At-A-Glance:  The Boxer Dog Breed

The Boxer is considered to be an all-time favorite breed among dog enthusiasts. Why?  Because this dog has a very outgoing personality, playful, and attentive to its owners and training commands. The Boxer makes a perfect addition to a family who enjoys an active lifestyle.  They are generally well behaved with other household pets and are friendly towards children.

The Boxer is a short-haired, stocky, medium-sized dog breed with a square-jawed muzzle. An adult Boxer typically weighs between 55-70 pounds and stands between 21-25 inches tall at the shoulders.

During World War I, the Boxer was used for military work (e.g. pack-carrier, messenger dog, attack and guard dog).  But it was not until after World War II that the Boxer became popular around the world. It is reported that Boxer mascots, taken home by returning soldiers, introduced the dogs to a much wider audience.  Boxers soon became favorites as companions, as guard dogs and as show dogs.

The Boxer dog breed has an average life span of anywhere between eight to ten years. Veterinarians recommend that Boxer dog owners have their animals specifically tested for health issues such as hip dysplasia, cardiac issues, and potential thyroid problems.

There are a few major health concerns that seem to be typical with the Boxer breed, and they are SAS, CHD, and Boxer cardiomyopathy. Minor concerns include  corneal erosion, gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, and colitis. Occasionally, the Boxer dog breed may develop brain tumors or degenerative myelopathy.

Grooming is very simple with the Boxer.  Due to his short coat, you'll only need an occasional brushing once weekly in order to remove dead hairs.

Boxers are best suited for living indoors with their family. Hot weather is not this dogs best preference in terms of temperature.   He prefers a cooler atmosphere so if you keep your Boxer outdoors for any length of time, be sure that there is plenty of shaded area for him to rest when overheated.