Pet boxers

Boxers are often referred to as the perfect family pet and many Boxer lovers will not consider any other breed of dog. However, the things that make a Boxer so desirable for one family are the same things that cause another family to give up their pet in frustration. Boxers have a lot of breed specific traits that make it easy to know just what you're getting into when you make a Boxer part of your family. That is why a little research can go a long way when deciding if a Boxer is right for your family.

The Boxer is a German breed of working dog that has been used successfully in the past for everything from police work to cattle driving. This breed is recognizable by its large square head and wrinkly face. It had been the standard to crop Boxer's ears but that is becoming less common now. However most Boxers do have docked tails. Boxers come in several shades; Fawn, Brindle (a striped pattern), and white. As far as temperament goes Boxers are both affectionate and fearless. They are tolerant and will put up with the antics of children but at the same time they can be stubborn. Nervousness and aggressiveness are signs of bad breeding and should serve as a warning for potential pet owners.

big shock. Boxers do nap but only after they've tired themselves out dashing around and playing. Even older Boxers retain a lot of puppy energy and love to play. As long as a Boxer gets enough exercise and stimulation it will be happy but a Boxer that is cooped up all day will become wild and difficult to control. Rescue organizations are full of Boxers that have been given up because their owners did not have time for them. A Boxer needs exercise and attention every day. This doesn't mean that someone has to be with the dog every minute of the day. But if your family has a lot of commitments and is rarely home a Boxer is not for you.

Along with having a high energy level Boxers also have a strong bond and need to be with their owners. Simply giving them time to run around is not always enough. They like to interact with their owners; doing things like playing games and going for walks. Boxers show their affection by their trademark way of wiggling their rear ends when they are excited. They like to give kisses and hugs as well as cuddle. Many Boxers are good companions in the car and like to travel. They are a curious breed by nature which makes them fun and entertaining. However, their smarts will soon get them into trouble. If they are left alone too much and get bored they will devise their own entertainment which may result in the destruction of household items. Crate training is often recommended for Boxers. A metal or plastic dog crate is like a den for your pet. The crate is your dog's personal space and if the dog is properly crate trained it will not mind being kept in the crate. Boxers can be crated for several hours to keep them out of mischief while you are gone. However, it is cruel to crate them for extreme periods of time and will only serve to make them unmanageable when they are let out.

Boxers are loyal companions and do protect their territory. They will often bark and snarl to warn away trespassers but will usually accept strangers that are welcomed by the family. The Boxer's muscular look is also a good visual deterrent against mischief. Boxers are intelligent dogs so they are easy to train. However their intelligence also makes it more necessary for them to be well trained. Boxers respond well to encouragement and fair treatment because they want to please their owners. But without patience and a firm hand a Boxer can run wild. Treating a boxer in an inconsistent and harsh manor can result in behavior problems. A Boxer will get away with as much as you let it so be consistent and make sure the dog understands exactly what is expected of it. Boxers are also very strong dogs for their size. They can get very excited and wind up hurting people by accident because they are so strong. But a Boxer can be taught not to jump up on people. Boxers generally like children and are definitely recommended for families with older children. However, Boxers that get excited may knock down toddlers by accident.

A Boxer's coat is very easy to care for. They don't shed much, mostly in the Spring and the Fall, so they rarely need brushing. Because the Boxer has a short coat and not very much body fat it can't stand cold temperatures. They will also suffer in extreme heat because of their short snouts. For these reasons a Boxer should always live indoors. Boxers are also prone to gas and bloating. Finding the right food and feeding them twice a day can help to prevent this. It is also advisable to mix dry food with some water and canned food. Like several other breeds, Boxers are also prone to hip dysplasia so if you buy a Boxer from a breeder make sure dysplasia is not present in the dog's family. There is also a genetic defect that causes deafness in some white colored Boxers. Although all white Boxers are not deaf it is still something to watch out for when purchasing a puppy. Even a deaf Boxer can make a great pet once it is trained with hand signals. The Boxer's life expectancy is about 12 years, however, older Boxers retain a lot more spunk than many other breeds do.

If you are looking for a loving and active companion then a Boxer may be just what your family needs. However, if you do not have a lot of time to devote to a pet, then cross the Boxer off your list of choices. But when deciding there's no replacement for actually visiting with a Boxer. Many Boxer owners are happy to show off their dogs and there are lots of organizations that can answer any question you can think of.