Mary Allen
The immediate ancestor of the Boxer is the small or Brabant Bullenbeisser. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the German Boxer dog breed in the profile.
His job was to grab and hold the game driven by the hounds until the hunter came and killed the prey. In 1895 the first “Boxer Club” came together in Munich, and in 1904 it drew up the first boxer standard, which was adopted by the FCI. The German Boxer has also been recognized as a service dog breed since 1924.
General Appearance
The Boxer is a medium-sized, smooth-coated, strong dog with a square build. Characteristics of this dog are its strongly developed muscles and the wide snout with the “turned up” nose. Even if he looks stocky at first glance, he is not clumsy: the movements are lively and agile. According to the breed standard, the short fur of the German Boxer is accepted in dark red to yellow or even brindle. White boxers also appear occasionally, but these are not permitted for breeding.
Behavior and temperament
The boxer combines different and contrasting characteristics. He is strong on nerves, self-confident and balanced. His calm nature and innate love for children make him a pleasant housemate who also gets along well with other animals. At the same time, he is also a good protection and companion dog: these dogs are suspicious and incorruptible towards strangers. No matter how nice and harmless the boxer may appear, there is always a relentless fighter hiding behind it: boxers are downright famous for their vigilance and courage.
Need for employment and physical activity
The German boxer needs a lot of exercise, loves long walks as well as jogging, hiking, or being accompanied by a cyclist. In addition, the Boxer is an extremely playful dog: Even at an advanced age, he is enthusiastic about balls, squeaky toys, and, above all, tugs. For the boxer, the game is a test of strength and maintenance of contacts at the same time, which is why you should be active on walks or even put in “playing hours” at home.
Upbringing
It is actually easy to train – if you pay attention to a few points. So one must not forget that the boxer has a natural sharpness that needs to be gently directed and controlled. But this may only happen without violence because the boxer is stubborn and refuses what you want to force from him. Anyone who exudes calm is patient during training and remains consistent will have no problems with the boxer.
Maintenance
The short hair requires little maintenance, occasional brushing is sufficient. However, due to their short fur, the dogs react much more sensitively to cold than other breeds.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
Boxers are prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, and osteoarthritis. One tries to get this under control by appropriate breeding. There is also an increased risk of tumor diseases.
Did you know?
The young boxer, in particular, lives up to his name by “boxing” people and other dogs vigorously because he wants to play. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the push and feels attacked or fleeing. This communication problem is solved by sending the little boxer to puppy playtime, where he learns how to express himself outside of his pack.