Smooth-haired breed of above average height, originally from Germany. Refers to a number of service, guard and sport dogs. He will be a faithful guardian and companion for you and your family. Will be a perfect friend for teenagers and a wonderful nanny for children. Boxer possesses high intelligence, loyal, flexible and cheerful character. He is rightfully considered one of the most playful breed among guard dogs and, interestingly, he remains that way all his life.
The German boxer is loved for his cheerful, cheerful, but at the same time balanced temperament. He lends itself well to training and easily copes with the task. The boxer is used for police work, as a watchman and bodyguard. Thanks to their poise, strength and intelligence, boxers make excellent guides for the blind and people with disabilities. This muscular handsome man will great friend and a reliable protector for the owner and a real thunderstorm for his ill-wishers.
German Boxer breed characteristics and FCI standard
- Country of origin: Germany.
- Purpose: German boxer dog - companion, guard and working breed.
- FCI classification: group 2 (pinschers and schnauzers, molossos, Swiss herding dogs and other breeds). Section 2.1 Molossian and Mastiff type dogs. With working tests.
- General form: A smooth-haired breed of medium height with a square body and strong bones. The musculature is dry, strongly developed, and relief. The movements are lively, full of strength and nobility. The Boxer must not be clumsy, heavy or too light; he must have sufficient substance.
- Important proportions:
- square format (body length to height at withers 1: 1)
- the depth of the chest is equal to half the height at the withers
- the ratio of the length of the back of the nose and the length of the skull 1: 2
- Behavior / Temperament: fearless, self-confident, calm breed with a balanced character.
- Head: dry, without folds or wrinkles. Natural wrinkles on either side of the muzzle run down from the base of the bridge of the nose. Corresponds to the proportions of the body, does not look light or overly massive.
- Skull: The upper part is not wide, maximally angular, slightly arched. The occipital protuberance is pronounced. Frontal furrow marked, but not too deep, especially between the eyes.
- Stop (transition from forehead to muzzle): pronounced, the forehead with the bridge of the nose forms a distinct angle. The bridge of the nose is neither upturned (like in bulldogs) nor down.
- Nose: The nose is black, broad, slightly upturned, with well-open nostrils. The tip of the nose is located just above the base of the nose.
- Muzzle: as wide as possible, powerful. When viewed from above, from the front or from the side, it is in correct proportion to the skull and does not appear too small, sharp, narrow or shortened. In an alert state, the formation of wrinkles on the forehead is permissible. The black mask stands out clearly in the general color, it should not give a gloomy expression.
- The shape of the muzzle of a German boxer is determined by:
- The location of the fangs
- Jaw shape
- Lip shape
- Lips: The upper lip is fleshy, thick, hiding all the free space created by the great length of the lower jaw, supported by the lower canines.
- Jaws / Teeth: Strong, healthy. The incisors are as exactly as possible, the canines are large and widely spaced. The shape of the bite is undershot, the lower jaw is longer than the upper one, slightly curved upwards. Upper jaw broad at the base, tapering slightly towards the end.
- Cheekbones: Zygomatic muscles are developed in proportion to the powerful jaws, not protruding. When passing into the muzzle, they form a slight bend.
- Eyes: dark, not small, not protruding, not deep-set. The edges of the eyelids are dark. The expression of the eyes is lively, intelligent, without the slightest expression of threat.
- Ears: Set high on the sides of the top of the skull, close to the cheekbones at rest. In an alert state, they turn forward and form a distinct bend. Not docked. On March 13, 2002, the next version of the standard was adopted, prohibiting docking of the ears and tail.
- Neck: Adequate length, round, powerful, lean and muscular. The upper line of the neck forms an elegant arch from the occiput to the withers.
- Case: square format.
- Withers: Pronounced.
- Back: short, straight, broad, very muscular, including the loin.
- Croup: Sloping, wide, somewhat rounded. The pelvis is long and wide, especially in bitches.
- Chest: Deep, reaching to the elbows. The depth of the chest is equal to half the height at the withers. The forechest is well developed.
- Underline: Elegantly curved towards the ischial tuberosity. The groin is short, moderately tucked up.
- Tail: Set on high, not docked.
- Front limbs: when viewed from the front, parallel to each other, with strong bones.
- Shoulders: Long, sloping, firmly articulated with the body. Shouldn't be overwhelmed.
- Shoulders: Long, well articulated with the shoulder blades.
- Elbows: Not too close to the chest, but not turned outward.
- Forearm: Vertical, long, with lean muscles.
- Wrist: Strong, well defined, not massive.
- Pastern: short, almost vertical.
- Forefeet: Small, round, compact, firm and firm pads. Strong nails.
- Hind limbs: very muscular, straight when viewed from behind.
- Upper thigh: Long and wide.
- Knee joints : In a relaxed state, the knees are so extended forward that they reach the perpendicular, lowered from the iliac tuberosities to the ground.
- Lower thigh: Muscular.
- Hock joints: strong, well defined, but not massive. The angle of the hock is about 140 degrees.
- Metatarsus: short, slightly sloping 95 - 100 degrees to the ground.
- Hind legs: slightly longer than the front, compact. The pads are firm and elastic. Strong nails.
- Movement: energetic, strong, noble.
- Skin: dry, elastic, without folds.
- Coat: short, hard, shiny, tight-fitting.
- Height Weight:
- Height at the withers: Males: 57 - 63 cm; females: 53 - 59 cm.
- Weight: males: over 30 kg with a height of about 60 cm; bitches: about 25 kg with a height of about 56 cm.
- Life span German boxer 9 - 15 years old.
- Defects: Any deviation from the above should be considered a defect and is assessed in proportion to the severity and impact on the dog's health and well-being.
