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Boxer | Boxer Dog Breed Introduction
A Boxer ( also referred to as Boxer Dog) is a medium to large short-haired mastiff-type of dog bred from Germany. It is a brachycephalic breed that is intolerant of hot weather. Boxers should be taken care of during extreme hot weather to prevent overheating. This is also a playful, energetic, and smart breed that tends to be very good with kids. Boxers are protective but also spirited with children which makes them a popular choice as family pets.
These are also athletic dogs that require adequate exercise to prevent boredom related behaviors such as licking, digging, or chewing. Naturally, a Boxer is neither vicious or aggressive. It becomes very attached to its family and it is an instinctive guardian. However, they may exhibit difficulties with larger adult dogs, especially of the same sex.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Origin | History
Boxer Dogs were developed in Germany in 1800 from the now-extinct Bullenbeisser, a descent of English Bulldogs and Mastiff. The progenitor of Boxers had been working as a hunting dog for centuries, employed in the pursuit of deer, wild boar, and bear. Bullenbeissers had a role of seizing the prey and holding it until the hunters arrived. Later on, small dogs were favored. Therefore, a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant, Belgium. It generally believed that the Brabanter Bullenbeisser is the direct progenitor of Boxer Dog breed.
By the late 19th century, a more elegant and sleeker dog had come into focus, the modern Boxer. Three Germans, R. Höpner, Friedrich Robert, and Elard König decided to stabilize the breed and put it into on exhibition at a dog show in Munich in 1896. They founded the Deutscher Boxer Club in 1895. The club published the first Boxer Standard in 1904. Boxer Dog breed was introduced in the United States in the late 19th century and to the USA around the turn of the 20th century.
During World War I, Boxers were used as guard dogs, attack dog, guard dog, and pack carrier dog. Boxer Dogs became popular around the globe after second World War. They were taken home by the returning soldiers and introduced to a wider audience soon becoming a favorite as a guard dog, show dog, and companion dog.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Boxer dog is 10 to 12 years according to the American Kennel Club. However, some have a lifespan of 9 years due to cancer, cardiac, and gastrointestinal related issues. Healthy Boxer Dogs may live up to the age of 15 years.
Signs A Boxer Dog Is Dying
At some point, pet parents will have to make a tough decision to put a Boxer Dog down. While making this decision, owners are urged to do in the best interest of the pet rather than what is best for them to avoid prolonging the suffering of the pooch. Some of the signs that Boxer Dogs exhibit while nearing the end of life include:
- Poor Coordination.
- Fatigue and Lethargy.
- Weight loss due to illness or the normal aspect of aging.
- Loss of control of bladder and/or bowel.
- Poor response to treatments.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Lack of interest in their favorite things and depression.
- Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is similar to dementia with signs including pacing at night, irritability, and fussiness.
Boxer Grooming | Boxer Dog Grooming
To set up for a successful grooming routine and vet check ups, get your Boxer Dog puppy accustomed to touch on the hindquarters, tail, body, toes, and muzzle. Boxers have a shiny, short, and smooth coat that sheds all-year round at moderate levels. Shedding may be more noticeable when they are experiencing seasonal change in Spring or Fall. Regular brushing helps to remove dead hair, visible dirt, and promote new hair growth. The coat of the Boxer dog should be brushed at least once a week using a hound glove, grooming mitt, or a rubber curry brush to keep the coat healthy and glossy.
During the seasonal shedding, at least three brushings per week if not daily are required to confine the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house. A Boxer dog is a clean pet that tends to have little dog odor. Occasional baths every 6 to 8 weeks are recommended using a mild hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. If the coat becomes visibly dirty before the bathing time, gently wipe it using a clean damp washcloth. Before a bath, ensure you brush the coat to remove dirt and dead hair. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the skin using lukewarm water to avoid irritation.
Regular baths can cause itchiness and dry skin. Just like human eyes, Boxer’s eyes get irritated with soapy water. Use canine friendly wipes or a clean damp washcloth to wipe the face. Many Boxer dogs drool. Create a routine of gently wiping between the folds on the muzzle and under the dewlaps to clean up the drool using a damp washcloth. Brush the teeth of a Boxer Dog at least twice a week if not daily to prevent excess tartar build up. Use a tasty canine toothpaste and finger toothbrush. Boxer parents are also urged to schedule professional teeth cleaning for their pets as they get older.
