Canine 411: All About The Boxer Dog Breed

It’s hard not to love boxers. Named for their distinctive look when standing on their hindquarters’ boxing’, they are a famous mid-sized guard dog with a unique set of features. Boxers have been used as guide dogs, military dogs, cattle dogs, and athletes. And Boxers are charismatic and love to be with their people. But what sets the Boxer dog breed apart from other mid-sized canines and keeps lovers of the breed coming back for more?

Read on to discover all Boxer dog breed…

dog fact

Boxers were initially much larger in appearance.

While the boxer breed as we know it has only been around since the late 1800s, they can trace their genealogy as far back as medieval Germany. Then, the now extinct Bullenbeisser was a popular breed of hunting dog for German noblemen as its large size made it able to easily hunt big game like bears, deer, and wild boar. When the feudal system eventually crumbled, there was no longer a demand for the larger canines. They were slowly crossbred with smaller breeds until they finally settled into the modern Boxer we know today. In 1895, the first boxer club was founded in Munich. They went on to publish a breed standard in 1904. 
boxer dog facts

The boxer dog breed didn’t arrive in America until the late 1930s.

All American boxers can trace their lineage back to “the four Horsemen of Boxerdom.” These four male Boxers, Sigurd, Lustig, Utz, and Dorian, were all considered paragons of their breed and sired many puppies that would form the foundation of the American breed. Currently, the American Kennel Club lists Boxers as the 14th most popular dog in America, beating out Great Danes, Siberian Huskies, and Doberman Pinschers for the spot.
boxer dog

Boxers have either fawn or Brindle colored coats, often with a white underbelly and matching feet.

 The Boxer’s traditional look has come under fire recently as any animal rights activists believe cosmetic procedures such as ear cropping and tail docking are an unnecessary risk. Thankfully, more and more Boxers are going ‘au natural’ as the standard changes.
When showing Boxers, the size and overall construction of the head plays a crucial role in the judging process. The ideal muzzle should be “1⁄3 the length of the head from the occiput to the tip of the nose, and 2⁄3 the width of the skull.” Unfortunately, this distinctive shape can sometimes cause difficulty breathing. Boxer owners are encouraged to monitor their dog’s on sweltering days so that they don’t accidentally overwork their airways and collapse.
boxers

Roughly 25% of boxers are white in appearance.

This is due to an extreme piebald gene covering the existing fawn or brindle markings with a white overlay. In the past, most Breeders euthanized white Boxer pups as they were more prone to congenital deafness and carried a higher risk of skin cancer, but nowadays, most breeders chose to neuter them and adopt them out to loving homes. 
facts about boxers

Boxers make excellent pets. 

These dogs are incredibly loyal to their families and are notoriously great with children. They can be a bit defensive when meeting strangers, but can easily overcome that with proper training. Any Boxer owner will attest these dogs can be stubborn in certain situations. But, it’s all worth it to see them happily do their signature “kidney Bean” dance.

Did you learn anything new and interesting about our canine companions? Share this article with another dog lover that you know so they can learn something, too.

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