- Aggressiveness, malice, insidiousness, excessive excitability, phlegm, cowardice.
- Lack of nobility, lack of characteristic expression, frowning expression
- Pinchero - or bulldog-like structure of the head; drooling; teeth or tongue exposed when the mouth is closed
- Pointed or undersized muzzle; drooping muzzle with a drooping back of the nose
- Light-colored or spotted nose
- Light eyes
- Unpigmented conjunctival skin
- Ears not adjacent to the cheekbones, erect, semi-erect, rose-like ears
- Skewed jaw, skewed incisor line, irregular tooth position, underdeveloped or damaged teeth
- The neck is short, thick, with a dewlap
- Breasts that are too wide or too narrow
- Saggy, hunchbacked, narrow back
- Long, sunken or hunched loins, weak ligament with croup; cut croup
- Narrow pelvis; saggy belly; sunken sides
- Low tail set, tail in a loop
- Forelegs: X-shaped set, loose shoulders, loose elbows, weak pasterns, oval, flat or loose feet
- Hindquarters: Weak musculature, too blunt and too sharp angles of joints, sabers, barrel set, close hocks, dewclaws, oval, flat or open feet
- Rolling movement, short stride, pacing, stilt gait
- Mask extending beyond the muzzle, too frequent or too rare brindle marks, insufficiently clean background, indistinct border of stripes, ugly white markings (for example, a half-white skull). Colors not provided for in the standard, as well as the number of white markings exceeding a third of the surface of the dog's body.
- Disqualifying vices:
- Aggressiveness or cowardice
- Congenital bobtail
- Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities should be disqualified.
The canines are quite long and set as wide as possible, due to which the plane formed by the nose, the front surface of the lips and chin becomes wide, almost square and is located at an obtuse angle to the nasal bridge.
The front edge of the upper lip joins the front edge of the lower lip. Curved front lower jaw and underlip form a pronounced chin. It does not protrude much from under the upper lip, but cannot be hidden by the upper lip. The chin is pronounced when viewed from the front and from the side. When the mouth is closed, the tongue, incisors and canines of the lower jaw are not visible. The groove of the upper lip is pronounced.
Photo german boxer - breed characteristics
Note: Male animals should have two normally developed testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
German boxer color
- Auburn (light yellow to cinnamon red, medium reddish tones are most preferred). Black mask on the face.
- Brindle - dark or black stripes on a red background. The stripes on the main background are contrasted. White markings on chest, head, neck or legs are acceptable.
Pictured is a white German boxer German boxer
The White German Boxer is neither an albino nor a rare species. Genetically, these are fawn or brindle dogs with an excessive amount of white markings. They are more susceptible to sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer and deafness. Almost 18% of white boxers are deaf with one or two ears. In the past, white puppies were culled and euthanized at birth. Today, breeders are increasingly abandoning euthanasia and raising white bulldogs as pets.
German boxer character
By nature, the German Boxer is a fearless, alert, docile and loyal breed with a strong, stable nervous system and a bright temperament. He is perfectly focused on people, needs constant communication and attention from the owner, perfectly makes contact and is devoted to all members of the family in which he lives. With the right upbringing, do not strive for dominance and will unquestioningly obey the commands of the owner.
He is wary of strangers, although he is completely devoid of pronounced aggression towards people. He would rather rush to hug and lick the guest than just scare. Imposing appearance and loud barking makes him an excellent watchman and guard. But he will not bark over trifles.
Not suitable for permanent keeping in an aviary or on the street (the chain is categorically contraindicated). The Boxer is a breed for people, and all his talents are revealed only with constant communication with the owner. The German boxer has a hard time enduring extreme cold and heat. It's all to blame for the brachycephalic structure of the muzzle. In summer, the dog can only rest in the shade. And in severe frosts, the pet will have to be dressed in a blanket or overalls, because he loves to run in the snow, somersaults and dive.
Pictured is a German boxer with a cute look
Gets along well with the owner's children. Babies are perceived as a patient nanny, but it is better not to leave too small children alone with a pet. Teenagers will be an excellent company in any prank and active game. German boxer puppies need early socialization and passing OKD (general training course) and ZKS (protective guard service).
It gets along with other pets, especially if it grows with them. On the street, poorly educated males can show aggression towards individuals of the same sex. Boxers are inherently bullying, they are able to drive cats and provoke a fight with other dogs. Poorly tolerates loneliness, does not like to be alone for a long time. Out of boredom, he can spoil things in the house.
Needs long walks for 1-2 hours, with elements of training. The boxer has a tremendous amount of energy that needs to be poured into the right track. Ideal for practicing different kinds sports for dogs: agility, obedience, competitions in general and special training courses.
The German boxer has all the qualities of a fighter - agility, courage and strength. At the same time, he has a childlike spontaneity and amazing sensitivity, although he is rather stubborn, he will always achieve his goal only with charm and humor.
Before deciding on this particular breed and buying a German boxer, consult with experienced breeders and listen to the reviews of the owners living nearby. Try spending some time with this wonderful dog. People who are not interested in selling will be more willing to tell all the pros and cons of a German boxer, explain how to feed and the subtleties of raising a German boxer puppy.
Buy healthy puppy best of all in the kennel of German boxers, which will reduce the risk of acquiring a sick dog.
German boxer maintenance and care
Caring for a German boxer is simple but necessary. The breed is smooth-haired, sheds. Molting is seasonal.
Photo german boxer waiting
To comb: wool once a week with a natural bristle brush or a rubber mitten glove. Brushing effectively removes dead hair and dust, improves blood circulation and gives an excellent massage. After combing out, rub the coat with a piece of automotive suede to add shine. During the shedding period, the massage mitten is convenient to use while swimming, combing out the fallen hair.
