Boxer dog species. German boxer: a fearless defender with a cheerful personality. Advantages and disadvantages

Representatives of the breed were the favorite pets of the artist Pablo Picasso, actors Sylvester Stallone and Robin Williams. According to 2010 data, the boxer is considered the seventh most popular variety in the United States.

The history of boxers

The ancestor of this dog is considered to be a now extinct German fighting breed, similar in appearance to mastiffs, called “Bullenbeisser”, which means “bull biter”. Obviously, the dogs were so named in connection with their direct use, namely, hunting large animals, in particular bears, wild boars and bulls.

Another forefather of the species is considered to be the English bulldog, which was no longer used as a fighter at that time. There is written evidence confirming the crossing of these varieties of canines, the result of which was a boxer named Floki. It was he who was registered in the German breed register as number one.

The breed received official recognition only at the beginning of the 20th century. It is believed that this is associated with the name of the Austrian dog handler Frederick Robert. He moved to Monaco in 1894 and, fascinated by the, at that time, no longer so numerous, formidable Bullenbeisers, decided to start breeding them.

A year later, in the same city, at an exhibition event for St. Bernards, four boxers took part, including Floki. It was Frederick Robert who awarded him the title of the first category. The first written version of the standard was published in 1902, the second appeared in 1905.

The ancestors of boxers are considered to be two males - Floki and Wootten San Salvador, and two females Blanca and Metta. The beginning of the 20th century was marked not only by the definition of requirements for the physical qualities of a boxer, but also for his appearance. Mrs. Friederum Shtokman created a sculpture that demonstrated the appearance of an ideal boxer. Its criteria were followed and adhered to in the future.

In Italy, Count Douglas Scotti was the first to start breeding boxers. He added the prefix “Western” to their name. Following him, Dr. Tomaso Bosi, a great connoisseur of the breed, became interested in selection. In 1941, Mario Confolanieri organized the VIR MAR kennel, and five years later the first club for lovers of such dogs appeared, which played an important role in the spread and study of the variety.

Origin of the name and purpose of the Boxer breed

Such dogs are real athletes, with an excellent physique and full of energy. Endowed with such data, they are used for police work, security, and also for carrying out rescue operations. When using boxers in this area, they need to be specially trained.

Training should be carried out by a qualified specialist, not an amateur trainer. With the help of special exercises, the instructor teaches the dog to cope with difficulties and obstacles. This helps to develop courage and the ability to maintain balance. Such traits are required to work in difficult conditions. Nowadays, trained boxers have saved the lives of hundreds of people in trouble.

Pets are also excellent bodyguards. A trained dog deftly chases and attacks a criminal, for example, someone trying to steal a car. Of course, this does not mean that boxers are inadequate and rush at passers-by who are carrying something.

Description of the exterior of a boxer dog

1. Head boxer in good proportion to the body. The length parameters of the skull and muzzle should be harmonious. The skull is dry, angular, without folded skin, but when the dog is on alert, then they appear on its forehead. The frontal hollow is clearly visible, but not very deep. The stop is strongly pronounced and forms a distinct angle. The occipital protuberance is not prominent.
2. Muzzle- quite massive. On examination, in profile - short, in front - wide. Together with the protruding curved lower jaw (approximately 1.5 centimeters), it gives the Boxer a special, serious look characteristic of the breed. The chins were hanging, the lips were fleshy. Bite in the form of a snack. Jaws and cheekbones are well developed. When the mouth is closed, the lower teeth should not protrude. The chin is well developed.
3. Nose wide, black, slightly upturned. The nostrils are wide open.
4. Eyes dark shades, medium size, not convex. They have a round shape.
5. Ears medium length, located high. They are usually cropped, although the standard allows representatives with undocked ears. Uncropped, triangular, drooping ears should rest close to the dog's cheekbones with their leading edge.
6. Neck strong, long enough, round. The transition from neck to withers is clearly defined.
7. Frame- square. There is no dewlap. The chest is deep. The ribs are strongly curved. The depth of the chest is half the total height of the dog. The back is straight, wide, short, with well-developed muscles. The groin is short and tight. The sacrum is wide and sloping.
8. Tail located high, usually stopped. Breeders trim the puppy's tail after the first one or two weeks of his life.
9. Forelegs- legs are straight. The forearms are dry and muscular. The wrist is strong, the pasterns are short. Hind legs are very powerful, with prominent muscles, straight. The hock joint is clearly defined.
10. Paws They have a rounded shape with short, tightly clenched fingers. Paw pads are hard. The claws are strong, black-pigmented.
11. Coat silky, thick, dense and short. Adheres well to the skin. Looks shiny.
12. Color can be red or brindle. The red color allows for a wide variety of shades - from brown, with various warm red-orange tones, to rusty and light red. Among red colors, intermediate colors are most valued. The brindle color is a combination of the main, often red, color of the coat, with dark or sometimes even black transverse (in the direction of the ribs) stripes. Individuals that are white in one third of the total coat color do not meet the requirements of the breed standard.