Ear cleaning is recommended once a week using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess dirt, wax, or debris. While cleaning the ears, check out for odor, redness, and a dark discharge since they are signs of dog’s ear infection. Clip the nails every 2 to 3 weeks. Overly grown nails make running and walking painful for your Boxer dog. Be careful while trimming the nails to avoid tearing the quick which may lead to bleeding. Regular clipping of the nails makes it easier to cut since the quick won’t grow as far as the front of the nail. Alternatively, owners may opt to use a nail file with a rounded tip or a dremel.
Boxer Dog Shedding
A Boxer Dog sheds at low levels all-year round. Although, the shed hair is more noticeable in Spring and/or Fall when experiencing seasonal change.
Boxer Shedding Brush
During the seasonal shedding, use a grooming mitt, a rubber curry brush, or a hound glove to brush the coat daily to prevent the loose hair from spreading around the the house.
Boxer Shedding Level | Boxer Shedding Season
A Boxer sheds at low levels throughout the year and heavily during Spring and/or Fall.
Boxer Coat | Boxer Dog Coat Type
A Boxer has a short, smooth, and shiny coat that lies close to the body. Due to the short coat, Boxers are sensitive to extreme temperatures. It is necessary not to expose them to intense sunshine and heat for an extended period. Owners should also keep a Boxer Dog well-hydrated. Remember to get your dog a stylish coat during chilly weather since the short coat doesn’t provide much protection against the cold.
Boxer Dog Hypoallergenic
Although a Boxer Dog is generally a clean breed and sheds at minimal levels all-year round, it is not regarded a hypoallergenic breed. This is because shedding allows the spread of hair and dander around the house which aggravates allergies. Boxers also experience heavy shedding once or twice a year. It is also prone to drooling. Dog’s hair, saliva, dander, mucus, and urine contain a protein allergen that triggers allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
How To Train A Boxer Puppy | Boxer Dog Training
A Boxer dog is an intelligent, playful, energetic, and protective breed. It is especially fiercely protective of its owners. Therefore, socialization training is key. This training starts from the age of 3 weeks while the dog is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the dog has settled in its new home. Most pet parents take their puppies home from the age of 8 weeks. Socialization helps a Boxer to grow as a well-mannered and well-adjusted canine citizen. Although, it may be a life-long process to ensure a Boxer matures to have a well-rounded temperament and personality.
To socialize a Boxer Dog, expose it to a wide range of animals, people, places, surfaces, situations, smell, sight, and sounds like baby crying sounds, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, sirens, washing machine, door bells, and whistles. Enrolling a Boxer in puppy classes will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes provide an environment where dogs can interact in a controlled setting. Puppy classes also empower owners to identify and correct bad habits such as growling when resource guarding food and toys. These classes also ensure the parent can access the required information and assistance when training this breed.
Keep the training sessions short and fun for a period of 5 to 10 minutes distributed throughout the day. In the beginning, training will mostly revolve about building a rapport and engagement by being a source of fun for your dog and playing games. It also recommended to exercise your energetic Boxer Dog before training to decrease the energy levels and also allow the pet to concentrate a little better. However, puppies should not indulge in vigorous exercise before the age of 18 months until the growth plates close.
Even though, a Boxer Dog is eager to learn, it may be stubborn. Fortunately, they respond well to positive reinforcements methods like petting, verbal praise, toys, playtime, and use of treats such as small pieces of hot dog or chicken. Based on their working-breed characteristics and intelligence, use of harsh correction methods such as yelling, shoving, punching, kicking, beating, and use of prong or choke collars has proven to have limited usefulness.
From the age of 8 weeks, start teaching your dog basic command words like sit, come, down, leave it, stay, heel, etc. one at a time before proceeding to the next command word. To effectively house break a Boxer Dog, creating a feeding schedule, crate training, and potty training sets it up for success. Consistence, perseverance, and patience is key during housebreaking.
Boxer Obedience Training
Boxers start basic obedience training immediately they come home. Some of the basic commands that a Boxer learns include come, down, sit, heel, stay, leave it, etc. Owners should not teach all the basic command words at once. They should teach one command word at a time until a Boxer dog understands before proceeding to the next command word. This is also an intelligent breed that easily gets bored with repetition. Clicker training can be used as a form of reward when it comes to obedience training.