Bath: rarely or as needed with a shampoo for short-haired breeds. Frequent washing with detergents will wash away the protective film from the coat and dry out the skin.
Before bathing, cover the bottom of the tub or basin with a rubber mat to protect the paws from slipping. Moisten wool with warm water, apply shampoo diluted with water (in a 1: 1 ratio) and lather well. Professional shampoos are highly concentrated and therefore need to be diluted. Wash the wool with massage movements, wipe the head with a sponge, then rinse everything thoroughly with warm water. Do not keep foam on the wool. After that, apply a nourishing balm for a few minutes and rinse with water. Dry with a bath towel. Insert pieces of cotton wool into the ears in order to remove the remaining moisture. After bathing, do not walk for 2 hours, make sure that the dog does not sit in a draft. V cold period dry slightly with a hairdryer at low speeds.
In summer, the boxer enjoys splashing in open reservoirs, the only condition after swimming in a river or lake is to rinse his coat with warm boiled water in order to wash off the remains of river plankton.
In winter, wipe the coat of a German boxer with a damp towel or clean with dry shampoo. Rub the product into the coat and leave for 5 minutes, then brush out with a natural bristle brush.
In the photo, a German boxer lies in the house
Paws: After walking, wipe with a damp towel or rinse with a shower. Inspect the paw pads for cracks or injuries, the Boxer is a very active breed, he can be injured without noticing it. Treat the wounds with an antiseptic. To prevent cracking, especially in winter, rub olive oil into the paw pads and include 1 tsp into your dog's diet. in a day.
Check eyes regularly. Healthy eyes are shiny and lively, without souring and lacrimal pathways. Small gray lumps in the corners of the eyes can be easily removed with a soft, lint-free cloth, dry or dipped in chamomile broth. Wipe each eye with a separate piece of cloth. If you notice profuse tearing, redness, or pus that appears after rinsing your eyes, contact your veterinarian immediately and do not treat yourself. Different symptoms indicate various diseases ranging from allergies to glaucoma.
Teeth: Brush 2-3 times a week with special dog toothpaste using a brush or a fingertip. Check gums regularly, healthy pink gums, no inflammation.
A German boxer puppy must be taught to brush his teeth from an early age. First, use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and toothpaste, we just give the brush to chew, so that the dog gets used to it. We start brushing from the front teeth, smoothly massaging and moving to the right - to the left as the puppy gets used to this procedure. Prevention of dental calculus is solid food, dry food, rubber toys.
Ears: examine once a week. A healthy ear with a pleasant pink color, without excess sulfur and odor. We remove the accumulated sulfur and dust with a cotton pad dipped in warm water or ear cleaner. If the ear is clean, do not touch it. Use cotton swabs carefully so as not to injure the dog, do not allow children to clean the pet's ears without adult supervision. If you notice fluid in the ear, an unpleasant odor, or black spots that resemble dirt, the dog often shakes its head and rubs its ears on the floor, take it to your veterinarian immediately. There are many reasons, otitis media, ear mite, inflammation and more. A specialist will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Muzzle: Wipe regularly with a damp towel. After walking, to remove salivation and adhering dust, leaves, earth. After feeding, wipe the flews to remove food debris and reduce the appearance of unpleasant odors and inflammation.
Claws: trim once a month with a nail clipper for large breeds. Smooth sharp ends with a nail file. Train your puppy to trim its nails from an early age, otherwise you simply cannot cope with an adult dog. If your baby is nervous and afraid, trim the claws gradually.
After any procedure, be sure to praise the pet and treat it to a treat.
Ticks and fleas
Ticks (in particular ixodids) are deadly vectors dangerous disease dogs - piroplasmosis (babesiosis). The disease is seasonal, and ticks are especially active from early spring to the first autumn frosts. When biting, the tick injects pyroplasm (Piroplasma canis) into the blood with its saliva, which actively multiplies in erythrocytes and destroys them. The waste products of pyroplasma are toxic to the body. If the infected dog does not receive the proper medical care she will die within 4-5 days.
If he is cheerful, vigorous, eats with appetite, you are lucky, the tick was not contagious. But if you see such symptoms, immediately seek help from your veterinarian. Only timely and correct treatment will help save health and life.
Signs of piroplasmosis in a boxer:
- Refusal to eat, drink
- Lethargy, apathy, fear of light
- Heat body (39 - 42 degrees)
- Red-brown urine
- The whites of the eyes turn yellow
- Muscle weakness is observed, legs give way
- Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Drops on the withers - valid for 3 weeks. Atone for 24 hours before treatment, so that sebum can be produced. Do not bathe for 10 days after application.
- Spray - apply before walking on the pet's coat, if infested with fleas, treat the dog's bed and clothes.
- Tablets - give only after consultation with a veterinarian.
- Collar - works with regular wear, do not wet. Often combined with drops on the withers.
Check with your veterinarian about which one is right for your dog based on weight, age, health status and location.
German boxer training
Boxer training is not difficult. He lends itself well to education, thanks to his sharp mind, he quickly understands the goals and objectives set for him, of course, if they are set correctly, he remembers the learned commands for a long time.
It is necessary to start raising a German boxer from the first moment the puppy appears in the house, and training from 4 to 6 months. The first step is to teach the basic commands - "Sit", "Next" and "Lie down".
German boxer training - photo
After the pet has mastered these commands, you can proceed to the main command, which he must perform the first time and in any situation - "To me".
The German Boxer is an amazing breed from which anyone can grow - a nanny, a rescuer, a security guard, a guide or a fighter. Often he is characterized by stubborn behavior, but with the right approach and perseverance of the owner, you can achieve perfect obedience.