Characteristic behavior of a boxer

The Boxer loves to play with children. They understand each other at a glance. This is a friendship for life. Under no circumstances will a four-legged friend allow himself to bite a child, even if he is “sitting on his head.” The reason for such patience is the genetically inherent instinct to protect and protect the defenseless. If the kid “goes too far,” the pet will move away to lie peacefully on the sidelines.

Closely connected by “threads of love” to the owner and home, the Boxer does not trust strangers, but without displaying aggressive actions until there is a good reason for this. These dogs are very energetic and active. Having unique mental abilities, they are easy to train. They are courageous in their displays of character. You can always rely on them. In conclusion, we can say with complete confidence that anyone who gets a boxer will find in him a never-failing friend, endowed with amazing will and strength.

Breed health

Heart disease is a genetic condition of the breed, as are aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, symptoms of which usually become apparent as the puppy matures. Also, boxers are prone to cancer at an older age.

Pets are sensitive to low temperatures and therefore are prone to colds, and in older age - to rheumatism. Boxers sometimes experience entropion of the eyelid, but this can be corrected with surgery. Sometimes there may be breathing problems.

The Boxer is always eager to eat and often begs for goodies at any time of the day or night, regardless of whether he is hungry or full. If the owner follows the lead of the animal and indulges the beggar, this can result in unpleasant consequences, including: food allergies, bloating, hypothyroidism, intestinal problems and obesity.

1. Wool sheds, but not much. It should be wiped with a hard cloth or combed with a rubber brush once every two weeks. Bathe Boxers as needed. They are quite clean, so water procedures are not carried out often.
2. Ears The boxer is docked at will. The procedure for cropping a puppy's ears is recommended when he reaches two or three months of age. This manipulation poses absolutely no harm to the baby. Although, it should be recalled that the standard also provides for the presence of boxers with uncropped ears (so to speak, in their original form). Ear cleaning is an essential part of caring for your pet. It is carried out once every two to four weeks using special products that can be found in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
3. Eyes if necessary, wipe towards the inner corner.
4. Teeth It is necessary to teach your pet to brush from an early age so that stone does not form on them. Otherwise, there may be not only caries, but also periodontal disease.
5. Claws it is necessary to trim with a special tool - a nail clipper once every two to three weeks.
6. Feeding for an energetic and active dog, whatever it is, natural or ready-made concentrates, must be complete and balanced. Super-premium commercial dry food contains everything necessary for the dog to remain vigorous and beautiful for a long time. But if we cook for our pet ourselves, we must ensure that most of the diet consists of lean meat. You can mix various boiled cereals into it: rice, buckwheat, egg, wheat. Also give your Boxer small amounts of chicken eggs, fermented milk products and some vegetables. Enrich his diet with vitamins and minerals purchased from a veterinary pharmacy.
7. Walks. The dog is very sensitive and should be treated with care, both during walks in the cold (frost, snow or rain) and in the heat. To make your pet warm and comfortable when walking in bad weather, buy or sew special warm clothes for him. Patterns for such robes can be found on the Internet or purchased. If your dog gets wet, immediately go home and dry him with a terry towel.