This reward incorporates a clicking sound immediately the dog completes the issued command. It is then followed with a treat. Clicker training also offers an opportunity for the dog to problem solve and think independently. This reward is also based on behaviorism and operant conditioning. Inappropriate obedience training has wrongly earned the Boxers a slight reputation o being headstrong. Initially, this breed was bred to hunt large prey like bison and wild boar.
Teaching obedience training prevents a Boxer dog from channeling its natural instincts into destructive behaviors like stealing your snacks and hunting your shoes. Come and Stay basic commands words are also very crucial in reliably preventing Boxer Puppies from making a run in your yard, although it is fenced. Obedience training also ensures a Boxer is mentally stimulated. Although, playing games like find it, engaging in canine enrichment puzzle, and teaching tricks keeps a Boxer mentally stimulated.
During obedience training, it is recommended to pick a specific word for each command. Avoid using synonyms of the command word in question. Giving a command when frustrated or too excited may make the command word sound different. At all times be composed when giving a command to your Boxer.
Boxer Potty Training | How To Potty Train A Boxer Puppy
Before bringing a pup home, ensure your choose a designated place that it will be doing its business during warm and cold seasons. It is recommended to understand that the bladder and bowel muscles strengthens as a Boxer puppy matures. An-8-week old Boxer will be able to hold for a period of 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old puppy will be able to hold for a period of 3 hours.
Potty training should immediately start when the puppy comes home from the age of 8 weeks. A Crate is an indispensable device when potty training since it allows the Boxer parent to monitor the pup for signs that it wants to eliminate such as whining, restlessness, circling, squatting, and trying to lift a leg. Naturally, Boxers and other dog breeds are den animals and will avoid to soil where they sleep. However, a Boxer should not stay in the crate for more than a period of 4 hours at a time.
If the owner is not comfortable with the idea of using a crate, he or she may use an umbilical cord method. For this method, a Boxer pup is put on a leash and the other end is tethered to the owner. Therefore, the boxer will not be 6 feet away from you. Before a Boxer pup is fully house trained, it should not roam freely in the house to avoid accidents.
For positive outcomes during this training, take a pup to the delegated area immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, after naptime, every 2 to 3 hours, following an exciting activity such as playtime and car ride, and before bedtime. The toilet spot should be far from the BBQ or patio deck area. Once you get to the designated spot, issue the command word ‘Toilet’ or ‘Potty’ to give your dog the cue to eliminate. Avoid interchangeably using the command words to avoid confusing your Boxer dog. Remain in the potty area for a period of 15 minutes to allow the dog to sniff and relax the bowel & bladder muscles for a pee or poo. From the age of 8 months, the potty break span increases to a period of 6 to 8 hours.
If the dog failures to eliminate, return it to the house and take it back to the crate or continue using the Umbilical cord method. Return the Boxer dog to the elimination spot after a period of 15 minutes. Before a Boxer pup is fully house trained, there are chances that it will eliminate inside the house. When this happens, avoid yelling or putting the nose of the dog against the mess. Instead, utter a firm No and immediately take the dog to the elimination spot. Reward the Boxer dog after doing its business outside.
Remember to clean the mess using an iodine solution or an enzymatic detergent to completely get rid of the odor. If the mess is cleaned using a regular detergent, the odor will be retained. Therefore, the dog will tend to eliminate in the same spot every time it sniffs the odor hence experiencing recurring accidents. Before the age of 16 weeks, set an alarm to take the dog to the designated toilet area at least once during the night.
Boxer Dog Temperament | Traits
- Intelligent.
- Energetic.
- Loyal.
- Affectionate.
- Playful.
- Protective.
- Patient with children.
- Alert.
- Aloof of strangers.
- Fearless.
- Courageous.
- Dignified.
- Curious.
- Confident.