The first step is to accustom the boxer puppy to his nickname, place, on command to go to the owner and leave him. Gradually, the tasks should become more difficult. A German boxer puppy learns to walk next to the owner, to approach him on command, even quitting playing with other dogs or fighting.
Remember about the stubborn character and childish spontaneity, so the upbringing process should resemble a game. Never shout or hit your pet, the puppy can grow up to be cowardly and vicious.
The main point in raising a puppy of a German boxer - self-confidence and patience.
Despite the fact that a boxer is inferior in the speed of upbringing to a German shepherd or a Doberman, having learned the commands, he will remember them for life. It is recommended that you simply periodically repeat and reinforce the learned skills, thus maintaining the excellent working condition of the dog.
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloating
- Bowel problems
- Allergies (in most cases food)
- Entropion (turn of the century)
- Deafness (unfortunately 20-40% of white boxer puppies can be born deaf in one or both ears)
- Aortic stenosis
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (these congenital conditions often present during adolescence)
German boxer videos
A boxer dog is a good friend for the whole family. He is a good guard and nanny for children. In addition, the pet is very affectionate. Despite the prejudice, the dog will not show aggression unnecessarily. This is an active strong animal, which is very easy to care for.
A boxer dog is a good friend for the whole family.
The Boxer is considered a very active and strong dog. It is perfect for a family dreaming of a funny dog that could protect all its members, and even perfect for keeping at home. Representatives of this breed have good health, athletic body. Boxers are considered to be quite fast. They can walk or run for a long time after their owner, if he swims or rides a bicycle.
Boxers get along well with other animals, but this does not prevent them from chasing cats and birds during walks and games. They believe that everything on their territory is prey. This is why it is very important to control these hunting attacks in boxers. It is imperative to teach the dog to obey.
Boxers are considered a service dog. Among them there are many orderlies, rescuers and those who work in sledges. Due to the unusual structure of the muzzle, boxers cannot do a normal search, but there are those who do well in this business. In addition, these dogs are loyal and empathetic, allowing them to be water rescuers, therapists and even guide dogs. These dogs have high intelligence, restraint and the ability to learn quickly. So it comes as no surprise that Boxers are considered one of the best working dogs.
According to the standards, a boxer's body should be wide but compact. This is a square-shaped dog with pronounced muscles. The dog is a shorthaired breed. With regard to docking, if the dog was born in a country where it is allowed, it can be shown at exhibitions.
As for behavior and character, boxers are distinguished by a stable nervous system. They are balanced and easy to learn. Other main features are uncompromising attitude towards violators, playfulness and love for family members, especially children.
The head has pronounced shapes. The muzzle is strong, voluminous, wide. It is proportional to the body, does not look too massive. The body is square, the legs are straight and strong. The coat is short and close to the skin. The color of the dog is brown, brindle or red. The black boxer does not exist. The brown hue can be so dark that it appears blackish brown.
White markings are acceptable by the standards and would be an interesting decoration.
Features of this breed:
- strong aggressiveness;
- cowardly character;
- poor handling;
- malocclusion;
- light shades of eyes and eyelids not completely covered with pigment;
- frown on the face;
- a muzzle that resembles bulldogs or pinschers in shape;
- a small amount of pigment on the nose and lips;
- tail break and its low position;
- cryptorchidism in the stronger sex;
- a white tint that has spread to a third of the body or occupies half or more of the head.
When choosing a pet, be sure to check that all these traits are absent.
Gallery: boxer dog (25 photos)
Boxer dog (video)
Care and maintenance
Despite the fact that the Boxer is considered a short-haired dog, his mobility must be taken into account. So you have to pay a lot of attention to caring for the dog. Such a pet also does not tolerate a sharp drop in temperature, heat, so you only need to keep it indoors (house or apartment), but at the same time there should be free access to the street and back. In the room, you need to build a kind of sofa so that the bedding is not located directly on the floor. You need to choose a place where there are no drafts. In the yard, it is additionally recommended to make an open-air cage with a floor of planks. During the summer, the dog should have access to cool water. By the way, there are special vests with a cooling effect, so you can also use them while walking. But in winter, the pet should be insulated and use special clothing for dogs.
Since boxers are considered short-haired, grooming is minimal. It will be enough to periodically wipe it as soon as it gets dirty. To do this, you need to use a wet terry towel. A special mitten with a rubber base will do. During shedding, you need to comb out the wool with a brush or comb. You need to bathe the dog only if it is smeared in mud. To do this, apply a special shampoo for short-haired dog breeds. You can still use dry shampoo for cleaning. You will need to apply the product to the coat, wait 5-10 minutes, and then wipe the pet with a napkin (only terry cloth is used).
Boxers' eyes also need to be looked after. As soon as dark shades appear in the corners, they should be removed with a soft wet napkin. If the masses are greenish in color and at the same time too abundant, then you need to contact the veterinary clinic.
Ears are also required and should be checked every week. If necessary, the ears should be cleaned. Cotton buds prohibited to use. You need to moisten cotton swabs in a special lotion, and then wipe them. By the way, the lotion can be replaced with the usual one. aqueous solution hydrogen peroxide. If a liquid with an unpleasant odor appears in the ears, as well as crusts of a reddish or brownish hue, then an urgent need to take the pet to a veterinarian for examination.
One important procedure is brushing your teeth. To this the dog needs to be taught as a puppy. This will keep the teeth in good condition, especially if the dog is eating soft foods. Raw beef bones can replace toothbrushes. Special vein bones can be purchased. Another option is toys like "dental", which have protrusions and spikes. Brushing your dog's teeth regularly will help prevent tartar formation. Otherwise, they will then have to be removed in a veterinary clinic.
