Dog Breed of the Week: Boxer
Wednesday November 26, 2008
The Boxer is one of the happiest dog breeds around. In fact, I have never met one that could not lift my spirit! Boxers are energetic, intelligent, athletic, loyal dogs with sweet and playful temperaments. It is hard to believe that they were historically used for dog fighting. Fortunately, the breed was developed into the lovable, hard working canine we know and love today.
As well as being ideal companions, Boxers are excellent guard dogs. They are naturally protective of the ones they love and can also be great family dogs with proper training. Do you have Boxer fever? Tell us why. Also, submit your favorite photos for future use on the Dogs site!
Photo © Kyle May on Flickr
Comments
I have had German Shepherds ( I love the breed) Malamutes ( loves them too) and a Lab (Love her so much) But, I was introduced to the Boxer 8 years ago with a lot of reservations – I thought they were ugly) and I will never own a different breed. Aside from the loyalty and protection they are the best company a person could have. They are so much fun and very sensitive to my feelings and moods And soooo cuddly. And, most of all I am never depressed or sad when my Boxers are around They just naturaly lift one`s spirits That`s their gift to people.
I have owned Boxers for over 12 years now, and couldn’t imagine my life without one in it. They are the most beautiful dogs, smart, stubborn, crazy goofy, make you laugh, always getting into something. They make like more beautiful and interesting. Who can resist that squishy face?:-)
My first dog was a beautiful, fun-loving Boxer named Rascal. We got him when we lived in Germany. I must have been around three or four. I had a baby sister, but Rascal was really my dog. He’d sneak into bed with me and I’d sneak him people cookies since we never had dog biscuits. I didn’t know what those were till many years later.
Rascal was full of energy, friendly and fun. He was also fiercely loyal and protective. He knew that I was blind so he always stayed close to me, never allowing me to run into the street or out of the yard. He was a better baby-sitter than the human ones I had.
One day I got badly burned and needed to be taken to the hospital. It was a short walk but the roads were icy. I was wailing and protesting vociferously that I didn’t want to go. I had vivid memories of recent trips to the hospital which involved multiple insertions of big needles into arms. (Back then, there were all of the usual kid shots plus whatever country-specific ones we had to have. I was hurting, but I was scared and crying and Rascal didn’t like that one bit.
As my mother dragged me out the door, down the stairs, across the sidewalk and into the street, Rascal knew I was in trouble. So he followed.
As we began to cross the street, I fell and slipped on the icy blacktop. My mother continued to drag me along but I couldn’t keep my footing because of the thin glare ice. Traffic was having trouble too which made matters worse. Rascal bounded out the door, down the sidewalk and into the street. He was barking. He was whining and barking, trying to get my attention, trying to protect me.
We made it across the street and I remember getting to the other side. I remember the sound of screeching brakes. That was all I remembered until hours later.
When they told me Rascal was gone and wouldn’t be coming back, I was sure it was my fault; something I’d done. I believed that for years as my family told me that Rascal was running to protect me so I was the one responsible for his death. For years I was plagued with extreme guilt. It was years before I got another dog.
But it was an accident. Rascal was doing what he thought was his job. He knew part of his job was to protect his family, especially ne. I know his death was quick. I know now that he has joined many other dogs I have had the privilege to share my life with and he is awaiting me at the Rainbow Bridge along with other dogs with whom I have shared love,laughter, life and ultimate trust.
If Rascal had been in a different place, he might have had an official job with police or even as a guide dog. He would have made a good guide and some schools do train Boxers for that job. But Rascal was my guide, my friend, the one to whom I could pour out my sorrows and with whom I could savor my joys. He paid the ultimate price trying to make things better for me. He will always have a special place in my heart not just because he was my first dog, though one always remember one’s first, just as I remember my first guide dog who made such an incredible difference in my life, but because, without special training, he went beyond being a playmate and companion. He knew I wasn’t supposed to go in the street. He knew I was afraid. He was concerned for my life and was willing to give his, the ultimate sacrifice any dong could make.
Laura
I, too, am smitten with boxers. But they are not the dog for everyone. Look at local dog pounds and shelters, there are often several young adult boxers there.
Boxers take a lot of work to make them into nice pets. They can be hard to live with and need much training. After 2.5 or 3 years tho, things get much easier. Get your puppy into an obedience class ASAP. It’s much easier to work with a young dog. After they get older, you often have to un learn behaviors. You’ll also have their size and strength working against you.
Boxers need a LOT of exercise. It helps to have more than one, but wait to get a second after the first one is trained. Boxers have very good memories altho they may chose not to remember something. They also have selective hearing and can be stubborn. They can be very clever and smart, it can be hard to keep a step ahead of them. They need an owner who is a leader, they’ll take steps to dominate if you let them.
I strongly suggest you crate train. Young, energetic boxers can wreak havoc on your house in just a few minutes when you’re out of the room.
Be sure to look for a reputable breeder for your puppy. It will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. If you’re like me a prefer to skip the work and help save a dog, look to your local boxer rescue. These dogs are already house trained, their temperaments have been evaluated by people that know boxers and they need you help.