Boxer Dog Exercise
A Boxer Dog is a highly-energetic breed that needs daily ample exercise in a secured yard or on a leash. Some of the exercise that a Boxer may indulge in include running in a secured yard, playing game of fetch, and also daily brisk walks. However, Boxer puppies that are below the age of 18 months should not be allowed to over exert themselves until they are fully grown. Some of the exercises that a pup may indulge in include hide-and seek, games of fetch, providing them with interactive toys, and also leisure walks.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Barking
A Boxer is a vocal breed that is known for making a growling noise that sounds “woo-woo,” that is not exactly a bark. A few Boxer Dogs will bark excessively. This is also an alert dog that is very protective of its family and may bark to certain triggers such intruders.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Growling
A Boxer is popular for growling the “woo-woo,” sound. Growling is a form of dog communication while playing, guarding resources such as food and toys, and also while in pain.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Height
A male Boxer Dog has a height of 22 to 25 inches ( approx. 56 to 64 cm ) while its female counterpart has a height of 21 to 24 inches ( approx. 53 to 61 cm ).
Boxer |Boxer Dog Weight
Female boxer dogs have a weight of 55 to 60 pounds ( approx. 25 to 27 kg ) while male Boxer Dogs have a weight of 66 to 70 pounds ( approx. 30 to 32 kg ).
Boxer | Boxer Dog Size
A Boxer is a medium-to large sized dog breed. However, the Female Boxer dog is slightly smaller when compared to its male counterpart in terms of height and weight. A Female Boxer has a height of 21 to 24 inches ( approx. 53 to 61 cm ) and a weight of 55 to 60 pounds ( approx. 25 to 27 kg ) whereas a Male Boxer has a height of 22 to 25 inches ( approx. 56 to 64 cm ) and a weight of 66 to 70 pounds ( approx. 30 to 32 kg ).
Boxer | Boxer Dog Aggression
This is a breed that is loyal, protective, affectionate, confident, fearless, wary of strangers, and patient with children. However, a Boxer Dog is neither a vicious nor aggressive breed. Socialization is key in ensuring they are exposed to a variety of people and dogs to prevent fear-based aggression. Although, a Boxer Dog may not be tolerant of other dogs of the same sex.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Bite Force
A Boxer has a bite force of 230 PSI.
Boxer Dog Biting
Puppies are prone to biting and nipping while playing, exploring their environment, and while teething due to discomfort. During the teething stage, a Boxer Pup may nip or bite your shoes, hands, feet, or clothes. Redirect this behavior to teething toys instead to relieve the discomfort. Biting should be discouraged while the puppy is young before it matures into a dog that has serious biting issues and needs to be euthanized. Biting can de discouraged through bite inhibition training and redirection.
Apart from Boxers, other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Boxer Dog Hair Loss
A Boxer Dog sheds at minimal levels all-year round. It also experiences heavy shedding once or twice a year during Spring and Fall. However, if a Boxer Dog experiences hair loss in patches, it may be due to the following reasons:
Allergies – A Boxer is susceptible to food, environmental, contact, and skin allergies. These allergies results to itchiness, excessive scratching, and biting leading to hair loss. Fleas also cause flea allergy dermatitis that causing scratching and biting until the skin around the bite area is raw eventually leading to hair loss.
Hormonal changes – During the heat cycle, Boxer dams have an increase in estrogen levels that leads to the thinning of the coat.
Hypothyroidism – This is a condition that results from the inadequate production of the thyroxine hormone by the thyroid gland. This hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include increased dark pigmentation in the skin, thinning of the coat, dry coat with excess shedding, lethargy, and weight gain without an increase in appetite.
Cushing’s disease – Middle-aged and senior Boxer dogs may suffer from Cushing’s disease. This is a health condition that results from a tumor in the pituitary gland. Symptoms of this disease include hair loss, lack of energy, and increased hunger, thirst, and urination.
Mange – Naturally, dogs have a demodex mange that is present in the hair follicles. The immune response helps to keep it in check. Demodex mange is not contagious except from the dam to puppies. Most puppies have a weak immune system. Therefore, it is not able to keep the mites in check resulting to hair loss in patches on the legs, neck, head, and paws. This condition generally affects Boxer puppy dogs that are below the age of 2 years. Fortunately, most puppies outgrow this condition as they mature.
Seasonal flank alopecia – this is the most common cause of hair loss in Boxer Dogs. It is caused by changing temperatures and light patterns during different seasons of the year. Seasonal flank alopecia is most seen in spring or fall.
