Boxer Training The name "Boxer" is said to come from the way the Boxer enjoys standing on his hind legs and “boxing” with his front paws. This has proven to be true to very few Boxers. Regardless, this medium-sized breed has a long history and is believed to have originated from Germany as a security dog.
He has a compact but muscular body with short fur that comes in various shades of red, as well as fawn and brindle, all with white markings. His white feet and chest are the most recognizable features. His head is square-shaped with ears folded forward naturally although some choose to have them cropped to stand erect. The Boxer’s eyes are large and alert while his tail is usually docked short and his rear dew claws are removed shortly after birth.
A Boxer can become very stubborn and strong-willed if left without rules. In other words, if your Boxer doesn’t take you seriously, and if he doesn’t have a clear understanding that you are the leader, not him, you’ll both be in for a rough ride. He can be very persistent, even to the point of being sneaky in getting his own way. If he thinks for an instant that he can exert his dominance over you, another family member, or another dog, he’ll take full advantage if he isn’t firmly, but lovingly corrected immediately.
Boxers need to be seen by a vet on a regular basis because of a number of health issues that can develop with them, some more serious than others. They have a tendency toward developing hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and skin allergies while some Boxers have heart or thyroid problems. It has been found that totally white Boxers can also develop deafness while many boxers of all colors have an increased likelihood of tumors after the age of eight, more than any other breed of dog.
Personal etiquette isn’t something the Boxer is concerned with since most of them drool, snore, or have an excessive amount of “gas”. You may be blessed with a Boxer who does all three! If you are, there a couple of things you can do to ease these potential problems.
Certainly you’ll need to wipe his face after those long drinks of water, and you may be able to turn him on his side to lessen snoring, but you’ll not get by quite as easy concerning his gassy discharge. Instead of naming him “Stinky”, why not change his diet?
The Boxer breed has a much larger and longer colon, and a pancreas that secretes a greater amount of particular enzymes than other breeds, so the proper diet is extremely important in minimizing the flatulence. For this reason, and to give the most nutritious diet designed specifically for your Boxer’s breed, he should be fed poultry, pork, rye, and whole oats. Again, for the same reasons, you should avoid feeding him soy, rice, fish, or any products that contain those things.
Growing 21 to 25 inches tall at his shoulder and weighing from 50 to 75 pounds as an adult, you’ll need to take the time to administer obedience training. Although training him as a puppy is ideal, they’re never too old to learn.
Even with the possible problems, Boxers generally have happy and playful dispositions. They love competition and are loyal and affectionate to their families and other animals within the family. However, there is one caution. If you are a sportsman who enjoys displaying your wild game mounts, you’d do well to have a separate room for them where your Boxer isn’t allowed. If not, you wouldn’t be the first person to come home to an entire house full of fur, fins, and feathers.
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