The history of the Boxer as a unique breed begins late in the last century in the area of Munich, Germany. The Germans did not begin to breed dogs seriously and scientifically until that time, although various types of dogs had existed in Germany as in England and the Continent - from time immemorial. As far back as the time of the ancient Assyrians, more than 2000 B.C., a strain of dogs with powerful build, heavy head and great courage was bred and used in war. Centuries later the name of Molossian was given to dogs of this type, named from the city of Molossian Hound (or Molossus/Molossis) in Epirus, in what is today Albania. These dogs spread across the continent and became the ancestors to the German Bullenbeisser. In England, selective breeding produced a taller, stronger dog than the original Molossian Hound and this formed the foundation of the modern Mastiff. Later, the English crossed their Mastiff with fast running hounds to produce the Englische Dogge (a more primitive English Mastiff - some sources claim it is a primitive Great Dane, but there is debate about this). However, the Germans continued to use the Bullenbeisser as a hunting dog for quite some time.
A Boxer club had been formed in Munich in 1895, and the founders drew up the first Boxer Standard as a guide for their future breeding. Much of this first standard still remains in the Boxer standards of today. As any good dog club should, they held a dog show as soon as possible. A picture of the Boxers in that show still survives. The modern Boxer began in the late-nineteenth century in Germany with Alt’s Flora, a brindle bitch imported from France by George Alt of Munich. Flora was bred to a local Boxer whose name was never recorded. A fawn and white male from this litter, Lechner’s Box, was then bred back to his mother who produced Alt’s Flora II and Alt’s Schecken. Schecken, when paired in 1895 with a white bulldog called “Dr Toneissen’s Tom” in the records, became the dam of the first Boxer registered in the first stud book in 1904, Mühlbauer’s Flocki.
Between 1898 and 1910 there was a high degree of inbreeding, common in the early stages of a breed’s development. Setting the genetic characteristics for a new breed cannot be done in any other way. The subsequent offspring dominate all present-day pedigrees worldwide.
The Boxer’s most notable characteristic is his desire for human affection. Though his spirited bearing, square jaw, and cleanly muscled body suggest the well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is happiest when he is with people–especially children, watching protectively over their play. His short smooth coat, handsome chiseled head, and striking silhouette never fail to excite comments from passersby as he trots jauntily by your side with neck arched and tail held erect. He is truly a “dog for all seasons,” suiting the need for household guardian, attractive companion, and children’s playmate and loyal friend.
The Boxer’s official classification in the “Working Group” of dogs is a natural. His keenest sense, that of hearing, makes him an instinctive guard dog, always alert. Although always vigilant, the Boxer is not a nervous breed, and will not bark without cause. He has judgment, and an uncanny sense of distinguishing between friend and intruder. One of the delightful qualities that sets the Boxer apart is the unique expressiveness of his face. The skin furrowing of the forehead, the dark, “soulful” eyes, and at times almost human attempts to “converse,” make his replacement by another breed difficult for one who has owned a Boxer. He mimics the mood of his master and can spend hours quietly lying at his feet.
Boxers make wonderful service dogs and therapy dogs, guides for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, even seizure alert dogs for those who suffer from epilepsy. They were used as guards and couriers during war, and perform beautifully as narcotics detectors, police dogs, and in search and rescue operations.
Boxers are very intelligent, very high-energy, and very playful dogs that need to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers.
Few boxers bark excessively. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Many boxers vocalize in other ways, however, and make a growling noise that are both used in general communication with their owner and during play.
Some boxers drool excessively, and some snort and snore. Like other larger dogs, boxers are not particularly long-lived. Their life expectancy ranges from 7 to 10 years, on average.
The Boxer breed name has many theories as to its origin. Some theories suggest that it comes from the German word "boxl," which means "short pants." This may be in reference to the very common color pattern on many Boxers having white on their feet that usually extend up the leg, giving a pant-like appearance to the brown section of the coat on the upper legs.
The most popular theory is that they are named for the manner of “boxing” with their front paws when fighting and playing. This may be the case, but many other breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, do the same. Personally, I prefer the pans theory if for no other reason than it being somewhat funny.
Behavior and Training
Be aware of this breed's distinct personality traits. It is essential to make yourself aware of the type of dog that you are going to handle, as well as the right time to start training your puppy. Ideally, Boxer training is not initiated until the Boxer pup turns three weeks old. During this period, he is able to learn how to obey simple commands which will make the upcoming training more effective. Furthermore, Boxer owners must know the various characteristics that this type of canine possesses. The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands great attention. Boxers are renowned for their great love and faithfulness to their master and households. They are harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers; bright and friendly at play, but brave and determined when aroused. The Boxer's intelligence and willing tractability, its modesty, and cleanliness make it a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. This breed is extremely loyal, and is never mean or treacherous even in its old age. However, you must keep an eye on the precipitating factors for his anguish when it does appear and find out the reason for his unpleasant behavior right away, so that his frustration does not become part of his personality.
Socialization is vital. Boxer dogs need interaction during the entire training process. Boxer puppies, in general, love to fool around, be with other human beings, and need some form of recreation. If integrated into the training environment, your dog will grow up more responsible. Boxers do not like being loners. They need to socialize with others just like humans. If not properly socialized or interacted with on a regular basis, Boxer aggression problems such as biting, chasing and barking loudly might arise unexpectedly and be difficult to correct.
Providing regular exercise is VITAL. Boxer training should also include having your dog exercise. It can be a kind of sport or any outdoor activity. The key is to keep him active and agile, which helps him manage his energy levels when indoors. This exercise can be anything from a nice afternoon walk to playing a sport with him such as tossing a ball or frisbee. Boxers enjoy moving around, frolicking, and playing for hours. More movement means more strength and vigor for your dog. Be mindful of the heat during all outdoor play with a Boxer.
The Boxer does not have a high tolerance for either extreme heat or cold, and he should always be kept inside the house as a beloved member of the family.
Ethical breeders screen their breed-stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, thyroid deficiency, degenerative myelopathy, and certain cancers. The website of the breed's national parent club, the American Boxer Club (link in resources below), provides in-depth details about the breed's health and care. This breed is prone to more health issues than most, so the number of recommended tests are high but also very important. If you are buying a puppy, be sure to get one from an ethical breeder!
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
Hip Certification
Thyroid Certification
AS/SAS Cardio
Aortic Valve Disease
Holter Monitor Testing for Boxer Cardiomyopathy, Annually
Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) - DNA Test
Elbow Certification
Resources:
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