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Boxer
Originally from Tibet and more
recently from Germany, the Boxer has developed into a popular
pet.
History:
The Boxer comes from two
German ancestors: the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer,
which were used to hunt wild boar and bear, and were then used
as cattle dogs. The Boxer breed was established in the
mid-1800s, but was not known outside of Germany until after
the Second World War when many American and British returning
soldiers took them home.
Physical
characteristics:
The Boxer is a medium-sized
dog with a muscular body. Height: 22.5 - 25 in (57 - 63.5 cm)
for the dog; 21 - 23 in (53.3 - 58.4 cm) for the bitch. Under
Canadian standards: 21 - 23.5 in (55.3 - 59.7 cm) for the
bitch. Weight: 66 - 70 lb (30 - 31.7 kg) for the adult dog and
55 - 60 lb (25 - 27.5 kg) for the bitch. Under Canadian
standards, not specified
The Boxer's head is
well-proportioned and square-shaped. Its muzzle is
well-developed, with a dark mask. The skull is slightly
rounded with a well-defined stop. The jaws are strong and
broad with an undershot bite. The nose is broad and black. The
eyes are dark brown with a frank, intelligent gaze. The ears,
when not cropped, are a moderate size, set high, and hang
close to the cheek when in repose. The body is square, below a
well-proportioned, long neck. The thorax extends to the elbow,
the ribs are curved, but not cylindrical.
The back is short, straight
and broad, with good muscle cover. The flanks are short, tight
and tucked up, and the belly forms a gentle curve to the rear
of the dog. The tail is usually docked, set high, and carried
erect. The forequarters are parallel and straight, the
hindquarters are parallel also, and are well angulated with
broad, round thighs.
The coat of the Boxer is short
and shiny, with hard hair very flat on the body. The coat
colors are fawn and brindle, with different shades of fawn
ranging from yellow through to red. There are white markings
on the muzzle, neck, chest, and legs or feet.
Behavior:
The Boxer deserves its
popularity as it is an excellent all-round dog. This highly
intelligent animal really enjoys its training, and rewards its
owner time and again with its playful antics and dedicated
loyalty. Although Boxers get along well with people, they may
often be shy on first encounter. However they more than
compensate for their initial hesitation once they get to know
you.
When they are young, Boxers
positively bound with enthusiasm and energy. As they mature,
these dogs make brave watch-dogs and are quite big enough to
double as guard dogs. An alert Boxer makes a great deterrent
to would-be intruders. The coat is easy to care for and an
occasional brushing will keep its appearance in top form. This
dog appreciates a lot of exercise and thrives on the attention
it receives from its owner during play time.
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