by: Ron Swerdfiger

Country of Origin: Germany

First Registered: 1904

Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings

Coat Type: Short, glossy and smooth

Height: 21 - 25 inches

Weight: 66 - 70 lbs.

Life Span: 10 - 12 Years

Average Litter Size: 5 – 10

Health Concerns:. May have problems with heart murmurs, skin tumors, digestive problems and hypothyroidism

Temperament: good-natured, affectionate, sociable, headstrong, high-energy

Active, playful, loyal, family oriented, are just a few of the characteristics of the boxer. A breed full of love for people and a zest for life, the boxer can be an ideal family dog. The boxer is unlike any other breed. Often discribed as the "clown," of the dog cummunity, boxers are a class all their own.. Those who own boxers can attest to their unique characteristics.

With their lean muscular builds, smooth coats, and square stance, the boxer is truly an impressive looking animal. Being a working class breed, the boxer domonstrates an instinctive willinness to please, while at the same time showing an alertness, caution and courage in the face of the unknown.

However, the boxer is NOT for everyone. Being a breed of high-energy, they require plenty of love, and even more patience.

So, if you are considering owning a boxer, web-rover.com offers some information on this wonderful breed.

Origin

Originally breed in Germany, it is believe that the boxer is of Brabanter Bullenbessier descent. The Bullenbeisser was used by the elite to hunt wild boar in and around the 1800's In order to prevent injury during the hunt, the ears were cropped.

As time passed the the Barbanter Bullenbeisser was used by cattle dealers, and by the end of the 1800's was officially recognized as a working class dog. As well as being renowned for being an intelligent working dog, the Barbanter Bullenbessier was recognized as an excellent companion dog who was always eager to please humans.. When not working, the breed was known to be an excellent family pet, who was great with childern.

It is believed that around 1830, the Babnanter Bullenbeisser was bred with an early breed of the English Bulldog, and thus, the boxer was born.

In the early days of the breed, many changes took place. Many older pictures show boxers as being white. It is believed that white boxers were no longer accepted because in order to be police dogs, a darker coat was needed. Therefore, the Boxer Klub of Germany set the breed standard to no longer allow white boxers. To this day, there is still huge debate over white boxers.

Typical Boxer Characteristics

- The boxer is an extremely high-energy dog. As a result, they need a great deal of attention and supervisoin.

- The boxer is an intelligent dog. As should be with all dogs, the boxer needs obedience training on a regular basis starting from a young pup. Being a bright energetic breed, they will find many ways to get in to trouble if not properly trained and watched.

- Boxers are typically great with childern. If properly socialized from a pup, the boxer makes an ideal playmate.

The boxer is a natural guardian. Always alert, the boxer is on constant guard. Usually weary of strangers, and always protective of their people.

- The boxer temmperment is "fundemntally playful," but if threadted will display unwaverying courage..

Here are some "other" characistics of the boxer that you most likey wont find in any dog book

laying on back, feet up, not a care!

GAS...bad gass

Kidney Beans (the boxer dance)

Boxer Woo Woo Song

Catching bugs

Using paws in cat like movements

Zipping around the backyard for no apparent reason.

Bounces like a rabbit when running at times

The "woo woo" song

Lay their head on you like it is too heavy to hold up!

Constatnly following their humans whereever they go.

So is a boxer right for you?

The boxer is an affectionate loyal dog, that if treated with love and respect can be a wonderful addition to any household. Yet the boxer is also a a dog with very high energy, who will need strict obedience and even more patience.. The key is to properly socialize and train your dog from a young age. By doing so, you and your dog will both enjoy your time together more more.

So If you are looking for a dog who will lay at your feet, only occasionaly moving to eat, or keeps to himself and requires little attention,then maybe a boxer isn't exactly what you need. But If you want a dog who is full of life and a constant source of entertainment then perhaps a boxer is exactly what you need.

For more great info on the boxer, visit web-rover.com and check out the boxer forum