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Boxer

General
Other Names
Dog Group Kennel Club		Working
Breed Classification		The boxer was originally used for bull baiting and as a guard dog, today they are mainly companions and are popular show dogs.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		The boxer is not really a greedy dog.When feeding a boxer it is better that they are fed twice a day as they are very active, always on the go looking for their next adventure. Some boxers have sensitive digestive systems, this will mean that they have to stick to a strict diet, with no treats. A dry food is often favoured for this breed. It is also fairly common for a boxer to appear thin when it is an adolescent, so do not overfeed to compensate.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The average cost of a puppy is between £500 - £600. After the initial outlay of buying a boxer, the weekly expense is around £5. However it is a very good idea to have your boxer insured as they can be quite prone to accidents because of their boisterous nature, and they have quite a few breed specific ailments.
Average Puppy Price		£500-800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years The breed in general does not have a very long life span, 7 to 10 years, but as in any breed there is always an exception to this rule.
Average Litter Size		6 The average litter size is around 6, but this can vary greatly. Sometimes only 2 are produced while at other times it can be 10 or even more.
General Physical Description		The boxer is a medium sized dog very muscular sturdy and deep chested They have a short muzzle and a slightly upturned chin The head and muzzle have wrinkly skin which gives the boxer its unique appearance When this dog moves it covers the ground quickly The gait makes it look very noble and the movement shows great energy in the powerful looking legs The boxer is built to cover many types of ground
Height Min Max Bitch 53cm (21") 59cm (23") Dog 57cm (22") 63cm (25") Weight Min Max Bitch 25kg (55lbs) 27kg (60lbs) Dog 30kg (66lbs) 32kg (71lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		The average height of dogs, to the withers is 57-63cms, and weight is 30-32kgs. Bitches ideally stand at 53-59cms and weigh approximately 25-27kgs.
Ailments		Although the Boxer seems susceptible to many health problems, research shows that the Boxer is, in general, a healthy and sturdy dog. When purchasing a Boxer discuss any concerns with the breeder and research the breeding lines.
Common Ailments		Lymphoma Heart murmour Inherited epithelial dysplasia
Susceptibility To Illness		Medium
Other
History		The boxer was derived from two mastiff type dogs used as hunting dogs in the middle ages in Germany. These dogs were used to hunt boar, bear and deer. These ancestors of the Boxer were also used for bull-baiting when this became a sport. In the 19th century these breeds were crossed with the Bulldog and the Boxer was created. The breed has been very popular in Europe since early this century, however the first Boxer to be registered with the Kennel Club in Britain was in 1933.
Intelligence		As the Boxer is an intelligent breed he needs to be dominated when being trained. They are quick to learn good habits as well as the not so good ones. They need to know that their owner knows best as they can be quite willful.
Show Characteristics		This dog is of square build, with strong bone and obvious well developed muscles. The muzzle and the skull should be in proportion, a powerful muzzle, never small in comparison with the skull. They have an undershot jaw, that is the lower jaw protrudes moderately beyond the upper jaw and bends slightly upward. The eyes should be dark brown, showing a lively and intelligent expression. The rim of the eyes should be dark, fully pigmented, and not be showing any haw. The ears are set wide apart at the highest part of the skull and lying close to the cheek, they should have a crease when dog is alert. The neck is muscular and strong, and it should have a distinct clean outline down to the withers. The chest should be deep, reaching down to the elbows, ribs well sprung and not barrel shaped. The back should be short, straight, and slightly sloping. The feet should be small and cat like with well arched toes, the hind feet are slightly longer than the front. If docked, the tail should be set on high and carried upward. If undocked, again it should be set on high and carried gaily but not curled over the back. It should be of moderate thicknedd and in overall balance to the rest of the dog. The preferred colours for the show ring are shades of red through to light fawn or brindle with or without white. Solid white is not desirable.
Country Of Origin		Germany
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		> 2 hours per day. The boxer does require plenty of exercise, they love to go charging around wide open spaces, chase balls and frisbees.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		High
Personal Protection		High
Suitability As Guard Dog		High
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		As a breed these dogs are very lively, strong and very loyal. Temperament wise they are fearless and very self-assured. They make great pets for all the family, adults and children alike. The boxer is a hardy dog full of stamina, not quick to pick a fight, but more than able to defend themselves if they have to. They remain puppy like throughout their lives, making them quite a handful, and unintentionally creating havoc where they go. They can be very destructive if they are left alone at home for long periods of time. They love busy households and are commonly found in hotels and guest houses, where there is a lot going on around them.
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement		< Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		The coat of the boxer is easily kept as it is very short. A rubber grooming mitt used once or twice weekly will keep the coat in good condition.
Colour		The colour ranges from red to fawn, through varoius shades of brindle, usually with some limited white markings, they can also be totally white in colour.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies		True
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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