Boxer Facts: Boxer Dog Breed And Fun Facts About It

Are you owned by a Boxer? Then you already know how loyal, playful, energetic, and intelligent the Boxer dog breed can be. No dog combines strength and elegance with more flair than this dapper breed. Read on for a few fun Boxer facts!

Always alert and steadfast, a Boxer will be your true companion through thick and thin. If you live an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, the Boxer just might be the ideal breed for you. Oh, and did we mention that they’re darn good looking too?

The Origins of the Boxer Dog Breed

The Boxer dog is a beloved and popular breed, but where did it first come from? This noble pup can be traced back to Germany in the late 19th century, bred from the now-extinct Bullenbeiszer and the now extremely rare Bulldog.

This working dog has been used as a police or military dog, guide dog for the blind, and its more traditional job–guard duties. It was acknowledged by the American Kennel Club in 1904 and continued to gain worldwide popularity.

Today, Boxers are best known for their telltale squashed face and trademark sense of humor. They make for devoted family companions and need plenty of playtime with their human friends. If you’re looking for a pup that will bring plenty of laughter into your home, then you’re sure to love this lovable breed!

A Distinctive Appearance

The Boxer is a formidable and striking breed renowned for its unique stance, build, and coat. Its iconic square head has a short muzzle and wide-set eyes. Its body is muscular and stocky, with a deep chest and short back. The tail is usually short and fat.

The coat comes in three distinct colors: fawn, brindle or white. Fawn coats have a range of shades, including tan, orange, and light yellow. 
Brindles have dark stripes against the base coat color, while white Boxers typically include one or both colors. The coat is short and glossy, requiring minimal grooming or maintenance.

Additionally, all Boxers have their signature wrinkles! These wrinkles are particularly prominent on the forehead of puppies but lessen as they age. By adulthood, these folds are more subtle but still recognizable features that define the breed’s look.

Temperament and Personality

Regarding the boxer dog breed, people often talk about their personality and temperament. So what kind of temperament and personality can you expect from a Boxer dog?

Boxer dogs are generally known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness. They're often called “clowns of the dog world” for their sense of humor, which means they’ll do things like bark or act goofy to make you laugh.

They make excellent family dogs because they love children and get along well with other animals. They're also protective—so much so that some refer to them as “natural guard dogs” — and are naturally alert to potential threats.

When training your Boxer dog, you can expect him or her to quickly learn commands thanks to his or her intelligence. But they may have a stubborn streak—because they are so bright, they may try to think themselves out of your commands. Be sure to stay patient and consistent when training them.

And lastly, when it comes to exercise needs, a Boxer dog will need regular exercise—but they don't require too much since they are medium-sized dogs. A daily walk and some play time indoors or outdoors in the yard should suffice.

All in all, when it comes temperament and personality of boxer dogs, you can expect them to be brilliant and loyal companions who won't hesitate to jump up onto your lap for cuddles after playtime!

Common Health Conditions For A Pet Parent To Be Aware Of

While this breed is generally healthy with proper maintenance, there’s still a few common threats to their canine lifetime health which owners should keep an eye out for. According to the US Boxer Association, here are a few conditions to be wary of:

Cancer

Boxers are at risk of getting cancer, which can develop from varying parts and organs in their body. Examples include the brain, mammary glands, heart, and blood. It’s usually divided into two types: benign and malignant.

Benign tumors are generally easier to treat, with surgical removal often being enough of a deterrent for further complications. Malign tumors need more specific and expensive treatments, although there are associations that can be contacted for support (such as the USBA).

Heart Disease

Heart disease is another common condition among the breed, as they tend to develop heart murmurs. Medically termed Aortic Stenosis (AS), the aortic valve in a pup’s heart starts to narrow and makes it hard for them to breathe.

Often, dogs with these conditions do not show any symptoms. On the other hand, those with severe AS will experience lethargy, shortness of breath, and even fainting. If your pup doesn’t want to do any exercise every time, then there’s a probability that they’re suffering from this condition.

To check for symptoms of this disease, it is important to have routine physical examinations with a veterinarian. Electrocardiography and echocardiogram are often used to confirm a diagnosis of AS.

Cardiomyopathy

Even though they’re both heart problems, cardiomyopathy differs from heart disease. This condition concerns dogs with irregular heartbeat, which can cause fainting or sudden heart failure among pups.

Although some treatments are available for pups suffering from this condition, they can only prevent rapid development toward heart failure. The disease remains irreversible and a lifetime burden for these pups.

Interesting Boxer Facts and Trivia

If you’re a proud dog shirt owner, you’re probably looking for more fun facts about this breed. Fret not, for this article is here to provide. Here’s a few more things to know about this fun dog breed:

1.  Boxers love to play, like seriously, these pups are quite the energy machines. They’re active, affectionate, and mischievous at times, which makes for quite the boisterous playtime.
   They may be a tad too energetic when playing with their human or doggy friends, so it’s not advised for busy people to get one.
2.  These pups make some amazing watchdogs. They can easily recognize people they know and bark to alert their owners of strangers. It makes them a perfect choice for people who want more security.
3. They’re also known for being loyal companions, although they usually bond closely with just one family member (much like cats). They have an average life expectancy of ten to twelve years.
4. The average weight for the males in this breed is 65-80 pounds. For females, it’s slightly less at 55-70 pounds.
5. The American Kennel Club officially only recognizes fawn (tan) or brindle (tiger stripes) pups to be a full boxer breed. Even so, around 18%  of these dogs are actually born white.
   While the AKC does not recognize them, they can still participate in competitions. They can be registered only if the owner pledges not to use them for breeding purposes, as white Boxers are often associated with skin allergies and hearing loss.

FAQ

Are Boxers dangerous?

Although this dog descended from a line of fighting dogs, they're not more prone to aggressiveness than any other dog breed. As long as proper social enrichment is provided, you can be sure that this pup will become a wonderful addition to your family.

Do they make good running dogs?

While they can be very playful companions, these dogs aren't built to be running companions. Of course, they still need regular exercise, but endurance running is better left for long-snouted dogs such as Dobermans and Spaniels.

Where can I get a Boxer dog?

You can check your local shelter to see if there's one available, although you can also buy one from reputable sellers. The latter you can find endorsed by the AKC.