Important Dog-Care Facts Every Boxer Owner Needs to Know
When you decide to buy a dog for a breeder, you have the luxury of choosing the specific breed. Of course, choosing a cute dog is important (they're all pretty adorable, right?), but what's even more necessary is selecting a pup that's personality fits with your family. Boxers make wonderful dogs for many reasons, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), for a handful reason. The breed is "lovey-dovey," very good with young kids, and does pretty well with other dogs. If you're thinking of adding a boxer dog to your family, make sure you know how to properly care for the breed. Here's what you should know about Boxer dogs.
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Boxer Temperament: A boxer has a fun-loving, smart, and loyal personality. Their patient temperament makes them an especially popular choice for families, with the bonus that these pups desire lots of human affection, especially from children.
Boxer Training: It is important to start training your boxer as a puppy. Beginning to train them early ensures their energy gets directed and they establish good behavior habits, which prevents destructive behaviors, like chewing and digging. Boxers can be suspicious of strangers, so you will want to expose your boxer puppy to lots of new people and animals. Overall, boxers are quick learners and can be trained relatively easily. With advanced training, boxers handle special jobs like a watchdog. Did you know boxers were one of the first breeds selected for police training in Germany?
Boxer Care and Grooming: Boxers have a lot of energy and need daily exercise. As far as grooming, boxers have a sleek, short coat that should be regularly brushed with a soft bristle brush, such as Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush ($6, Chewy), to help control shedding. Boxer ears, which are customarily cropped, can become infected, so be sure to regularly check their ears and remove wax or debris buildup. Teeth should be regularly brushed with dog-specific toothpaste, such as Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste ($10, Chewy) to prevent dental problems.
Boxer Health: Boxers are generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. However, as with all purebreds, there may be some health problems, like cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, and allergies. These issues can be minimized by working with a responsible breeder who knows the health concerns and diseases of the breed.
Boxer Food: Good nutrition, including proper food, is important throughout a boxer's life. Typically, a male should weigh 65 to 70 pounds, females 53 to 65 pounds. Many dog food companies have formulas designed for the size of your dog. The boxer is a medium-breed dog, so consider working with your veterinarian to determine the best diet to make sure your pet remains healthy.
