The Canine Chronicles Directory
Boxer
Boxers have a medium build, muscular and sturdy body. The Boxer has a sleek short-haired
coat and the skin is tight-fitting. The skull and the wide, blunt muzzle should
be proportional. The head is slightly arched and should also have wrinkly skin which
gives the boxer their unique appearance. The lower jaw somewhat protrudes beyond
the upper jaw and bends upward. The eyes should be dark brown, rims dark - fully
pigmented and broad black nose. The ears are widely located at the highest point
of the skull and lying close to the cheek. The neck is muscular and it should have
a distinct outline to the withers. The chest should be deep, extending to the elbows.
Slightly sloped, the back should be short and straight. Boxers should have well-arched
toes and feet should resemble cat paws. Hind legs are a little longer than the front
allowing for a quick noble like gait. The tail is docked and held upward. The ears
are also generally cropped. When showing this breed, preferred colors are fawn or
brindle. Their coat can have white coloring but must not exceed 1/3 of the coat
color. Solid white is not advantageous.
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Temperament
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Boxers are exuberant, playful, strong, loyal, fearless and self-assured. They enjoy
busy households and love being around adults and children. Although they remain
puppy-like throughout their lives, they are easily trainable and make good obedience
dogs. However, due to their young at heart mentality, they can be a handful and
become mischievous when left alone for a lengthy period. Boxers are not usually
combative with other dogs but can defend themselves if the need arises. Can be aggressive
with same-sex dogs.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 22-25" ; Weight: 60-70 lbs.
Female Height: 21-24" ; Weight: 53-65 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Major health concerns include hip dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy,
and other heart problems. They may suffer from allergies. This breed may drool and
have the tendency to snore.
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Living Conditions
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Boxers will do fine with apartment living if given regular exercise. This breed
has weather sensitivities.
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Exercise
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This breed loves to go for long walks and requires lots of exercise. They love to
fetch and have long sessions of play.
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Life Expectancy
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About 11-14 years
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Grooming
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The Boxer's short hair is easy to groom with a firm bristle brush and they should
only be bathed when necessary. They groom themselves like cats, are very clean and
are average shedders.
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Origin
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Boxer's were developed by two German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the
Barenbeiszer. They were used for bull baiting and for hunting wild boar, bear and
deer during the middle ages. These dogs learned swiftly and became popular in circus
and theater acts. In the 19th century, this breed was crossed with the bulldog which
resulted in the Boxer. Despite its German origins, the English name "Boxer" was
given to this breed, due to their fighting style. In 1904, breeding was arbitrary
until the first Boxer studbook was started, stabilizing the breed standard. The
Boxer was then registered with the Kennel Club of Britain in 1933. Boxers were quite
ferocious in the early stages of their development, however today, they are gentle
and loving family companions. The Boxer is recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Guardian Dog
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