Boxer Information Guide

Boxer Dog Breed Information

Boxer Dog Breed History

The Boxer was developed in Munich, Germany, toward the end of the 19th century. Aiming to produce a medium-sized security dog, breeders combined the Bulldog with the mastiff-type Bullenbeisser. The breed was first registered in Germany in 1904 but attracted little notice until the end of World War I when returning soldiers brought several of the handsome dogs back to this continent.

This German breed has been around for more than 100 years, the result of crossing the Bulldog with a Mastiff-type dog called the Bullenbeisser. Initially registered as a breed in 1904, the Boxer did not become known in North America until after the end of World War I, when it was brought back home by Canadian and American soldiers returning from war. Since then, the Boxer has charmed it's way into the hearts and homes of dog lovers the world over. Boxers are very popular in Canada and the USA, due to both their outstanding good looks, and their wonderful temperament. Boxers are one of the best breeds for families with young children.

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Boxer Appearance

Height/Weight: Adult Boxers range from 21-24 in (53-61 cm) at the withers.
Coat: The typical Boxer coat is short, shiny and lies smooth and tight to the body.
Colour: The colours are fawn or brindle, usually with white markings. A black mask on the face is required.

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Are Boxers Good With Children?

You betcha! Boxers are exceptional family dogs and are great with children - even small toddlers. Boxers love to play and romp - helping to keep your children active and lure them away from the X-Box or other computer games.

Boxer Temperament

The Boxer is an intelligent, easily trained, affectionate and companionable breed that loves to play with family and friends alike. Extremely patient with children, the Boxer makes an exceptional family pet. The Boxer is alert, fearless, and generally friendly (although Boxers don't make a fool of themselves as some breeds do!) Families with smaller children should definitely consider the Boxer as their choice for a family dog.

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Boxer Life Expectancy

Boxers are fairly long-lived for a larger dog breed. The Boxers' average life span is 11 to 14 years.

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Boxer Exercise Requirements

Boxers are fun, spirited dogs that love to romp and play and need a good daily walk or a half hour game of fetch in the back yard to keep them happy and healthy.

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Boxer Grooming Needs

The Boxer is a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. The Boxer's shiny coat requires very little care - a weekly rubdown with a bristle brush is all that's needed to keep your Boxer looking and feeling his or her best! It's also a good idea to keep your Boxer's nails trimmed and ears cleaned.

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Boxer Health Problems

Cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, tumors, allergies, heart problems, drooling, snoring, flatulence, deafness (in white Boxers). A responsible Boxer dog breeder will be aware of the prevalence of these conditions in the breed and carefully screen their dogs prior to breeding to reduce the chances of puppies developing these conditions.

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Training Your Boxer

A highly intelligent breed, Boxers are fairly easy to train. As with all breeds, it's best to start early - from puppyhood. Boxers are born athletes, and they excel in dog related sports and activities such as flyball, agility and obedience. The Boxer's exceptional temperament and intelligence make it well-suited as a service dog or therapy dog.

For information on house training Boxer Puppies, click here.