Boxer training

Boxer owners who express a desire to acquire a certificate for completing a special dog training course can use the services of a dog handler with experience and relevant knowledge. Such a specialist, with knowledge of the matter, will prepare an individual training program for your four-legged friend.

The owner certainly needs to praise the pet: for obedience, for any successfully solved task, for unquestioningly fulfilling a command. Reward your dog with kind words and treats. The heart of a Boxer is very responsive to this kind of attitude and it is a subtle approach that will instill in your pet loyalty to the owner and the best qualities characteristic of representatives of the breed.

During wartime, boxers were indispensable assistants. For example, during the First World War, they received a wide variety of positions: from orderly and signalman to guard - and successfully coped with their duties. In 1917, about 60 boxers, who had previously been specially trained in Bavaria, served in the German army.

Boxers have a universal blood type and are therefore suitable for transfusion to any other dog. Dogs' tails are almost always docked. When they experience joyful feelings, they wag their croup along with their tail. This spectacle looks very funny. Because of their physiological characteristics, a dog can only live in a house or apartment where it is warm, dry and there are no drafts; they are very slobbery and often like to “spoil the air.”

Rules for purchasing and price of a boxer puppy

The puppies raised by them are distinguished not only by their good pedigree, but also by their balanced character. They are wormed and have had their vaccinations up to date. The chicks are fed properly and have no health problems. The approximate price can vary from $300 to $600.

Synonyms. German boxer.

Country of origin. Germany.

General form. The body of Apollo and the head of Socrates - such is the boxer. The dog is of medium height, short-haired, with a beautiful And the proud posture and musculature of an athlete. Gentle in the family and undaunted by enemies. The character is direct, without falsehood or cunning. Dogs of this breed should not appear heavy, inactive, damp and, on the contrary, light, narrow-bodied.

Constitution type. Strong, with well-developed but not coarse bones and strong, short, prominent muscles. Boniness index: for males - 19-21, for females - 18-20.
Flaws. Some lightness or roughness of build; underdeveloped muscles, slight signs of dampness.
Vices. Light bones, poorly developed muscles, coarseness, looseness of build, flakiness or.

Height and weight.Height at withers: for males - 57-63 cm, for females - 53-59 cm. Average weight: for males - about 30 kg, for females - about 25 kg.
Flaws. Slightly tall or squat.
Vices. The same deviations, but expressed in a sharp form; low front or high back; The height of males is above 65 cm and below 55 cm, for females - above 61 cm and below 51 cm.

Format. Square. Format index - 100-102.
Flaws. Deviations from square format.
Vices. Shortened or extended format.

Features of behavior and character. The type of higher nervous activity is lively, mobile, preferably with a pronounced active-defensive reaction.
Flaws. Increased excitability, timidity, lethargy.
Vices. Cowardice, unmotivated aggression.

Sexual type. Well expressed. Males are larger and more courageous. Bitches are smaller, lighter in build.
Flaws. Slight deviations from the sexual type.
Vices. Sharp deviations from the sexual type; males in bitch type.

Coat. The coat is short, close-lying, straight, hard, shiny. The hair on the nape, back, sacrum and back of the thighs is slightly longer. There is no undercoat.
Flaws. Excessively short, sparse, loose-fitting coat.
Vices. The same deviations, but expressed in a more dramatic form; long, soft, wavy fur, bald spots, “reverse tiger”.

