BOXER
Breed Group: Bull dog
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 53 - 63.5 cms (21 - 25 in)
Average Weight: 24 - 34 kgs (55 - 75 lbs)
Coat Length: Short
Life Span: 10 - 12 years
Colours: fawn, brindle, and white
HISTORY
Boxers were originally developed in Germany as guard dogs and police dogs in the late 1800s. They were created from the now-extinct bullenbeiser. The American Kennel Club registered its first boxer in 1904.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BOXER
- They are silly, funny, engaging, and genuinely love people
- They want to be involved in everything you do
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- They do require quite a bit of exercise and/or mental stimulation
- They have an all or nothing attitude to life
- They are not couch potatoes
- They can be difficult to train if not started early
YOUR BOXER PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Boxers tend to be clingy and are prone to separation anxiety, so proper crate training and confidence building can really help with that. They are 'touchy/feely' dogs and want to know where you are at all times. They are wonderful family dogs and excellent companions as long as you have the time to spend with them on training, socialization, exercise, and enrichment needs. If you are not a fan of needy dogs, a boxer may not be right for you.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Separation anxiety
- Destructive habits
- General over arousal
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- If you love a dog who is cuddly, almost to the point of clingy, you will love boxers
UPBRINGING
It is important to socialize your boxer well so that they aren't easily spooked by strangers and other dogs. When socialized well, boxers can be very outgoing and social dogs and love being around people.
LIFESTYLE
Boxers are wonderful pets for active families who want to include their dogs in activities.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
Boxers can be great at dog sports such as rally, agility, barn hunts, and even lure coursing.
EDUCATION
Start training early to help instill a work ethic in your boxer. Some boxers find it difficult to learn in an organized class kind of way when they aren't used to it.