Boxer Eye Infection
A Boxer may suffer from an eye infection due to bacteria or virus. The former is far more common and gets an opportunity of invading the eye following a trauma to the eye, viruses, or dry eye disease since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised. Injury or scratch to the cornea also makes a Boxer Dog more vulnerable to bacterial eye infections.
Foreign bodies such as dust, hair, debris, or dirt also cause bacterial eye infection. Signs manifested by a Boxer when suffering from an eye infection include pawing at the eye, redness, squinting, and a clear or thick yellowish green. A Clear discharge is a result of viral infection while a thick yellowish green discharge is due to bacterial infections. Home remedy for dog’s eye infection is flushing the eye using saline rinses.
Boxer Ear Infection | Boxer Dog Ear Infection
A Boxer may either have erect cropped ears or natural ears that lie close to the cheeks while in repose. Erect ears expose the ear canal to dirt and debris. However, they promote air flow into the ear canal preventing moisture accumulation. Whereas, ears that lie close to the cheeks protect the ear canal against dirt and debris. Although, they inhibit air flow, promote moisture accumulation, and create a dark and humid environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive. Causes of ear infections in Boxers include ear mites, moisture accumulation, yeast imbalance, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, injury to the ear canal, excessive cleaning, and excess wax, dirt, or debris.
A Boxer Dog is predisposed to three types of ear infections, externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Externa otitis is the most common and results to inflammation to the cells located in the external ear canal. If left unattended, the infection spreads to the middle and inner ear canal. Inflammation to the cells in the middle and inner ear canal is media and interna otitis respectively. These infections cause deafness, vestibular signs such as dizziness, blurred vision, and disorientation, and facial paralysis.
Symptoms of ear infections in Boxers include rubbing the affected ear against the surface, disorientation, pain, itchiness and scratching in the affected ear, redness, dark discharge, odor, scabs in the affected ear, and head shaking.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Eye Problems
Apart from eye infection, a Boxer also suffers from the following eye problems including:
Entropion – This is malformation of the eyelid where it rolls inwards rubbing against the eye surface which may cause corneal ulcers and eye infection.
Boxer eye ulcers or indolent corneal ulcers – This is a condition that causes inflammation to the cornea involving loss of its outer layer.
Boxer Dog Health Issues | Boxer Health Issues
A Boxer Dog is a relatively healthy breed that has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, it is prone to certain health issues including cancer, epilepsy, allergies, hypothyroidism, heart conditions such as Boxer cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis, gastric torsion or bloat, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, eye disorders like entropion, indolent corneal ulcers, and eye infection, histiocytic ulcerative colitis, Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease, mast cell tumors, demodex mange, etc.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Common Health Problems
- Hypothyroidism.
- Bloat.
- Mast cell tumors.
- Boxer corneal ulcers.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Cancer.
- Allergies.
- Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Names
Pet parents may decide to find a name for the pet before it comes home from the breeder or a few days after joining them home to understand the personality of the dog. Boxer parents may find name inspirations for their dogs from the Germany origin, coat color, personality of the dog, celebrity Boxer Dogs, movies, books, songs, food, nature, historical figures, etc.
Regardless of where you get your inspiration, ensure the name chosen freely rolls off your tongue and won’t make your embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places. Giving your Boxer Dog a name that rhymes with the command words create confusion.
If you settle with a long name, ensure you find a cute nickname for the dog. Boxers and other dog breeds better understand a name that has vowels. If a Boxer dog shares a name with a family member or guests who frequent your home, it may cause confusion.
Female Boxer | Boxer Dog Names
- Luna.
- Zoe.
- Lily.
- Blu.
- Emma.
- Lady.
- Sophie.
- Maggie.
- Lily.
- Lola.
- Sasha.
- Pepper, etc.
Boxer Dog Speed
This is an athletic dog breed that can run up to a speed of 38 to 45 miles per hour ( approx. 61 to 72 km/h ).
Male Boxer Dog Names
- Rocky.
- Duke.
- Charlie.
- Gus.
- Bruno.
- Max.
- Leo.
- Bruce.
- Oliver.
- Henry.
- Simba.
- Chief.
- Moose, etc.