Color. Red of different shades (from light tones - fawn, straw-red to golden-red, red-red and brown-red) with a richer tone on the back (belt) or brindle (with pronounced dark - black or brown - stripes running from the spine to the lower line of the body, like stripes). White markings are allowed on the muzzle (a symmetrical or one-sided blaze going down to the lip or up to the forehead, with the obligatory preservation of the mask), chin, neck (full or partial collar, or an asterisk on the back of the neck - a necklace), chest (from a narrow tie to a wide shirtfront , descending onto the stomach) and paws (followers). Regardless of color, the dog should have a dark brown or black facial mask (covering the muzzle and lips), glasses of the same color around the eyes and a black nose.
Flaws. Grayish coating on the fur, blackened chest, belly or limbs; weakly expressed, blurred, unevenly located brindles; brown, light brown, short mask (muzzle), not reaching the longitudinal folds or passing onto the forehead and merging with the glasses; no glasses.
Vices. Gray-ashy (blue) coating on the coat; asymmetrically located white markings, absence of a mask.

Head. The size of the head is proportional to the size of the dog. The head should not appear rough, heavy or light. The skull appears slightly rounded due to well-developed parietal muscles. The occipital protuberance is poorly defined. The forehead is slightly convex, divided in the middle by a superficial longitudinal groove. When alert, wrinkles and folds of skin appear on the forehead, disappearing with rest. The transition from forehead to muzzle is sharp. The cheekbones are rounded, developed, and when viewed from the front they gradually extend to the muzzle. The muzzle is massive, strong, short (the ratio of the length of the muzzle to the length of the head is 1:3, to the skull - 1:2), wide, tapering only slightly and tightly towards the nose (the ratio of the width of the muzzle to the width of the middle part of the skull is 2:3), deep (the ratio of the depth of the muzzle to the length of the head is 1:3) thanks to the massive, sharply protruding chin and strongly developed and drooping lips. The bridge of the nose is straight or slightly arched, slightly rising upward, which gives the muzzle a characteristic upturn. On the back of the nose there are 2-3 faintly defined transverse folds, descending along the sides of the muzzle. The nose is black, wide, flattened, raised above the bridge of the nose, with large, well-opened nostrils. The upper jaw is somewhat rounded and shorter than the lower jaw, which protrudes in front of it by 1 - 1.5 cm and smoothly bends upward, forming a wide, massive chin, clearly visible when examining the dog from the side and being the outermost point of the head. In front, a thick and fleshy upper lip, overlapping the incisors and canines of the lower jaw, descends to the border of the lower lip and, without overlapping it (when viewed from the side, it should not cover the chin), goes along an elegant smooth arc to the lateral surfaces of the muzzle, forming well-developed jowls and .
Flaws. Heavy, somewhat rounded, lightweight, somewhat damp head; not a pronounced transition from forehead to muzzle; a muzzle that is short, narrow, weak or not deep enough; the nose is not raised above the bridge of the nose; dry upper lip, forming a small angle, and underdeveloped jowls.
Vices. Light, dry, rough, excessively damp head; weakly defined transition from forehead to muzzle; long, narrow, straight or drooping muzzle; sunken bridge of the nose; small, round, forked, depigmented lobe or split lip; the chin is not sufficiently developed and is not the extreme point of the head when viewed in profile; absence of transverse or longitudinal folds on the bridge of the nose; dry, tight lips; excessively long, overlapping the lower lip and chin, or too short, upper lip not covering the front teeth and tongue; big flabby jowls.

Ears. High and wide set, symmetrically and sharply cropped, erect ears with inner edges parallel to each other. Uncropped ears are of medium length, set high and wide, mobile, hanging on cartilage, in the shape of an equilateral triangle with rounded ends, “rose” type. The falling part of the ear flap is directed forward and the inner edge is tightly adjacent to the cheek. When excited, the ear rises upward and outward.
Flaws. Weak cartilage, slight closeness or floppyness, low set ears; improperly cropped ears.
Vices. Hanging, long, heavy, hound-like ears.

Eyes. Medium in size, dark, round, set low, wide and straight, with tight-fitting eyelids with a black border. The expression is intelligent, alert, fiery, lively and friendly, and not sullen or angry.
Flaws. Large, slightly askew or too close-set eyes, slight dampness of the eyelids, protruding edge of the third eyelid.
Vices. Large or very small, expressionless, bulging or sunken, light eyes or odd eyes; an eye with a tear or a “bloody eye” with a damp drooping eyelid; gloomy, melancholic or
piercing gaze; protrusion of the third century.