Dog food
When it comes to nutrition, boxers have a great appetite. They quickly eat whatever is in their bowl, so it is very important that the dog owner knows the feeding rules. For an adult, the diet should be one third of meat, and everything else is cereals and vegetables. In puppies, the proportion will be reversed. From meat for boxers, poultry is perfect (just remove the bones of the tubular type), tripe, meat from the head, beef heart, offal. It is allowed to give fish. It is recommended to include fermented milk products (kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese) and eggs in the diet. An adult dog needs to be fed 2 times a day. Puppies up to 4 months old are supposed to be fed up to 4 times a day, and up to a year - 3 times. It is recommended to use additional vitamin and mineral complexes. In the cold season, food should be thinner, greasy and warmer.
About the breed (video)
Boxer training
Like all service breeds, boxers require special training. Exercise is very important, and it should be regular. It is recommended to start the first trainings as soon as the quarantine is canceled. The puppy needs to be taught basic commands: landing, stopping the action, approaching the object. It must be remembered that puppies cannot concentrate on the same thing for a long time, so they are quickly distracted. In this regard, training is recommended to be carried out several times a day, but their duration should be no more than a few minutes. Per correct actions a small pet needs to be encouraged - not only verbally, but also with a treat. Punishments cannot be used.
Systematic training on special grounds should be started when the puppy is six months old. It is very important to choose your coach responsibly. At this time, the psyche of a small pet is just being formed, so in no case should you apply punishment and harsh measures of influence.
Every walk should be fun for the dog. It is necessary to train the dog not only to be obedient, but also to show various exercises and tricks. This will help the dog owner develop good contact and understanding with him. It promotes physical and intellectual development. Socialization involves not only communicating with other dogs, it takes no more than 10-30 minutes a day. The rest of the time the boxer needs to communicate with the owner. The dog needs to be taught to travel in vehicles (including public ones), walk in noisy places and on crowded streets, and various skills. All walking plans should be varied. In addition, the command algorithm also needs to be changed so that the dog does not develop stereotypes. A boxer will pass all standards when he turns 1.5 years old.
No dwarf specimen will be as reliable a guard as a boxer. The advantages of this breed are that the dogs are not aggressive, easy to train, very affectionate with family members. They get along well with other animals, sometimes they are not tolerant towards other dogs. In addition, dogs of this breed are medium in size. But, on the other hand, it must be borne in mind that pets require activity, movement and frequent physical activity. It is imperative to train them. It should be borne in mind that boxers do not tolerate heat very well, so, as a rule, it is very difficult for them in summer. The dog cannot be kept outside (like the French Bulldog), it is simply not designed for this. The cost of puppies from kennels ranges from $ 500 to $ 1,000, but you can find cheaper options.
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The strong and muscular body, intimidating appearance and upturned nose of the boxer hide the good-natured and sociable dog. The German Boxer belongs to the service breeds. A strong, square-shaped dog does an excellent job in the police and is used as a personal bodyguard.
Breed characteristics
Origin of the German Boxer breed
Bred boxer in Germany. The great-grandfather of the dog, the Brabant Bullenbeiser, is a hunting dog that must catch wounded game and hold it with a wide mouth until the owner appears. By crossing a hunting breed with a mastiff and a bulldog, a boxer, recognizable by modern amateurs, appeared in Munich. The non-aggressive and malleable dog was officially registered in 1850. The first official club of breed lovers was founded in 1896.
Description of the breed
The German Boxer is considered one of the most playful dogs among the service breeds, which are used as a guard and sentry. The dog retains a playful character throughout its life, so you can often see already adult dog, who actively jumps with children on the playground. The dog lends itself well to training, loves companionship and easily gets along with any pets. The breed belongs to the Molossians for their protective and external qualities.
Breed standard (appearance)
Characteristics of the breed include unusual appearance and high performance.
- Head. Regular round shape, with an upturned nose. The forehead is massive, when the ears are raised, wrinkles spontaneously form on it. The head should not have a massive or too light appearance.
- Eyes. Dark rather big and not strong big size not bulging or deeply sunken. A black mask around the eyes.
- Lips. Fleshy, with drooping wings.
- Ears. They stopped until 2008, now they remain unchanged. Turned forward, hanging down.
- Tail. Previously, it was docked, now it remains unchanged, set high, saber-shaped.
- Back. Shortened, with a strong skeleton and muscles, straight.
- Paws. Not long, firm, with firm pads. The elbows are not turned too far back.
- Neck. Muscular and lean with a pronounced transition to the withers.
- Wool. Short guardian, of the same length throughout the body, tightly attached to the skin.
- Color. The most common red with a black mask, and, for example, a red color from sandy light to dark, almost fiery. Tiger German boxers are less common: along the body along the ribs against a red background, there are black, dark brown stripes. The standards allow for a red or brindle color with white spots, but such puppies in litters from purebred parents are rare.
- The size. A dog at the withers can reach 57–63 cm, knots are smaller and measure from 53 to 59 cm.
- The weight adult male up to 30 kg, knots up to 25 kg.
Boxer personality
The German boxer has surpassed all the expectations of the dog handlers. The dog is obedient, playful and has a number of positive qualities.
- The puppy is fearless almost from the very birth. Not afraid of large predators and strangers. In the police, the breed is used when arresting especially dangerous criminals, it is not afraid of shots and sharp claps.
- The balanced psyche of the dog makes the breed one of the friendliest. The dog is suitable for an amateur at any age. The breed is balanced and does not show aggression. The breed is known to be used all over the world as a guide dog.
- The dog is very attached to the owner and family, so it will protect them to the last. But he suffers greatly from the loss of his family, therefore, before buying a puppy, it is worth weighing well the pros and cons.
- Easy to train and learns well. But the breed is lazy, so patience will be required from the owner.