Boxer Seizures
Seizure(fits or convulsions) refer to the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is normally accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. Causes of seizures are categorized into three; primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary even though the cause is unknown. For this reason, they are also referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Primary seizures are common in Boxer Dogs and appear between the age of 1 to 3 years.
Secondary seizures are due to brain tumors, trauma to the brain, and stroke. Reactive seizures occur after the brain detects a problem to do with metabolism due to low blood sugar, organ failure, or toxins. Seizures are also categorized according to their intensity into focal and grand mal seizures. A Boxer that is experiencing focal seizures is conscious since it is only one part of the brain that is affected. However, grand mal seizures affects two parts of the brain and cause a foaming mouth, loss of consciousness, urination or defecation, and stiffening muscles.
When a Boxer is experiencing a seizure, owners should ensure the dog is in a safe place and away from other dogs. He or she should put nothing in the mouth of the pet since it pose as a risk to the owner and the dog. Boxers may also suffer from Degenerative myelopathy that causes tremors that are mistaken for seizures. It is a progressive disease that affects the central nervous system of the dog.
Boxer Heat Cycle
A Boxer Dam experiences the first heat cycle between the age of 6 to 12 months. However, early bloomers may experience their first heat cycle at the age of 4 months while late bloomers at the age of 15 months. However, if an intact Boxer dog is yet to go on a heat season for the first time, contact a vet. The heat cycle lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. The heat cycle recurs after every 6 to 8 months. If intact, it is possible for a Boxer dam to get pregnant while a senior since dogs experience the estrus heat cycle throughout their lives.
Some of the signs that a Boxer dam exhibits while on a heat cycle includes increased urination, bloody discharge, swollen vulva, mood swings, changes in eating behaviors, nesting behavior, and tail flagging. Before breeding a potential Boxer dam and sire, they should be screened for thyroid deficiency, hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, degenerative myelopathy, and certain cancers.
Breeders and owners are cautioned against breeding a dam that is below the age of 2 years to prevent dystocia during birth and the possibility of the dam rejecting the puppies. Aggressive Boxer dams should not be bred since the puppies will either be aggressive or fearful.
Boxer Litter Size
After conception, a Boxer has a gestation period of 63 days before whelping a liter size of 6 to 8 puppies.
Boxer Dog Collar | Harness
A Boxer was initially bred to hunt wild boar and bear. Therefore, they may have an instinct prey drive. Boxer dogs are not always tolerant of other dog of the same sex. Therefore, they are likely to pull on leash if they spot a prey or dogs of the same sex. Therefore, the pet parent should ensure he or she has better control of the dog. A harness enables the owner to have better control of the pet. It also distributes the pressure evenly on the back and shoulders. If a Boxer walks on a leash that is attached to a collar and it pulls, the pressure is exerted on the neck, trachea, and throat. However, Boxer parents may use both a harness and a collar. The harness will attach the leash while the collar attaches the ID and Rabies tag.
Boxer Dog Muzzle
Although a well-socialized Boxer is neither aggressive nor vicious, they are also muzzled in certain situations where the owner is not sure of how the dog will react to a new stimulus. A dog is also muzzled while in pain since it is likely to bite or nip. American Kennel Club urges pet parents to create positive associations with the accessory through the use of treats and verbal praise. However, the muzzle is not used to correct behavior issues like barking, chewing, or biting.
Boxer Dog Food | Feeding Chart
The amount of food that a Boxer feeds on depends on its age, metabolism, activity level, body build, and size. Boxer puppies tend to have a high metabolism rate as compared to adult and senior dogs. Therefore, Boxer puppies feed 3 or 4 times a day from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, a Boxer dog should feed on 2 meals a day for the rest of its life. The specific amount of food that a Boxer feeds on depends on its body weight. Therefore, it is highly advisable to contact the vet on the same.
Boxers are medium to large-sized dogs with a deep chest hence they are susceptible to gastric torsion. A life threatening health issue that makes the stomach to bloat. The swelling makes the stomach to distend with gas before twisting. A Boxer is therefore, unable to vomit to get rid of the excess air. The swelling also puts pressure on other nearby organs, cuts off the supply of blood and oxygen, and also puts a lot of stress on the heart functionality leading to shock and eventually death. To reduce the risk of gastric torsion, owners should avoid exercising Boxers one hour before or after exercise, feeding one large meal, or even allowing the dog to take large amounts of water after food consumption.
