The Boxer Dog: The Peter Pan of Dogs

The Boxer Dog Breed

The Boxer is an amazing dog and is extremely playful, energetic, and a handful (in a good way of course). This breed of dog is extremely loyal and when a friendship is built it lasts forever. The boxer is very unique and not for everyone.

Physically speaking, they are large, square-headed dogs who look striking. They are oftentimes called the Peter Pan of Dogs because they aren’t considered fully mature until they are three years old. This means that they have the longest puppyhood in the Kingdom of Doggos.

Boxers are typically smart, alert, fearless yet friendly. They’re loyal to their family and love to play with them, but they’re also impetuous, especially if you try to use strict training methods with them.

They are known for their patience and gentleness with children, making them great family companions. Boxer dogs require minimal grooming needs and adequate exercise in the form of walking or running. They can even adapt to living in apartments as long as their hoomans are there for them.

History of Boxer Dog

The Boxer Dogs came from Germany and were brought to the U.S. after World War I. Boxers have broad, short skulls, have a square muzzle, have an underbite (mandibular prognathism), very strong jaws, and powerful bite ideal for hunting.

The Boxer was bred from the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser which became extinct by crossbreeding rather than by a decadence of the breed. The Boxer is part of the Molosser group. This group is a category of solidly built, large dog breeds that all descend from the same common ancestor, the large shepherd dog known as a Molossus. The Boxer is a member of the Working Group.    

The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late 1890s. Around 1903, the first Boxers were imported into the U.S. The first Boxer was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904, a dog named Arnulf Grandenz.

When World War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs, and acting as attack and guard dogs.

Boxer Dog Training

If you’re a new owner of a boxer you have to be aware that they need a lot of attention and training. They are extremely intelligent dogs which can work to your advantage when it comes to training, but then again can be very disadvantageous as they know how to use their intelligence to get what they want.

Boxer dog training consists of training them up to become guard dogs, this is their main profession if you like. People who don’t know boxers tend to assume that they are naturally aggressive when they are in fact, the opposite and couldn’t be more playful than any other dog. Because of their good stature and aggressive look, people are automatically assuming this dog could do more harm than good. If your boxer isn’t trained properly then he just might.

Because of their intelligence Boxers can be very stubborn but when it comes to training a boxer it can be very helpful.

Owners must remember that there will be times when you ask him to do something and he’s going to look you in the face and tell you where to go, he knows he is supposed to do what you are telling him but he decides he can’t be bothered and doesn’t. The main thing you have to remember in these circumstances is to be patient. From as early as 6 weeks old you should start your boxer dog training as this will help him when he grows up, socialize him, play with him and teach him, but do it excitingly and he is more likely to listen.

The main aspect of training for a boxer is socialization.

Boxers can be very friendly dogs but they need to be trained to become one. They need to get accustomed to other dogs and people. The best way to do this is training classes. That way your boxer will be trained alongside other dogs.

When your boxer reaches 13-16 weeks old it’s time for some serious boxer dog training. This is the stage where he is going to test for dominance. He will nip and try to show you that he is the more dominant one, mainly by not listening to you. You have to be a strong leader at this time. You must show him that him acting like that will not be tolerated no matter what.

Boxers are genuinely a lovable family dog and would make a proud pet for anyone. They are dogs that prefer to sit on your lap for a cuddle than anything else. Train your boxer early with some serious boxer dog training and you can be assured you will have a stunning, loyal family friend.

Summary

Although Boxers are large dogs, they are not outdoor dogs. They are uncomfortable in hot and cold weather because of their short noses and short hair. They need to be kept as house dogs.

The Boxers mature slowly and aren’t fully matured until they reach three years old. They could be rowdy puppies for several years.

Boxers are energetic dogs and need a lot of exercise. Make sure to have enough time, and energy to give them the play and activity they need.

Some Boxers take their guarding duties a little too seriously, while others may not exhibit any guarding instincts at all.

Boxers are high-spirited and will greet you blissfully.

Train your Boxer before it gets too big to handle.

Boxers drool a lot and they also snore loudly.

Boxers need to be around their family. If left alone or kept in the backyard away from people, they can become ill-tempered and destructive.

Boxers shed especially in the spring although they have short hair.

Boxers are intelligent and respond well to stable but fun training. They also have a sovereign streak and don’t like to be bossed around or treated harshly. Make their training fun for a successful training.