Boxer

Boxer History

The Boxer breed originated in the 1800's in Germany when a now extinct breed called the Bullenbeisser was bred with an English Bulldog. They were used for hunting as well as working with butchers and cattle dealers herding stock. Due to their bravery, families began to use Boxers as guard dogs for their homes and this allowed them to become the loyal companions we know today.

Boxer Personality

Boxers are energetic and playful with a loyal and sweet nature. They instinctively protect their family and can make wonderful companions for older children. Boxers are highly intelligent and can be stubborn, so training and socialisation from an early age is critical.They can develop destructive behaviours like digging if they do not receive enough mental stimulation and exercise.

Top toy recommendations for Boxers

Boxers love to play and they can get bored easily so a variety of toys suits them the best. For more tips, take a look at Boredom Busters for Dogs.

KONG Extreme Dental with Rope

Cheerble Wickedball

Chuckit Flying Squirrel

Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle

The Curious Big Dog Box

The Curious Chewer Box

Boxer Health Problems

Unfortunately, Boxers are very prone to developing a number of serious health problems. These include:

Cancer

The Boxer is very susceptible to developing various types of cancers. The most common are mast cell tumours, brain tumours and lymphomas. Boxers with white markings are at risk for developing skin cancers.

Eye Ulcers

Eye ulcers which are very slow to heal are called Indolent Ulcers or Boxer Ulcers so it is no surprise that this is a common problem for Boxers. The signs of a Boxer Ulcer include discharge from the eye, squinting, redness and excessive tearing. Additionally there may be a strange appearance to a normally clear cornea.

For more information, take a read through Eye Discharge in Dogs and Cats.

Congenital Heart Disease

Boxers can be born with malformation of the valves in the heart that can cause serious problems and may result in death in the first year of their life. Boxers with less severe forms of this problem may find it difficult to exercise, have stunted growth or even faint.

Boxer Cardiomyopathy

This is a disease which affects the heart muscle and causes the heart to beat irregularly. Although dogs can show signs of this disease at any age, it is usually diagnosed in adult dogs. Boxers with this disease may become weak or even faint if their heart beats become so irregular that they do not receive enough blood to their brains.

Hip dysplasia

This is an inherited problem which occurs in many breeds of dog. Affected dogs are born with the genes that cause their hip bones to form abnormally. Rapid growth due to an incorrect diet can worsen the malformation of the hip joint in affected pups. Hip dysplasia commonly leads to arthritis in affected dogs.

To learn more, take a read through Hip Dysplasia in Dogs.

GDV or "Bloat" - Gastric Dilation and Volvulus

Bloat is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach swells and can twist which cuts off the blood supply. The spleen can also be affected by this twisting and have its blood supply cut off. This condition usually affects deep chested dogs like Boxers and Pointers however it can affect any size or breed of dog.The main symptoms to watch for are the stomach suddenly swelling, drooling and trying to vomit without bringing anything up. This condition is an emergency with the dog being distressed, anxious and in pain. You must transport them to your nearest veterinary hospital or emergency clinic immediately for urgent treatment. Do not attempt to give them anything by mouth.

In breeds with a high risk of bloat, a preventative surgery called a prophylactic gastropexy can be performed at the same time as desexing. The surgery involves securing the stomach to the inside of the abdomen to prevent it rotating. For more information about bloat and preventative surgery, we recommend speaking with your regular veterinarian.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Brachycephalic means 'short nosed', and the Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome involves a combination of one or more upper airway defects which ultimately get in the way of normal breathing and panting behaviour. These conditions are seen in as a consequence of selective breeding, particularly for the Boxer's flat face.

Their likelihood to have some degree of brachycephalic airway syndrome means that Boxers are highly prone to heat stress. This comes about because dogs are unable to sweat except on the footpads and nose, instead using panting as their main means of cooling down. When the airways are compromised and dogs are unable to breathe properly, panting becomes much less effective, increasing their risk of overheating which can be fatal.

Want to know more? Read about Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs.

Top health and supplement recommendations for Boxers

Because Boxers are susceptible to bloat and orthopaedic diseases, the following joint supplements and products are recommended to support the health of your Boxer.

4Cyte

Glyde Mobility Chews For Dogs

Scream Dog Bowl Slow Feed

KONG Goodie Ribbon

Boxer Diet and Nutrition