- Expressed distrust of strangers, but bites only in the most urgent cases. Long warning growls and grins.
- Differs in high cleanliness, the puppy quickly learns to go to the toilet on the street, will not roll in the mud and cannot stand dirty paws.
- The animal loves long walks in the fresh air and needs companionship.
Aggressive or cowardly animals are discarded and not allowed to exhibit. Suitable for content. Likes to lie on the couch or bed, so it is not suitable for overly clean people. The dog is active only until the middle of life. After 7 years, the playfulness persists, but the dog becomes more lazy.
- You can brush a smooth-haired dog with a brush with natural bristles. A metal or hard comb can damage the top layer of the epidermis;
- bathing the dog with special shampoos is allowed once or twice a year. The rest of the time, only the paws and belly are washed;
- after each walk, the paw pads are carefully examined, if small cracks or wounds are noticed, then they are smeared with an antiseptic;
- twice a week, the dog's ears are cleaned with a cotton pad and a special septic tank. Can be used to treat hydrogen peroxide;
- the dog sometimes likes to lie alone, so a place with a separate bed is allocated in the house. The rug should not be too soft or, on the contrary, hard. A piece of fleece blanket or felt will do;
- the dog's eyes are wiped twice a week with a special agent; an infusion of chamomile, calendula, strong tea infusion is also suitable.
Breed health
At proper feeding and the content of the dog is rarely sick. After purchasing a puppy, it is necessary to vaccinate against viral diseases: plague, hepatitis and rabies. Depending on the care and health, the pet lives from 9 to 15 years. There is an opinion that sterilized bitches live an order of magnitude less, but disputes about this continue.
Among the frequent pathologies that a boxer is susceptible to, stand out:
- Rheumatism. Proper care will help prevent illness. The animal should not be hypothermic; after walking, the dog is wiped off with a warm dry towel.
- Conjunctivitis. Without timely treatment, the dog may partially lose sight.
- Turn of the century (Entropion).
- Problems with the digestive tract. The breed is prone to frequent digestive upsets, so the choice of feed must be taken responsibly.
- Knots after 6 years of age are susceptible to breast cancer.
- Allergy mainly to food.
Important! The dog must be shown to specialists every 3–6 months. And if any of the pathologies appears, do not delay treatment.
Training
You can train a boxer immediately after getting used to the owner and home. Initially, the animal learns to respond to the nickname. For this, a sonorous and short nickname is chosen, which is repeated to the puppy in a clear and loud voice. Every time a dog reacts to its name, it needs to be praised.
From 2–3 months, they begin to train the basic commands: Sit, Lie, To me. Before the start of the OKD course, the dog must learn to walk on a short leash, to walk without running away from the owner. For this, treats are taken for a walk, which encourages the correct reaction to commands. You should not scold an animal for an unfulfilled command, raising a puppy requires patience.
To train a dog, you need to purchase:
- lengthened and shortened leash;
- collar;
- treats to reward the animal;
- a ball or stick for teaching the "Aport" command.
Training takes place in game form... On the OKD course, the dog handler will teach you how to give commands with your voice and hand and tell you how to teach the animal basic commands as soon as possible.
The German boxer belongs to the guard and guard breeds, and if the dog is taken for service, then it is necessary to go through the ZKS. Unlike many large breeds, after the ZKS the boxer's psyche does not change, the dog remains good-natured and pliable. Aggressiveness towards strangers manifests itself only in extreme cases.
Since a boxer has a weak stomach and a tendency to allergies, the choice of diet should be approached responsibly. It is considered optimal to feed the animal with specialized food: Mighty Dog, Fancy Feast from Nestle, Royal Canin Boxer, Applaws, Summit Holistic. Specialized dry food is recommended due to the special structure of the animal's lower jaw. It is difficult for a dog to grab the wrong size crackers, and it just swallows them. This affects the work of the gastrointestinal tract and the condition of the teeth.
The second feeding option is natural food. Since the dog is often susceptible to allergies, chicken, oat and millet flakes are removed from the diet. It is permissible to boil porridge on beef or veal with buckwheat or rice. Cottage cheese, fermented milk products are added to the diet.
Eggs should be given with caution. To make sure the product does not cause allergies, give a small amount and wait for a while. If there is no reaction on the skin, then the product can be given but, in a limited amount. Since accumulative allergies can severely affect the health of the animal.
The amount of food you eat depends on your age:
- from 1 to 3 months - 5-6 times a day for 150-200 years. cereals on milk mixture, from 2 months they switch to light beef broth;
- from 3 to 6 months - gradually switch to three meals a day, vegetables are added to the diet, except for starchy ones;
- from 6 months to a year - they switch to two meals a day. At a time, the food rate is 2 liters. By-products, cartilage are added to the diet.
Vitamins are used as an additive to natural food. For the German boxer, vitamins are suitable: Canhydrox GAG from Canin, Brewers Yeast Tablets With Garlic from Beaphar, Healthy Heart from Nutri Vet.
Today there are more than four hundred dog breeds in the world. All of them are conventionally divided into several categories, among which there are decorative, hunting and service dogs. Of the animals belonging to the latter group, the German boxer is considered the most suitable for keeping in an urban environment. You will learn all about the breed from today's article.
Brief historical background
Unfortunately, no one can reliably say how many centuries this breed has existed. The ancestors of modern German boxers are considered Bullenbeisers, which were used for a long period to hunt moose, wild boars and even bears. These dogs kept the prey until the arrival of the owner, and did not kill it. Subsequently, representatives of this breed began to be used to protect farm animals.
