Boxer Breed Profile
KC Group Working
Size Large
Weight 25-32kg
Height 53-63cm
Average lifespan 10-12 years
Good with children? Yes
Good guard dogs? Possibly
Moulting level Low
Grooming Light
Exercise requirement Lots
Jogging partner Yes
Temperament Enthusiastic, playful, reliable and protective
Boxer Breed Profile
Boxer dog popularity
Full of energy and exuberance, when it comes to the popularity stakes the Boxer is top dog in the working group. In 2014, there were 4,146 puppy registrations for the Boxer. Although registrations were slightly down last year, at 3,479, this fun-loving breed is still miles ahead of his nearest competitor in the group. Tim Hutchings, secretary of the Cotswold Boxer Club, said there were two reasons why the Boxer continued to thrive."Many breeds in the working group are less popular nowadays, with people leaning more towards smaller dogs. But when it comes to working breeds, there is no better all-round family dog than the Boxer. They are the family dog par excellence," said Tim.
Carrying himself with a self-assured nature and exhibiting great strength and poise, the Boxer needs firm handling and effective early socialization in order to contain their over-excitable character traits.
Boxer dog history
The Boxer originated in Germany. The Germans developed various hunting hounds, including a type of dog known as the Bullenbeisser, meaning ‘bull biter'. It is believed the Boxer, a refined version of the Bullenbeisser, may have got its name from a corruption of the word ‘beisser'. A bitch descended from this stock was mated to an English Bulldog named Tom in the late 1800s, producing the first Boxer to be registered in the German stud book. This dog's sister is considered to be the matriarch of the breed. The Germans began breeding Boxers in earnest in the early 1900s, establishing type and developing a sturdy but elegant working dog. A woman called Friederun Stockmann became involved, whose von Dom kennels laid the foundations for the Boxer in the UK and USA.
Boxer dog character
Described as an active and fun breed, the Boxer retains an almost puppy-like attitude through much of its life making it an ideal family pet. They thrive in busy, active households where they receive plenty of stimulation. They will also show great loyalty to their family and exhibit strong guarding instincts. "Boxers are fantastic with children, have short coats, and are relatively easy to look after. "There's something quite nice about the Boxer - they make you feel special and that the family unit is something to look after.
"They have a history as a protective breed and you can still see elements of that; they possess a degree of protectiveness. "They can be distrustful of strangers until they are accepted by their owners."Affectionately referring to the Boxer as a clown was an accurate description, explained Tim."They just have a love of life," he said. "From the moment they open their eyes in the morning, Boxers are 100 per cent enthusiastic. From age 10 they start to slow down, but they don't really get old."the family dog par excellence," said Tim.
"Boxers are fantastic with children, have short coats, and are relatively easy to look after."There's something quite nice about the Boxer - they make you feel special and that the family unit is something to look after. "They have a history as a protective breed and you can still see elements of that; they possess a degree of protectiveness. "They can be distrustful of strangers until they are accepted by their owners."Affectionately referring to the Boxer as a clown was an accurate description, explained Tim. "They just have a love of life," he said. "From the moment they open their eyes in the morning, Boxers are 100 per cent enthusiastic. From age 10 they start to slow down, but they don't really get old.
Boxer dog size
Dogs should measure between 57-63cm and weigh no more than 32kg, whilst bitches should be between 53-59cm and weigh up to 27kg
Boxer dog activity levels
Boxers can engage in a full range of activities including obedience, agility, and heel-work to music. When it comes to trainability Boxers have a mind of their own, but with time and patience owners can achieve much success. On a day to day basis Boxers require a 30-minute walk in the morning followed by an hour's walk in the afternoon, including off-lead exercise.
Boxer dog health
Generally a healthy and uncomplicated breed. There are a few issues to be mindful of, including juvenile kidney disease, cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, and a predisposition to cancer. Their excitable and interested nature makes them prone to the occasional accident!
Boxer dog care
As with the Boston Terrier, the short muzzle of the Boxer makes it prone to suffer in excessively hot or cold conditions.
For a Boxer ideally a house with a garden is preferable, but they can live without a garden as long as they get enough outdoor exercise.
Boxers are good with other pets provided they are introduced sensibly and from a young age.
Five ways boxers will make you laugh
- The Boxer is known as the clown of the dog world, as they love to entertain.
- They are very loving towards their family and are always happy to see you. Don't be surprised to be lavished with lots of sloppy kisses.
- Boxers have a real zest for life, particularly young Boxers. They will want to play, play, and play.
- They can master a number of facial expressions that are guaranteed to amuse.
- Boxers like to bounce, leap, and playfully swipe at things with their paws, so bear this in mind.
Remember! All breed profiles are general and every dog is an individual.