The Boxer
By Arlo the Hound with help from Honor Tarpenning
My family adopted me a new brother a couple of weeks ago but he came down with kennel cough and still needed to be neutered, so we didn’t get to bring him home until last Wednesday. He is a year old boxer whom we adopted from The Harford County Humane Society. He was surrendered by his previous owners because they felt he was “too active.”
Appearance
Boxers are large, sturdy, muscular dogs. They have a barrel chest and short, blunt muzzle. Their ears, when left natural, are thin and floppy, falling forward. Adult males measure 23 to 25 inches, females measure 21 ½ to 23 ½ inches at the withers. They weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. In the United States, boxers’ tails are typically cropped.
Coat and Grooming
Boxers have a short, close coat which requires little maintenance. The acceptable collars are brindle, fawn, and red. They often have flashes of white and a black mask on the face. They require no more than a weekly brushing with a stiff brush to remove dead hair, and the occasional bath. Care should be taken to not bathe them too often; this will dry out their skin and strip the coat of essential oils.
Health
Boxers have a life expectancy of around 10 years. They are prone to cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis, and hip dysplasia. Boxers often have sensitive stomachs. Their diets should be monitored carefully, as if they are fed rich food or food they are not used to it can cause stomach upset and excessive flatulence. They can also be prone to epilepsy and skin allergies. Boxers also tend to exhibit extreme slobbering and snoring. They are highly temperature-sensitive and should not be kept outdoors for extended periods of time.
Temperament
Fearless and loyal, with fantastic hearing, boxers make excellent guard dogs. They are known for being extremely patient and good with children. They are playful and high-spirited. Boxers are whimsical, highly playful and prone to jump up. Proper training can teach your boxer to keep “four on the floor.” Boxers are also markedly snuggly, and seem to think they are much smaller than they are. They are referred to as the 70lb lap dog.
Exercise Needs
Boxers need plenty of exercise, but long, daily walks and plenty of play will suffice. Without this exercise they become destructive and high-strung, and develop anxiety disorders. Boxers are both strong and stubborn and require a dominant owner. Lines must be clearly defined if the owner does not want to be walked by the dog.
Fun Facts
-Though the boxer bloodline can be traced back to the 1600’s, the first modern boxers were bred in the mid 1800’s.
-The boxer was accepted into the AKC in 1904.
-The boxer was ranked the 6th most popular dog in the United States by the AKC in 2008.
-Boxers are named for their almost catlike use of their front paws, especially when playing or fighting.
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