Before you decide to introduce a Boxer into your life, there are a few things you should know. Find out all about the Boxer breed and its grooming needs, temperament, and much more.
Transcript:Boxer Dog Breed Profile
Hi, I am Priscilla of Dandelion Boxers, and today I am going to tell you about the breed I love.
Characteristics of Boxers
Boxers are very strong dogs. They are a lot of muscle and a lot of bone. They are a very high energy dog and because they are a very high energy dog they are not good for everyone. When people contact me about getting a boxer I tell them we are used to having the furniture knocked over, and if they are willing to listen after that they may be a good candidate for a boxer. They require a lot of exercise. They also are babies. They act like puppies until about two and a half years old. you have to be prepared for that. But they can go out and run, run, run and come in, sit down and snuggle right next to you.
Are Boxers Good for Families?
Boxers are wonderful with children. They are wonderful with families. They are very loyal. They are very protective of their families. They were bred as a protection/companion dog and if you have a young child you never have to worry that your child is going to be OK with a boxer in the house. Boxers have a unique way of looking at the world. If there is a way to make comedy they will make comedy. And if you are upset or you need somebody to cheer you up they are wonderful at doing that. They are very smart.
Training a Boxer
They are extremely trainable. However, you need to know how to train a boxer. You never tell a boxer what to do. You need to convince the boxer it was its idea. You have to show them what it is you want and make a game out of it. If you make a game out of it they are very willing to try because they want to please you. The important thing to remember with a boxer is once they learn the task, move on. There are a lot of breeds where you need to do the same thing over and over again. Boxers do not need rote training. Once they get it if you don't move on, then they think, oh, maybe you want me to try it that way. And that is where you get trouble.
Grooming a Boxer
Grooming requirements are minimal. Yes you can brush them, the biggest thing you need to do are their nails and regularly give them baths, and that is about it. Because they are a very easy maintenance dog because they have the nice short coat. It is an indoor dog, because of the short coat. In the wintertime they really can not handle extreme cold and in the summer they need to be kept cool. Because they have a shorter face they do not cool as quickly as some of the other breeds.
Boxer Health and Well Being
They should be checked by a veterinarian yearly to have their hearts checked and to have their bodies checked. And because boxer hearts beat differently than other dogs it is a good idea to have a vet who is familiar with boxers. The other thing that is important to know if someone is thinking about getting a boxer: there is no such thing as a rare white boxer. When you breed a flashy boxer to another flashy boxer, chances are you will get a white dog. So if anyone tells you it is a rare white boxer, it is not. They are not rare at all.
