I have known Frazier, Ali, and Lennox-Lewis. Most recently, I have met Tyson, who is pictured at the top this column. And the world recently learned about another example: Buster, who featured in the latest John Lewis advert. Of course, I am not talking about human boxing champions. I am talking about a wonderful breed of dog known as the Boxer.
Boxers are like a different species compared to other breeds
Boxers are so different to other dogs that they are almost like a separate species. They are short-nosed, square-headed dogs, with a stubborn, self-confident personality. They are big, strong, muscular animals, and they do need to be well trained, so that their natural exuberance is kept under control. People who own a Boxer tend to fall in love with the breed, and often they choose Boxer after Boxer after Boxer, and they end up enjoying an entire human life-time of Boxer-keeping.
Are they called Boxers because they can, literally, box?
Why are they called Boxers? Nobody knows for sure, but I know that the breed can seriously box, like a human boxer. They have supremely strong front legs, and they use them to push you from side to side when they are playing with you. A Boxer in a playful mood can literally box you into a corner with his strong front feet.
Boxers tend to be intelligent, playful creatures
The character of the Boxer is the most appealing aspect of the breed. They have bright, beady eyes, and when they look at you with their steady gaze, they always give you the impression that there is a hint of mischief lurking in their minds. They have a remarkable love of life, and they always seem to be in joyfully happy good form. They are always ready for a game, and they love to play. They tend to be affectionate to children, and they can be wonderful watch dogs, and terrific guardians of the whole family. They’re very intelligent animals, and they can be trained for obedience, agility and even as working dogs. They have been used as police dogs in some parts of the world.
Boxers are prone to a number of serious health issues
Physically, they tend to be healthy dogs. They have short, fine coats. An occasional quick brush is all that is needed to keep their coat clean and shiny. Like all pedigree breeds, they do have their own in-built genetic weaknesses. Boxers are prone to a number of conditions, including heart murmurs, digestive problems, and some specific skin tumours. Most Boxers do not suffer from these problems, but it is sensible to take two simple precautions. Firstly, buy a puppy whose parents are fit, healthy, good-natured dogs, and secondly, take out pet insurance that will pay the vet’s fees if your pet does fall ill at any stage in their life.
Boxers do not suit everyone as a pet
Are Boxers the ideal dog? The truth is that every breed is ideal for somebody. An elderly lady living alone would not appreciate the muscular bounciness of a large Boxer. A young couple living in an apartment could not leave a Boxer at home while they go out to work all day. But a family with children old enough to deal with a strong, energetic dog may find that a Boxer is the answer.
If you are thinking about getting a Boxer, make sure you talk to a Boxer owner first
Good training is the key to successful Boxer ownership, and it’s much easier to train a dog well from the start, rather than allowing bad habits to develop that can be difficult to correct later. It is particularly important that large, strong dogs like Boxers are well trained. If a small terrier is disobedient, it can be irritating, but if a seven stone well-muscled dog is out of control, the situation could even become dangerous.
Boxers are charming, fascinating characters. If you have never known one, go to a dog show and meet one. But beware – you too could become addicted to the breed.
Discussion
My Boxer is at the other end of this scale, she is two years old and highly reactive, training is ongoing, she is both dog and human aggressive but only outside of the house, anyone invited in and she is like a big lap dog with them, she is not food aggresive or dominant, she will sit and lay, you can balance a piece of ham on her nose and she will leave it until told she can have it, but outside on the lead she zones out and seems to be in a permanent state of guard mode, will not respond to treat training as she has no interest in food when shes zoned out, its still an ongoing problem.
Our first Boxer “Duke” was a wonderful dog, when I was 18 months old, I put my hand into his food dish when he was eating, while my dad was watching he gently but firmly took my hand in his massive jaws , moved it out of the food and resumed eating, it scared me and I started crying, my father said “He’s teaching you an important lesson, don’t ever play with a dogs food.”
Not a great idea – because some dogs aren’t that gentle!
But it’s a good lesson
Boxer boy franky loves all children, gotta wiggle on up to any child,,, calm and slows down to be gentle. seems to know to be gentle with little kids and small dogs.
Boxers can be great can’t they! But of course any dog can be pushed too far, so it’s best to supervise young or small children, even with the best of dogs.
Love this breed, they look scary but they are actually very friendly! My boy looks after my 2 cats and always follows them around like a big brother should
Loved this. Boxers are my number one favorite breed. I love them!
Boxers are large, muscular, square-headed dogs who look imposing — that is until you look into their eyes and see the mischief and joy of life reflected there.
Because of their playful nature and boundless energy, they are sometimes called the “Peter Pan” of the dog breeds. But I have also heard that they can attack the stranger easily as compare to other breeds of dogs.
How true is that?
Hello. We’re strong believers that when it comes to aggression in pets, it’s deed not breed that tends to be the main influencer. As with people, it’s all about how the dog is brought up; how well they were socialised in earlier life, so that they’re not fearful of certain things or situations, and how their behaviour is influenced, what training they’ve had etc. Any dog has the potential to be aggressive if not socialised well and not given positive reinforcement at a young age.
Boxers are a wonderful breed.. They have so much love in their heart and are not afraid to share it!
They are strong, brave and lovely, what an amazing mix one would say but they need to be well trained to contain their emotions if things ever get frisky because they are very strong.
Unfortunately, they are prone to medical issues but so many beautiful dog breeds are, German shepherds are just one example.
I don’t know was it breeding or what but eventually they developed health complications.
But I would like to compliment the conclusion part of this article. If you want a boxer make sure you talk to a boxer owner first! 😀
This is an important one, you don’t want to miss out on the pros and cons before making a choice 😀
40 percent of boxers will die of cancer at some point in their life. Cardiomyopathy is another killer. This breed is also prone to deadly bloat, if owners are not careful. I love this breed, but no, it is not as hardy in health as your article professes, nor is it a long lived breed. I tout this breed because they are unique awesome pets that are very humanlike. But I also warn those interested in rescuing a boxer or obtaining one from a breeder that their health problems have to be considered.
Got my first boxer when I was 22. I wanted a retriever but was given a boxer as an xmas gift. I have always owned them since!! They are the funniest, most loyal, please-rub-me, please-let-me-into-your-bed and can-I-shower-with-you-please type of dog. 🙂 Definitely the comedian of the dog world and it’s true what the article states-I’ll never be without one!