Boxer dogs are high energetic breed that need plenty of exercise. This implies that their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of calories should be from lean animal protein which include fish, turkey, lamb, and chicken. While feeding a high calorie diet, Boxer parents should be thoughtful of the amount of treats given as this often cause obesity. Pet owners should be mindful of the food to snack ratio being consumed by the Boxer when determining how many treats are acceptable. Some of the health snacks that a Boxer can feed on include vegetables and raw fruits.
Depending on the budget and time preparation needed, Boxer parents may feed their dogs with dry, wet, raw diet, or home-made food. If feeding your pet with commercial food ensure that the first three listed ingredients are proteins from a known source. The commercial dog food should not have additives, chemicals, fillers, preservatives, and meat by-products. Dry or wet food should be formulated for medium to large sized puppies, adults, and seniors. Check the physique of a Boxer to know whether it is overweight or underweight.
If you can see the ribs, chances are the dog is underweight. Although, if the ribs are not visible but can be felt without pressing hard, the Boxer has an ideal weight. If the ribs can’t be felt, the dog is overweight and should be exercised. After getting a puppy from a breeder, the owner is likely to switch to another quality food. They should gradually do this over a period of one month by mixing both new food and old food. As the weeks progresses, the amount of old food reduces as the new food increases until the Boxer dog is only feeding on new food during the fourth week.
Boxer| Boxer Dog Neck Size
A Boxer has a neck size of 16 to 22 inches ( approx. 41 to 56 cm ).
Boxer Colors | Boxer Dog Colors
A Boxer may either have a fawn or brindle coat color. The fawn color varies from light tan to mahogany. The Brindle color refers to black stripes on a fawn color. Some Boxer dogs that have a brindle coat may be so heavily striped that they give the appearance of a reverse brindling. Either fawn or brindle colored Boxers may have white markings on the feet, underbelly, face, or neck.
Boxer Dog Allergies
A Boxer Dog is predisposed to various forms of allergies:
Environmental allergies – A Boxer dog has a short, smooth, and shiny coat that is prone to environmental allergens. Some of the allergens that affect this breed include dust and dust mites, fleas, grass, pollen, ragweed, mites, and house molds. Flea’s saliva cause flea allergy dermatitis which mostly affect the back legs and underneath the tail. It results to excessive scratching, biting, and licking until the skin around the bite area is raw. It left untreated it may lead to yeast and bacterial infection. Sign of environmental allergies include nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts including paws, feet, groin, muzzle, underarms, belly sides, ears, between the toes, and around the eyes.
Skin allergies – A Boxer Dog is exposed to skin allergies due to food, environmental, and contact allergies that manifest symptoms on the skin.
Food allergies – Boxer Dogs may also suffer from food allergies, although in rare cases. This breed is also affected by food intolerance or sensitivity.
Contact allergies – A Boxer Dog is also affected by this allergy once the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that affect Boxer Dogs include plastics, grooming products, carpet cleaning detergents, lawn chemicals, bed linens, latex, medications, and certain fabrics. Some of the commonly affected body parts include paws, feet, and around the muzzle.
Boxer Dog Skin Allergies
A Boxer Dog is predisposed to skin allergies due to contact, environmental, and food allergies. Infections and diseases also predispose a Boxer Dog to skin allergies and may lead to development of flaky or oily skin eventually resulting to itchiness, hot spots, unpleasant odors, and irritations. A True food allergy results to an immune response that causes skin issues symptoms such as crusting lesions, sores, hives, dermatitis, and pruritus.
Whereas environmental allergies cause atopic dermatitis. This is an inflammation to the skin that causes redness, rashes, lesions, hot spots, and hives. One of the environmental allergies, flea, causes flea allergy dermatitis that leads to excessive scratching, licking, and biting until the skin around the bite area is raw. If left unattended, the raw skin may cause secondary skin infections.
Symptoms of skin allergies in Boxer Dogs include hair loss, sores, crusting lesions, excessive chewing, biting, or licking the affected body parts as well as a red and dry flaky skin. Commonly affected body parts include ears, eyes, feet, paws, belly sides, between the toes, groin, and muzzle.
