you bind yourself to the animal for the next 10 to 12 years and want to offer it a species-appropriate life. If you are willing to invest a lot of time in keeping your dog busy and busy, you are on the right track. You also need to familiarize yourself with the breed’s idiosyncrasies and make sure the whole family is okay with the purchase.
So if you have decided on a boxer puppy, you should start looking for a reputable breeder. It is best if he is affiliated with the Boxer-Club e.V. and has experience with breeding. Here you get a purebred and healthy puppy, but you have to reckon with prices of 1000 to 1400€.
You can get away cheaper if you get a German Boxer or a crossbreed from the animal shelter. There are always poor boxers who get into trouble through no fault of their own. However, you should keep your distance from cheap offers on the Internet, since the dogs are usually born under the worst conditions and serve purely as a source of money.
Puppy education and development
The German Boxer is a breed that matures very late and is not considered fully grown until the age of three. So he needs a little longer and you shouldn’t overwhelm him. As a puppy, he needs good socialization as little Boxers tend to “box” other dogs to encourage play. Unfortunately, many conspecifics do not understand this and feel attacked.
The best way to solve this communication problem is to let the puppy get in touch with other dogs at a dog school at an early age. When training a German Boxer puppy, you should always be positive and never put too much pressure on them. The boxer can be a real stubborn person, which is why you can only reach your goal with consistency and patience.
Activities and Utilization
The German Boxer is an active and playful dog that needs a lot of exercises. It is available for long walks as well as for hiking, jogging, or cycling. In addition, he is very happy about every kind of play and is particularly enthusiastic about the ball and tug games. Contact with other dogs, with whom he can let off steam, is particularly important.
Due to the character disposition, he is also ideal as a guard, companion, and sports dog. If you want to raise your dog’s training to a professional level, you can also train the Boxer, as a recognized service dog, to be a rescue dog. In addition to enough physical exercise, the German boxer also needs a suitable level of mental workload. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can make your dog happy without much effort.