Versatile boxers

The boxer is recorded as the sixth most popular dog breed in the US.  This medium-sized dog breed normally have short, smooth, shiny and intact coat.   They also come in different colors such as brindle or fawn, black mask and are usually seen with some distinguishing white markings, although some are plain.   Facial features of the boxer include a square-shaped muzzle, an under bite with usually very sturdy jaws, loose cheeks and round bobby eyes.

Its name was actually a moniker which pertains to its tendency to stand on its rear legs when playing and “boxing” with its paws.    Originated and developed from Germany, this stocky dog’s decent can be traced from several breeds of dogs including the bulldog and the mastiff and the now extinct Bellenbeisser breed.  Part of the Molosser group, the early boxer was stabilized by three Germans who decided to include the breed in a dog show exhibition in 1895.  The first boxer breed standard which contained a description of the breed similar to that of the modern boxers was published in 1904   It was later on introduced and made known to the rest of the Western world during the late 19th century.  In 1904, the American Kennel Club recognized and included the boxer breed in their list of dog breeds.

Boxers are well-known to make ideal companions and family dogs.  They also make great guard dogs as they appear very alert, intelligent and suspicious of strangers.  They are also very agile and strong which makes them good K9 dog candidates along with the German Shepherd.  Apart from their used as K9 dogs, the military often use them as good messengers, pack carriers and guard dogs capable of making attacks to intruders and enemies during war.   They are also used as service and guide dogs for the blind and some of them were used as herding dogs for cattle and sheep.

Since these dogs are known to be agile and athletic, they need regular exercise and health monitoring to ensure long life and good health.  Boxers make ideal jogging companions because they love working out with their masters.  However, they are not known to be able to stand too much heat and humidity because of their head structure and make-up.  Because of this, care must be taken when working out and during prolonged outdoor activities.  An owner must ensure that the dog gets its much needed rest after each workout.

Boxers also have a number of known health conditions including cancers, heart problems, gastric dilation and bloating, intestinal problems and a number of allergies.  A malformation of the eyelids is also a common problem from some of these dogs.  These illnesses would eventually require invasive surgical treatment if not diagnosed and treated early.

As early as its birth, responsible and serious breeders subject their boxers in screen testing to be able to anticipate and diagnose possible illnesses that their pets might acquire and to be able to correct, prevent and minimize the effects of these potential problems and diseases to their pets and their future generations.