According to MSN Encarta® , boxers are a "breed of working dog, developed in Germany during the second half of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries from a number of breeds, principally the bulldog and terrier types."
Originally used for fighting; they were later used as police dogs and guide dogs. Because they are so affectionate with people, they have become a very popular breed for household pets in the United States.
Characteristics
- Medium in size (60 to 80 pounds, on average)
- Strong, muscular build
- Large head
- Lower jaw usually protrudes
- Coat is short and shiny
- Skin is tight
Disposition
Boxers are naturally loving toward people, especially children. They tend to crave human affection; and, can be very protective of their "family". Because of this, they make an ideal family pet.
The boxer is an extremely agile and active breed. They require daily exercise to ensure that they remain trim and fit. They are athletic, and have been known to jump as high as five feet into the air when excited. Because of their sleek, muscular build they tend to move quietly and with such stealth that they may seem to appear out of nowhere.
Grooming
Because their coat is so short, boxers require very little grooming. An occasional bath (or shower) will do the trick.
Training
Unless you have had previous experience with raising and training dogs, it is highly recommended that you and your new friend attend obedience training classes.
Choosing a Breeder
According to the AKC®, you should "Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder." Once you have found a breeder, you should basically conduct an interview. Request to meet one or both of the parents so that you can observe how they interact with their breeder and other people.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Puppy
The following are questions provided on the Puppy Buying Sheet provided by the AKC®:
- What possible health problems might this dog develop?
- How big will the dog get?
- How will he be before he acts like an adult dog?
- How protective will the dog be?
- How often will the dog need to be groomed?
- How does he get along with other animals?
- How long can he be left alone at home?
- How much exercise does the dog need?
- What are the best training methods for this dog?
When buying a puppy, keep in mind that he/she will be an addition to your family, and is a long-term investment. Having a boxer is a great deal of responsibility since they depend so much on human companionship.