The modern German boxer, whose photo will be presented in this publication, appeared at the end of the 19th century. Lovers of the breed owe his appearance to a Munich resident named Georg Alt. It was he who came up with the idea to cross the tiger Bullenbeiser with a dog of unknown origin. In the litter born from this mating, there was a pale-white male, who became the founder of the line of German boxers that we see today.
In 1894, three German citizens, about whom nothing but names is known, decided to stabilize the breed so that it could take its place at a dog show. They managed to do it in Munich. And a year later, the first German boxers' club appeared. A few years later, residents of other European countries learned about the breed. And in 1904 it was officially registered with the Kennel Club of America.
German boxer: breed description
Despite the average size of the body, these are quite strong and massive dogs with well-developed relief muscles and a deep chest. They have a square head with a large prominent forehead and a flattened muzzle, on which a slightly upturned black nose with fairly wide nostrils is located. The dog's small, almond-shaped eyes should be dark in color. The powerful jaws have widely spaced canines.
The standard of the German boxer assumes a rather muscular, not too long neck with a well-defined transition to the withers. The dog should have a straight, strong back with a slight slope to the pelvis, a firm, tucked up belly and straight, widely spaced front legs. The hind limbs of the representatives of this breed look longer and more powerful. There should be no folds on the body, except for those that form on the forehead and cheeks of the animal.
A German boxer male, whose weight ranges from 30-32 kilograms, grows to 57-63 cm. Bitches are a little smaller. Their height is 53-59 centimeters with a mass of 25-27 kg.
The powerful compact body of these dogs is covered with short hair of medium hardness. As for the color, the standard allows all shades from deep brown to light beige. A dark mask must be present on the animal's face. White spots on the body are not considered a fault in the German Boxer breed. The brindle color is distinguished by the presence of dark stripes distributed over the main brown background.
Character traits
These are very active, energetic animals, among which phlegmatic people are rarely found. They are quite emotional, so they do not tolerate loneliness. It is not advisable to keep such dogs in enclosures, and even more so on a leash. German boxer, whose description can be seen just above, living surrounded by large family and children, will distribute his love among all household members.
Representatives of this breed are easy to train. They make good companions and guards. In the process of raising such a dog, it is better to prefer an affectionate but firm influence. When rude is shown, the boxer begins to withdraw into himself and ignore the owner. However, do not over-indulge your pet either. Otherwise, you run the risk of growing out of him an uncontrollable dog that can cause a lot of trouble.
A properly trained boxer will become an empathetic, fearless and reliable friend. The special charm of these dogs is manifested in a slightly rude character. They are very tenacious and practically insensitive to pain. A well-trained dog can be an excellent bodyguard.
Having opted for the German Boxer breed, you need to tune in to the fact that these dogs retain their childlike spontaneity throughout their lives. Even an aging animal will not give up the opportunity to run, jump or play. In general, these are non-conflict dogs that easily get along with other pets.
It should be noted that representatives of this breed must live indoors. These dogs have a very short coat, so they quickly heat up and cool down. In connection with this feature, the German boxer's bed is recommended to be located away from the operating air conditioner and from direct sunlight.
Since boxers are distinguished by a lively mobile temperament, it is recommended to walk them at least twice a day. Moreover, the duration of each walk should be at least forty minutes. If possible, once a week, it is advisable to take your pet to the forest or to the park, where he can frolic to his heart's content. For winter walks, the dog must definitely purchase a special jumpsuit that provides reliable protection from frost.
As for leaving, the German boxer, whose photo can be viewed in today's article, is considered one of the most unpretentious dogs. Its short coat does not need frequent brushing and washing. In case of heavy contamination, the animal can be simply wiped off with a damp towel.
To avoid inflammation of the ears and eyes, hygiene procedures should be carried out in a timely manner. Dogs need to trim their nails about once a month. It is recommended to use a special tool for this. You should also pay attention oral cavity pet. At least once a week, you need to brush your teeth and examine the dog's gums. If redness is found, the animal must be shown to the veterinarian.
Nutrition
A properly balanced diet is considered the key to a long life for any dog, regardless of breed. In recent years, dog breeders have had the choice to feed their pets with natural foods or industrial foods. Those who settled on the second option need to approach the selection of dry food with all responsibility. Experts recommend that you carefully study the composition of such products and give preference to those that belong to the premium and super premium class. In this case, you can be sure that your German boxer will receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals along with the dry granules.
For those who decide to give their dog exclusively natural products, it should be remembered that the ancestors of dogs were wolves, so they belong to carnivores. But this does not mean at all that you need to feed the animal alone with meat. A small amount of grains and a little salt must be present in his diet. Meat can be given raw, boiled and semi-cooked. Like any other dog, they can be fed with a rabbit, beef, lamb and various game. In addition, the boxer's menu should include vegetables, sea fish, chicken eggs and dairy products. It is best to cook rice or buckwheat from cereals for a dog. In addition, dogs that eat natural food should periodically be given vitamin and mineral complexes. However, you should consult your veterinarian before doing this.
Those who want to keep their pet healthy should definitely exclude smoked meats, sweets, salty and fatty treats from their diet. It is important that meat prevails in the dog's menu. It should account for about 80% of the total amount of food. Since representatives of this breed are prone to intestinal disorders and allergic reactions, they should not be given milk and too much chicken eggs... The dog's food should be warm and not very runny.
Besides, German boxers vegetables, including zucchini, cabbage, and carrots, can be used. Also, their diet periodically needs to be supplemented with low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt and homemade yogurt. Daily rate the average adult of this breed is about nine hundred grams, which it is desirable to divide into two or three feedings. As for the treats, finely chopped cheese or freeze-dried industrial treats can be used for these purposes.
Education and training
This simple exercise requires patience. At the very beginning, you need to pay attention to working out the basic standard commands and only after that you can start special training.
