Country/Region of Origin: Germany
Life span: 10 – 14 years
Weight: 24 – 35 kg (52.9 – 77.1 pounds)
Gestation: 61 – 65 days
Common Health issues in Boxers:
Cancer
Boxer cardiomyopathy (BCM) – This disease causes abnormal heart beats which may result in the loss of blood to the brain causing the dog to pass out or even die. BCM is unique to Boxers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative myelopathy
Epilepsy
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
Deafness
Interesting Facts on Boxers
The Boxer is a descendent of the Brabenter Bullenbieser and the Danziger Bullenbeiser which were breeds of Mastiff which are now extinct. Later breeds of boxers were cross-bred with the Bulldog and other Mastiffs.
Boxers were originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting. Bull baiting and dog fighting was stopped when a laws were passed, prohibiting such activities.
Boxers were also used for pulling carts and rounding up cattle. Hunters would use then to pin down wild boar and bison until they arrived at the scene.
The name “Boxer” was thought to originate from the dogs tendency to “box” with its front paws while standing on its hind legs but this is not true. The true origin of its name may have derived from German word ‘Boxl” which was the name given to them by butchers in slaughterhouses.
The Boxer was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904 but only gained popularity in the US in the 1940’s when the soldiers of World War 2 came back home with their mascot Boxers.
This breed is currently (2013) the 7th most popular in the USA.
Boxers are extremely intelligent dogs and are very popular as circus and theatre dogs.
When compared there is very little difference between the German and American Boxer. The German boxer tends to be slightly larger and a stockier in build, whereas the American Boxer has a slimmer body.
