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Is a Boxer the Right Breed for You?
from: The Complete DogIf you're looking for a dog that is a marshmallow with your children, but a strong deterrent to criminals, look no further than a Boxer. The Boxer gets its name from its habit of using its front legs to box when fighting. These powerful dogs were originally used as hunting dogs, although they quickly became popular as police and military dogs in Europe.
As people discovered how the devoted and loving nature of the Boxer, the breed became a companion dog, as well. It's interesting to note that the versatile Boxer didn't become popular in the United States until soldiers returning from fighting in World War II brought Boxers home with them.
Although Boxers are considered medium sized dogs, they have the strength of a large dog. A young, healthy Boxer is all muscle and energy and weighs 50 - 80 pounds. These dogs have a broad chest, a wide skull and a face similar to that of a Bulldog. Their big brown eyes are very expressive and they're not above using a pitiful 'poor me' look to get their own way.
Boxers should be fawn or brindle with black mask like markings on their face. A dog with white markings is considered flashy. However, if a Boxer has more than one third of its body covered in white or is completely white, it won't be unable to compete in the show ring. Also, white Boxers are prone to deafness, as well as other health problems.
For apartment dwellers, a Boxer isn't likely the right breed for you since they're high energy dogs that really need frequent exercise. Thus a home with a securely fenced yard is ideal for a Boxer. You'll have to make sure the fence is high enough and secure enough to prevent your dog from escaping, since a Boxer can easily jump over lower fences.
Although most Boxers get along well with other dogs, be cautious if you have a small dog or cat. If you have other dogs, consider neutering your Boxer at six months to keep aggression toward other dogs in check. Small children and Boxers get along very well, although a Boxer may be too energetic to play with toddlers until he matures. Let's face it, a young, exuberant Boxer can easily knock an adult flat, let alone a child, with an overly enthusiastic greeting.
Since Boxers are so high energy and powerful, they should be enrolled in obedience training while they're young enought to still be easy to control. Puppy classes should also help you socialize your Boxer and teach him to play with other dogs. These dogs are eager to please and should pick up basic obedience commands quickly, but consider advanced obedience and agility training for your Boxer, as well.
Boxers require very little grooming. Simply brush through his sleek coat once a week to remove loose hair so you don't have to vacuum it off the floor. You should also clean your dog's teeth and check his nails to see if they need to be trimmed.
Boxers are hearty eaters, so consider feeding him food formulated for large dogs, since Boxers are prone to hip dysplasia. These dogs have relatively few other serious health problems but it's a good idea to check for a history of heart or thyroid disease before buying a puppy.
If you want a dog who will be a devoted friend and companion, then a Boxer may be the perfect choice for you.
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