|
 If
you were looking for a great family pet, one that is
intelligent and protective, but also gentle and
loving, the Boxer would make an excellent choice.
This breed has been around since the 19th century
and over the years, has proven to be an amazing
companion dog, as well as for show. Unfortunately,
with so much controversy relating to the Pitt Bull,
some people confuse the Boxer, thinking it too is
aggressive and mean, which is not the case at all.
To help you understand this breed better, we have
provided some answers to commonly asked questions.
1. Someone told me
that the Boxer has problems associated with being
deaf – is this true?
Boxers are permitted to have some flashing, which is
white coloring on the face, neck, tummy, and paws.
The amount of flashing should never be more than 25%
of the total body. Studies show that Boxers with
more than 25% of flashing are in fact prone to
lacking pigmentation within the inner ear.
Therefore, approximately 18% of all white Boxers are
deaf in one or both ears.
2. Can white Boxers be shown in the ring?
Sadly, many breeders used to euthanize white Boxers
because of the higher risk of health problems and
the disqualification of show. Today, if a breeder
ends up with a white Boxer, they typically have the
dog spayed or neutered and then place it in a loving
home. For show, white Boxers are prohibited, in
addition to breeding. However, a white Boxer is
allowed to compete in events pertaining to agility
and obedience.
3. Does the Boxer make a good service and/or
therapy dog?
Yes, this breed is
exceptional with people, very loving, patient, and
gentle. For this reason, dogs not used for show or
breeding have been specially trained as deaf or
sight-impaired service dogs, as well as therapy dogs
for hospitals and nursing homes.
4. I know the Boxer is great as a companion dog
but how is it with children, especially smaller
children?
This even-tempered dog is amazing with children,
even young ones. Being so good-natured, the Boxer
easily tolerates children laying on it, prodding,
playing, and so on. Of course, early socialization
and obedience training of the puppy are important,
as is teaching children how to treat dogs with
respect.
5. What are the various uses for the Boxer breed?
In addition to the show ring, breeding, and being a
family pet, the Boxer is also great as a guard dog,
as well as working various agility events. Today, we
also see the Boxer working as service dogs, therapy
dogs, military dogs, and law enforcement dogs.
6. Is the Boxer a fighting breed?
When the Boxer was first created back in the 19th
century, it was used for fighting. However, as the
breed was modified, it became smaller and gentle.
The Boxer is protective over its family and tends to
be suspicious of strangers but this is not an
aggressive breed of dog.
7. How popular is the Boxer?
Current statistics from the American Kennel Club
show the Boxer is rated as the seventh most popular
breed in the United States. Considering there are
close to 38,000 new Boxer registrations with this
organization each year, that says a lot.
8. What is some of the history behind the Boxer?
This particular dog was the result of various breeds
to include the Bull Mastiff, all that have lineage
to the Molossus. First developed in Germany, the
Boxer soon became popular in Europe and the United
States by the end of the 19th century. Originally
used for fighting boars and bull baiting, the Boxer
is now a highly intelligent and gentle breed.
9. When was the Boxer accepted into the American
Kennel Club?
Although the Boxer was first registered in 1904, it
was not until 1940 when the AKC took interest.
10. What are the downfalls to a Boxer?
To be honest, none really, although you need to
remember that buying this breed from a reputable
breeder, coupled with early socialization and
obedience training is what will provide you with a
wonderful, loving pet.
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