It is advisable to deal with the animal from the first days after it appears in your house. First of all, German boxer puppies must learn to respond to their nickname. After the little pet remembers given name, you need to move on to learning basic commands. At first, do not overload the animal too much, as the puppy quickly gets tired and begins to be distracted. The first lessons can be done in a playful way.
In the process of training, it must be borne in mind that some individuals are distinguished by increased stubbornness. Therefore, it is advisable to start active exercises with puppies of this breed from the age of four months.
What diseases are boxers prone to?
Despite their impressive appearance, representatives of this breed are susceptible to various ailments. These dogs have a rather sensitive immune system, so they are prone to developing allergic reactions. You can only avoid this problem with the help of the correct, well-balanced diet. It is strictly forbidden for such dogs to give food from the human table.
Like all large breeds, the German boxer is prone to hip dysplasia. This condition affects the musculoskeletal system, so the dog may feel soreness and begin to limp. Most often, its appearance is associated with the presence excess weight therefore it is very important not to overfeed the animal.
Plus, most of the breed is very sensitive. gastrointestinal tract... Too large portions or the wrong food can provoke serious problems with the digestive system.
Pros and cons of the breed
The German Boxer is a dog that has its own advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of these cheerful, sociable animals include the fact that they get along well with other pets. Representatives of this breed do a good job with security functions and are suitable for keeping in city apartments. These short-haired dogs require little maintenance and are easy to train. They are very clean, fearless and hardy. In addition, these dogs are energetic, playful, friendly and endlessly loyal to their owner.
The main disadvantages include the fact that the German boxer has a tendency to dominate. And in the absence of proper education, he can become aggressive. In addition, these dogs are characterized by increased excitability. If they are not given the opportunity to throw out energy, then they can begin to spoil furniture and destroy the apartment. Boxers retain their puppy spontaneity for a long time and sometimes seem annoying.
Buying a puppy
The Boxer is a fairly common breed. These dogs are very popular in many European countries, including Germany, France, Austria and Great Britain. The National Breed Club is successfully functioning in Russia. Those who decide to purchase just such a puppy should contact a specialized German boxers kennel. It is there that the breeders are professionally engaged in breeding these dogs and the correct pairing for obtaining healthy offspring.
When choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention not only to its compliance with the standard, but also to its behavior. He must be active and not be afraid of people. A healthy puppy has an even, shiny coat, a damp cold nose and clean, odorless ears. You also need to pay attention to his belly. It should not be swollen and painful when touched.
German boxer: owner reviews
Many people who have a dog of this breed claim that these animals can become not only excellent companions, but also excellent defenders. However, these dogs require serious training, in the absence of which they begin to destroy the apartment.
In addition, boxers need extra attention, especially when they are puppy. Also, experienced owners of dogs of this breed recommend that you carefully monitor the nutrition of the dog and purchase a special jumpsuit for winter walks.
Boxers are a dog breed with roots in Germany. These dogs are one of the most popular four-legged human friends in the world. What is the difference between boxers and other dogs?
It is believed that in order to raise a boxer it is not necessary to have the skills of a professional breeder, is that so? Yes, indeed, the Boxer breed is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and comprehension, but it is impossible to say unequivocally that this is a dog for entertainment. To begin with, let's look at the history of the emergence of this breed, perhaps there we will find information on how to properly behave with a boxer.
In the 17th century, in the territory of modern Germany, in a duchy called Brabant, several experiments were made on the crossing of hunting dogs. The ancestors of the boxer breed were the Brabant Bullenbeisers. These dogs were distinguished by their fury and strength during the hunt, they easily drove,.
A feature of this now extinct breed was considered the ability to bite into the throat of an animal with its jaws and hold it until the hunter came up and finished off the prey. So, the blood of such breeds as the English Bulldog and the Mastiff was poured to these very Bullenbeisers.
The resulting offspring were much lighter and more compact than their ancestors in physique, but retained the necessary qualities ... and became the owner of a bulldog's face. Since then, work has begun on the breed to improve the exterior and bring to uniformity in appearance. These dogs received official recognition only in 1896.
Boxers are medium in size, they grow up to 63 centimeters in height. The weight of boxer dogs varies from 25 to 20 kilograms. They have a fairly strong physique, a moderately sized head, dark eyes, drooping ears in the shape of a triangle, a square body, a long muscular neck, and muscular legs. The tail of these bulldog dogs is not long, modern standard prohibits tail docking, although such a procedure was carried out earlier, and boxers went with completely trimmed ponytails.
The Boxer is a fit, slender dog. These dogs are short-haired. The hairline adheres tightly to the skin. The fur is shiny and smooth. The colors are allowed brindle, fawn and red, there may be white inserts on the chest and legs. According to the standard, the muzzle of a purebred boxer should have a dark mask.
The character of these dogs is energetic, very lively. Boxers are great for guard duty as they have a good combination of distrust of strangers with caution. In addition, boxer dogs are good at hunting: they are as obedient as possible, calm and balanced. They do not have unreasonable aggression, they show it only at the command of the owner. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by their loyalty to the owner, incorruptibility and willingness to serve with their last bit of strength.
If you want to get a boxer, you should know that although these dogs are unpretentious in care, they still need periodic training, as well as regular walks. In addition, boxers suffer if the owner pays them little attention, because they need to put their potential for liveliness and energy somewhere. You should not get a boxer and people with disabilities. Again, due to the lively nature of these dogs and their constant need for movement.
The future owner of the Boxer should know that the short coat of the dog is not adapted to low temperatures. Therefore, if you live in a private house, then you should not keep a dog on the street - boxers are not suitable for the role of yard watchmen, but he will perfectly get used to it in the house and will protect him.