Teeth. The white, strong, incisors and widely spaced canines of the upper jaw are located in a somewhat rounded line, the second premolars are often located in a transverse position. The incisors of the lower jaw are arranged linearly or in a checkerboard pattern, which is quite acceptable, but without tilting the teeth forward. The canines of the lower jaw should be spaced as wide as possible and fit into a tight lock with the upper ones (canine to canine). The option of fang-edge on one or both sides is allowed. The bite is a transition with a retreat, that is, with the jaws closed and the mouth closed, the teeth and tongue are not visible. The absence of P1 and MZ is allowed.
Flaws. Excess of incisors, initial symptoms of caries, the presence of broken teeth that do not interfere with the determination of the bite.
Vices. Small, sparse, carious teeth, overshot up to 8 mm, misalignment and sharp asymmetry of the lower jaw.

Neck. Set on high, with a well-developed, strong and muscular scruff, dry, long (slightly longer than the length of the head). There are two symmetrical folds of skin on the throat - not raw or saggy.
Flaws. Low set, short, straight, loaded neck.
Vices. Sheep, swan or deer neck.

Withers. Well defined, muscular, noticeably rising above the straight topline, slightly sloping towards the croup (slightly high in front). The shoulder blades are long, obliquely set, muscular, tightly pressed to the back.
Flaws. Low, poorly developed withers.
Vices. Weak, loaded withers, steep, loose, sharp shoulder blades.

Back. Short, straight, wide, with strong muscles.
Flaws. Soft, narrow, weakly muscled back.
Vices. Long, narrow, weak, sagging or hunched back.

Small of the back. Short, slightly convex, wide, muscular, smoothly blending into the croup.
Flaws. Longish, rather weak loin. Vices. Long, narrow, weak, sagging or hunched lower back.

Croup Short, wide, rounded, muscular, moderately sloping.
Flaws. Sloping, narrow, rather weak croup.
Vices. Long, narrow, weak, shortened, sharply sloping or horizontal croup; high-ass.

Tail. Set on high, short docked (2-3 vertebrae), when excited and in movement, raised above the top line, but not above the back.
Flaws. Tail set rather low, improperly docked.
Vices. Undocked tail.

Breast. Wide, deep (half the height of the dog at the withers), spacious, with somewhat convex ribs.
Flaws. Insufficiently wide, smallish chest, flat ribs.
Vices. Barrel-shaped, overly widened, shallow, flat, narrow chest.

Forelegs. Viewed from the front, straight and parallel. The shoulders are long, set obliquely, covered with massive, prominently protruding dry muscles, forming a wide front. The humeroscapular angle is about 110-115°. Elbows are directed back and pressed to the body. The forearms are massive and straight. The wrists are wide, short, strong. Pasterns are wide, short, vertically set.
Flaws. Straight shoulders, slight turning of elbows outward or inward, slightly sloping pasterns.
Vices. Loaded or weak shoulder girdle; front too wide or narrow; barrel-shaped position of the limbs; weak, steep or sharp shoulders; loose elbows; twisted forearms; long sloping pasterns; Kozinets.

Hind limbs. When viewed from behind, straight and parallel, set slightly wider than the front ones, and from the side - slightly pulled back beyond the line of the ischial tuberosities. The hips are wide, with massive, prominent muscles; when viewed from the side, they are set at an angle of 80° to the croup. The stifle angles are smoothed, the shins are long, the hock joints are facing strictly back, dry, flat, with an angle of 125-135°. The hocks are strong, dry, set almost vertically.
Flaws. Insufficiently developed muscles of the limbs, short shins, slight closeness or eversion of the hock joints.
Vices. Excessively wide, narrow, barrel-shaped, cow-shaped or saber-like stance of the limbs; right angles of joints; high-ass; weak, long, sloping metatarsals; dewclaws.