I got my first boxer, Beasley, nearly 3 years ago and I am boxer crazy, Beas always seems to lift my spirts. I love his kidney bean dance, the boxer burn and how he defends us from the evil squirrels. I love Boxers so much I joined an online forum for boxer lovers (Boxercrazy.org).
I have been owned by boxers for more than 10 years. They are amazing dogs that are full of courage, love, and lots of bouncy fun, however they are not for everyone. They have an abundance of energy and a need for contact with their human family. If you are an active person or family and are looking for a devoted, athletic and fun loving companion then the boxer may be right for you, if you are looking for a dog to guard your property, you might want to look for another breed. Boxers are protective of their people, but are just as likely to lead a robber to the jewels as they are to guard them.
There are countless boxers in rescues throughout the country, if you are looking for a great pet check them out! If you are looking to purchase a boxer be sure to take your time finding a responsible breeder who does health testing.
I was first introduced to the Boxer dog when our beloved Shar Pei died after 13 years. After two weeks – I asked my husband if we could get another dog and he said no… So I tried again saying – “if you could have any dog in the world – what would you like?”. He said “A Boxer”… I went to Petfinder.com and after looking at several photos – my husband picked out one to see. We both decided to “just look” and had Hank’s Rescue Mom come by with him to the house. During the visit – I asked my husband how he felt about Hank – and he said “I love him”… that’s all it took. Hank came into our lives when he was a year old and he is a fantastic dog. He loved my husband so much and gave great kisses and dances. My husband passed a year after we got Hank and Hank has been a Godsend to me. With no children of our own – Hank made me get out of bed each morning and walk him.. bringing his leash to me on the days I just wanted to stay in bed and cry. He made me keep a routine with him and pushed me to go on. And during our walks – I saw a new dog – Hank is so much more protective of me. He knows he is there for me and if someone knocks on the door – he makes sure they know he is there with all his teeth and fierce bark… Until they come in and I say they are okay and gives them love and kisses. Hank is the best… if I go to the market and come back – you’d think I was gone for a week.. he greets me with such love as if saying “I really missed you and so glad you are home”. He sleeps at the foot of the bed each night and wakes me with a nuzzle to say “let’s start the day”. My husband may have picked him out – but the love Hank gives is endless. He rescued me – not the other way around. And yes – our other beloved Shar Pei’s ashes were buried with my husband – to keep him company…Hank is only 3 – I look forward to a long and lovely life together.
Cute picture.
The stories brings tears to my eyes, I fully agree with you about the Boxers. They are the best friends I have had too. I cannot understand why people mistreat them!!! I have had different breeds as pets all my life, but I definitely pick a Boxer for the top spot. They are extremely intelegent and smart understanding just what you want by just watching your eye movements. I can just say, I love all you Boxers and Boxer lovers out there. God bless you all!
I started fostering boxers when my daughter was working at our SPCA, they lose large amounts of weight in the pound very quickly. they don’t do well without people contact. I watched the first one lose 30lbs in only a few days,so I had to take him home. I took care of one who had heart worms and another who had been starved so close to dying he even smelled like a dead animal. His name was rocky, and he was a fighter. He went from 23 lbs to over 90. Boxers leave foot prints on your heart
I have my first boxer he just turned 2 years old.I am so happy he turned 2.I think I was happier than he was (if thats possible).I know Im getting closer to the slow down.LOL.Maxx is the best dog we ever!He is a lot of work but we get in his exercise and his training class and he is very well behaved.However, some days will just eat up the angel on the tree.Matter of fact Maxx has chewed on all the following:shoes,purses,cookies,computer screen,christmas tree,new shoes,old shoes,ran away with my panties,remote to the electronic collar (twice!).emergency brake,lock to interior door(locking my son out for 2 hours with the AC and stereo booming).I guess I could go on for a longer time but you get the idea.
I love first boxer Maxx so dang much!IM ready for #2!
I recently purchased a boxer pup from a local breeder and I really love the dog. Since they are a breed of bulldog people think they are mean like the pit bull. So far my boxer has shown me and my family nothing but love. He actually put life back into a boring mundane life. Last week I put up an electric fence where the dog can go outside when he needs to run and exercise and I feel safe knowing he wont be near the road while he leaves the house. So far the dog is becoming one of the best dogs I have ever owned. I am looking forward to all excitement and pleasure in watching him grow.
bubba and angel,
my husband and i used to have german shepherds but due to our jobs we had to transfer to a different city and gave out shepherds to a very good home, once we got settled in our jobs and home we decided we wanted another dog so we looked at boxer puppies and found bubba. Have you ever seen a dog that just looks goofy with a tongue thats so long it doesnt all fit in his mouth? well thats bubba, we love him like he is our child and in our own ways he is, a few months later we saw an ad in the paper ” white female boxer for sale” when we went to look at her she was so thin and neglected we felt we had to take her and now she’s the healthiest happiest dog around. these dogs are honestly the best things that have happened to us, angel has dedicated herself to us and has bonded with us. we love our boxers and are so glad to have come across them both.