The Boxer:

General Information:

Blunt face, steady gaze with a hint of mischief, an undeniable joy and incredible grace, the Boxer is a steadfast friend and guardian to the whole family. The Boxer is a medium-sized dog of a breed that was developed in Germany in the 1800's from several other breeds, including the Bulldog and Great Dane. The average Boxer stands 25 inches at the withers, and weighs about 60-75 pounds. It received its name form its playful habit of striking out with his front legs. The Boxer is stocky and muscular, having a short back, strong limbs, and a short tight-fitting coat. They exhibit a "square-build" and are very sturdy. Boxers combine strength and agility with elegance and style. They have been used in the military, for police services, and for guide and therapy work, which illustrates their intelligence. The Boxer has a deep strong chest, a wide skull, and large eyes, dark in color. Boxers are excellent family dogs. They love to play, and will be tolerant of children. Boxers are however wary of strangers and will display tenacity and courage if they, or their family are threatened. Boxers are very affectionate, and easy-going. The Boxer is a very loving dog, with an average life span of 10-12 years.

Care and Maintenance:

To satisfy his nature and stay in shape, the Boxer needs exercise and play-time. Their short coat only requires a weekly wipe-down and an occasional bath. Because of their short coat, it may be beneficial to bring him indoors during cold temperatures. The Boxer is an easy-keeper.

Health:

Unfortunately, the Boxer is susceptible to several potential health problems, including hip dysplasia, bloat, aortic stenosis (a heart ailment), digestive problems, hypothyroidism, and cancerous and benign tumors. Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism, affect many breeds of dogs. Thyroid disease can be controlled by medicine; dysplasia can not be controlled but it can be corrected or alleviated only by surgery. Bloat is a life-threatening disease of deep-chested dogs. The incidence may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day, and sticking to a premium dog food diet without table scraps, and by allowing a dog to digest his meal before indulging in strenuous exercise. However, bloat cannot be completely prevented, so vigilance is necessary to make sure that the dog gets immediate veterinary care. The good news is that the incidence of these diseases is not high, and by buying from an ethical breeder who provides health certificates, answers questions about her breeding stock, and offers a contract that backs up her dogs improves the chances of getting a healthy pet.

On a more personal note, I would like to add a few things. If you are looking for a faithful, fun loving companion who is more than willing to devote himself to you, while providing unconditional love, the the Boxer is right for you! The health problems are a factor in deciding, but they should not be the main one. All breeds have health risks. The Boxer is intelligent, athletic, and easy to care for. What more could an owner ask for?

"Colors of Boxers"

Fawn- This color varies from light tan to mahogany.

Brindle- This is a fawn dog with black stripes.

Reverse Brindle- This is a black dog with fawn stripes.

White- A white Boxer is all white. However, there may be patches of fawn or brindle present on one or more places. They are NOT an albino.

Black- This is a term for sealed brindle. This is when the brindle stripes are so tight that there is no appearance 
of a stripe.

Check- This is a term for a brindle or fawn dog with approximately 1/3 to 2/3 white.

"Markings on Boxers"

Flashy- This term refers to a fawn or brindle Boxer with white markings covering up to 1/3 of its body.

Plain or Classic- This term refers to a fawn or brindle with little or no white.

Semi-Flashy- A term in which some breeders in the U.S. refer to a dog who may only exhibit white markings on the face, chest, and legs, or exhibits a partial collar, white tipped feet and a plain face.

Mis-marked (overly flashy)- This is a term used to describe markings on a dog that are "out of place."

Please keep in mind that a pet Boxer can be any of the colors. and have any of the markings that I have described to you. The color/markings of the dog are not as important as the personality and temperament of the dog. After all, all you really want is a wonderful, loving family pet.

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