Boxer

Boxer Dog Breed Information

Size	21-25 inches (53-63 cm)
Weight	55-70 lbs (25-32 kg)
Origin	Germany
Color	Yellow, brindled, white markings
Lifespan	10-12 years
Suitable As	Family dog, guard dog
Personality	Fun-loving, sociable, busy, silly
Exercise
Drooling
Shedding
Grooming

Boxer Photo: Jeff Thrower/Shutterstock

Breed Characteristics

The Boxer is ideal for an active, adventurous family. It is very attentive, patient, playful, likes to romp, is reliable, cheerful, polite and friendly. It will shower its family with love and it gets on well with animals (wether dog or cat), that it has been raised up with. Boxers are often used as therapy dogs because they are incredibly intelligent, like to play the clown and show funny antics. You really have no choice but to take this dog to your heart.

It can be reserved and sometimes even aggressive towards strangers and other dogs. Before buying a boxer you should also know: Boxers snore, fart, hair and drooling. Well, nobody is perfect ...!

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Boxer Photo: alexander132/stock.adobe.com

Pros and Cons

Pros

Reliable and loyal
Intelligent
Funny clown
Easy grooming
Good watchdog

Cons

Lots of energy
Needs lots of exercise
Not a “beginner” dog
Sheds a lot
Drools a lot
Snores
A bit stubborn

Exercise Needs and Training

Although Boxers generally tend to listen to commands, they can be stubborn. They just have a mind of their own. This is why it is especially important to be consistent and determined. Not just during training, but at all times. You should ask yourself, if you can and if you want to. This dog should not be treated in a harsh manner. And it won't get its owner anywhere. Boxers enjoy agility, obedience and Schutzhund training. Besides, they are good watch dogs.

Top Activities

Frisbee Fetch, Flyball

Boxer Photo: Jana Behr/Shutterstock

Appearance

Boxers have a big, muscular body. Their coat is white with brown drawings or brindle.

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Health and Care

Grooming it is very easy, the dog only needs to be brushed from time to time. But beware: Just because it has a short coat does not mean it does not shed!

Is the Boxer A Popular Dog Breed?

There are breeds that are almost always popular. For example Labradors, Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs. The interest in the Boxer is sometimes bigger and sometimes smaller. In 2023 the Boxer ranked 10th place in the puppy statistics of the VDH (German Kennel Club) and 18th place in the American Kennel Club in the popularity statistics.

Boxer Photo: Dyrefotografi.dk/stock.adobe.com

History and Origin

The Boxer comes from Germany and developed from the bulldog and a dog, with a somewhat strange name: the Bullenbeisser (german for bull-biter). This breed no longer exists. In the middle ages it was used for bull-baiting. Today these fights are forbidden (luckily!). Where Does the Name Come From? Sometimes it's too easy: Boxers have their name because they really do box! But they don't box against other dogs or humans. When they play, they often stand on their back legs and kick out their front paws. This looks a bit like boxing.

Fun Facts

Growing Up

The boxer is one of the dog breeds that have one of the longest puppyhoods: three years.

A Boxer Has The Longest Tongue In A Dog

Here is a Guinness World Record: Boxer Brandy holds the record for the longest tongue since 2002. It was 17 inches long (43 cm)! Unfortunately, the dog died. The current record holder is Saint Bernhard Mochi. However, his tongue is "only" 7.3 inches (18.58 cm) long.