Boxer Dog Breed: Five Things Every Prospective Owner Needs To Know

Are you thinking of getting a boxer? These intelligent dogs are loyal and easy-going, making them great companion animals.

The boxer dog breed is a working dog that initially came from Germany. They are considered guardian dogs as they are not aggressive but can be very protective of their owners. They can, however, be trained and used as security dogs.

The smooshed face of a boxer, combined with its sleek but powerful body, makes it an appealing-looking animal. If you are thinking of getting a boxer dog, however, there are a few more things you should consider aside from its "look."

1. A Boxer is a big dog

A Boxer is a friendly and lovable dog breed; it is not, however, a small or toy dog. A male boxer will weigh from 30 to 36 kilos and stand around 24 inches high, while a female boxer will weigh about 22-30 kilos and stand 22 inches tall.

2. A Boxer has a short coat and is easy to groom

A boxer dog breed has a short coat; this makes it easy to groom and keep clean. Boxers do not need frequent baths, as too much bathing can cause their skin to dry. You should bathe a boxer only every 4 or 8 weeks. You can just wipe a boxer dog's coat in between baths with a wet washcloth. They will also benefit from a weekly brushing to remove dead hair and stimulate healthy hair growth.

3. Boxer Dog breeds used to have cropped ears and tails

Traditionally, a boxer would have its ears cropped, making them stand erect. They also used to have their tails docked. However, these are no longer a requirement as it's considered a cruel practice that doesn't positively affect the dog beyond giving it a distinctive "look."

4. Boxers are good guard dogs

The Boxer dog breed is known to be intelligent and loyal. They love to be in their owner's company and naturally guard their owner's and their owner's property against strangers. Boxers are not really aggressive or "barky" so you know that if your boxer starts barking, they're probably trying to alert you and warn off strangers.

5. Hot weather is terrible for boxers

If you live in an area that gets extremely hot during the summer, you'll need to make sure your boxer doesn't get overheated. A boxer is a brachycephalic or "flat-faced" breed. Their shorter snouts mean that they have narrower nostrils and smaller airways than other types of dogs. This can make it difficult for them to pant, which is how dogs cool off. Make sure that you provide your boxer with plenty of water and, if possible, keep them in rooms with fans or air conditioning during the summer months.