Boxer Food Allergies
In rare cases, Boxer Dogs suffer from a true food allergy which results to an immune response which is accompanied with skin issues and gastrointestinal signs. Some of the gastrointestinal signs that a Boxer suffers from due to food allergies include acute diarrhea and vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss. On the other hand, skin conditions symptoms caused by food allergies include sores, hives, crusting lesions, itchiness, facial swelling, pruritus, and dermatitis.
Boxer Owners may confuse food allergies for food intolerance since they both cause vomiting and diarrhea. However, the former doesn’t cause an immune response. Food intolerance or sensitivity happens as a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of the dog. Some of the ingredients that cause sensitivities in Boxer Dogs include fillers, corn, soy, wheat, lamb, chicken, beef, pork, fish, turkey, milk, eggs, chemicals, preservatives, additives, etc.
Symptoms of food sensitivity include vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections, poor skin and coat, foot infections, and itchiness. Pet parents are urged to closely work with the vet to manage the symptoms exhibited and find the offending ingredient through food elimination method. This is where a Boxer feeds on one type of protein or carbohydrate for 8 to 12 weeks. Although, some owners may prefer to switch to a raw diet.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Eyes
A Boxer has dark brown eyes that are neither too deep set or small.
Boxer | Boxer Dog Ears
Traditionally, Boxers had cropped ears. However, this practice has been banned in may countries. AKC permits both Boxers with cropped and uncropped ears to perform in the dog shows. Cropped ears are erect and raised when the dog is alert while natural ears lie close to the cheeks when a Boxer is in repose.
Boxer Head
The head of a Boxer must be in perfect proportion with the body and above all it must never be too light. The muzzle should also be in a correct form and in absolute proportion to the head.
Boxer Dog Tail
Most Boxer dogs have docked tails that are docked when the puppy is 3 to 5 days before the cartilage is full formed. Tail docking has been been banned in many countries including the United Kingdom. Therefore, a line of natural bobtail Boxers were developed there following the ban.
Boxer Dog Teeth
At birth, Boxer puppies are born with no teeth. However, the deciduous teeth start growing in at the age of 2 to 3 weeks until the dog has a total of 28 milk teeth between the age of 6 to 8 weeks. From the age of 12 weeks, Boxer puppies start loosing their milk teeth as permanent teeth erupts beneath them. Between the age of 6 to 8 months, a Boxer Dog should have a total of 42 permanent teeth. This breed is susceptible to teeth problems. Brush the teeth twice a week if not daily using a tasty canine toothpaste and finger toothbrush to remove tartar buildup.
Boxer Dog Nose
A Boxer dog has a broad black nose that is susceptible to nasal hyperkeratosis, a more intense nasal dryness.
Are Boxer Dogs Aggressive
No. Boxer Dogs are neither vicious nor aggressive. However, they have a protective instinct toward their human family and are reserved with strangers. Socialization training is recommended to ensure that the dog does not express fear-based aggression. However, a Boxer may not be tolerant of other dogs of the same sex.
Are Boxer Dogs Dangerous
No. A Boxer is loyal, affectionate, fearless, protective, self-assured, and wary of strangers but not dangerous. Extensive socialization is required to ensure that Boxers don’t manifest fear based aggression towards strangers since they are naturally protective of their human families.
Are Boxer Dogs Smart
Yes. Boxer Dogs are smart and get easily bored with repetitive training.
Are Boxer Dogs Hypoallergenic
No. Although Boxer Dogs shed at minimal levels all-year round and heavily during spring and fall, they are not hypoallergenic. Shedding allows the spread of dander and hair around the house which aggravates allergies.
Are Boxer Dogs Easy To Train
Even though Boxer Dogs are intelligent dogs, they can be stubborn when it comes to training. Fortunately, they respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as use of treats and toys.
Are Boxer Dogs Protective
Yes. Naturally, Boxer dogs are alert, fearless, bold, and protective of their human family.
Boxer Dogs Quick Facts
- Boxer dogs are the eleventh most popular breed in the United States according to AKC. Initially, the breed held steady as the seventh most popular breed for the fourth consecutive year in the USA in 2013.
- This is a brachycephalic breed that is intolerant of extreme heat.
- Boxer dogs are known for their distinctly shaped square heads.
