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Boxer

Energetic, alert, and intelligent, Boxers are excellent guard dogs and tolerant family pets.  They are descended from the German Bullenbeisser breed, possibly crossed with Bulldogs and Great Danes to create a tough working dog.  Boxers live their life at high speed, so they need and enjoy plenty of exercise and games.  They will submit to training, but tend to exhibit exuberant, puppylike behavior well into old age.  They are alert and self-confident animals, though they also make devoted family pets and are patient with small children.  Boxers are very clean dogs, and some even groom themselves in a manner similar to cats.

Breed Category

Working Dog

Temperament

Boxers are alert, playful, very patient, and good with children.  They are loyal dogs and wary of strangers.

Appearance

The Boxer's main identifying feature is the large head with upturned nose and slightly wrinkled face.  They are well-muscled dogs, with a close-fitting, short coat, and give the impression of being aggressively built animals.  Colors are fawn and brindle with white markings on the chest, face, and feet.  Boxers have a blunt muzzle and large jaws with a dark mask in contrast to the head color.  The triangular ears are set wide apart on top of the head and are raised when the dog is alert.  Set high, the tail is usually docked and carried high.

Size:    Height at withers 21-25 in

Weight:    55-70 lbs  

Exercise Requirements:    Considerable

Grooming Requirements:    Minimal

Life Expectancy:    11-12 years

Things to Consider

1. A small percentage of these dogs have hereditary deafness

2. They may also be prone to heart problems and hip dysplasia.

 

Source

Information taken from "DOGS: An Owner's Guide"

Writer and Editor: Helen Stillwell

Photo taken from www.akc.org