Paws. Small, cat-like, arched, in a ball. The front ones are more rounded than the rear ones.
Flaws. Somewhat oval, softish paws.
Vices. Long, flat, splayed paws.

Movements. Light, free, elastic. The characteristic pace of movement is a light and free gallop.
Flaws. Several related movements, movements of the croup horizontally.
Vices. Associated movements, vertical movements of the croup.

Disqualifying faults. Cryptorchidism unilateral or bilateral, underdevelopment of the testes; colors white or spotted; lower jaw incisors protrude from under the upper lip, undershot, straight and scissor bite, skewed lower jaw, narrow, weak lower jaw, lack of a massive chin raised above the upper jaw; bifurcated brown or pink nose, cleft lip; pink eyelids and lips; amble.

The German Boxer is a breed of dog with a warlike appearance and a cheerful, good-natured character. The breed is almost universal and can be used as a bodyguard and even a guide for a person with disabilities.

The German Boxer breed originates from the Tibetan Great Dane dogs of the Brabant Bullenbeitzer. According to descriptions preserved from the 6th-7th centuries AD, these were courageous and strong dogs, used in those days in fights with bulls. Due to the special structure of the skull bones, these dogs had powerful jaws and were able to hold a hunted animal for a long time.

With the introduction of a ban on fighting between animals in Europe, Bullenbeitzers turned into butcher dogs, circus troupes and even robbers who used the breed as guards. The working qualities of these dogs attracted the attention of many amateurs, and dog handlers Hepner, Rotberg and Koenig began creating a new service breed.

In a short period of time, selection work made it possible to obtain a strong, courageous, harmoniously built dog with a specific skull structure, a stable psyche and an iron grip of the jaws.

The first description of the German Boxer breed was presented in 1895. At the same time, a boxing club was created in Munich. At the exhibition in 1896, 50 dogs of this breed were presented. The first German boxers combined the features of Bullenbeissers and. Over time, the Bullenbeiser blood began to predominate and the characteristics of this breed were manifested by 70% in new individuals.

During the First World War, the German boxer dog performed the duties of an assistant to police officers, guards, delivered the wounded and reports during hostilities, and even carried the wounded from the battlefield. The breed became more popular at the end of World War II.

The modern standard for the German boxer was approved by the FCI in 2002.

Appearance and breed standard, photographs

The German Boxer is a dog of medium height, stocky, with developed lean muscles, prominently protruding under short hair. All the dog's movements are noble, proud and demonstrating his strength. The height of the dog is from 53 to 64 centimeters, the weight of the German boxer is from 25 to 32 kilograms.

Photo. Boxer dog

Three German boxers in the photo

• Head square shape. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead is sharp. The muzzle is voluminous and wide.
• Jaws strong. The lower one protrudes and gives the muzzle a threatening appearance.
• Nose black, upturned and raised, slightly flattened.
• Ears set high, after docking they acquire sharp outlines.
• Eyes dark brown. Eyelids with black pigmentation.
• Neck shaped like an elegant arch, rounded, muscular, dry. The transition to the withers is clearly expressed.
• Body square in shape, lean, with muscles prominently protruding under the skin. The back is short and level. The lower back is strong.
• Croup oblique, rounded, wide.
• Breast deep, up to the elbows. The ribs are curved.
• Tail set high. Docked short.
• Limbs parallel to each other. The shoulder blades are long and oblique. Elbows slightly pressed to the chest. Hind limbs with clearly defined muscles. Knees are forward. The paws are rounded and collected.

Disadvantages of the breed:

• Fangs protruding from the surface of the muzzle.
• Short, thick neck.
• Narrow or hunchbacked back.
• Weak muscles of the limbs.
• Falling paws.
• Wandering movements, stilted gait.

Coat type and colors

The coat of German Boxers is short, close to the body, and shiny. The structure of the guard hair is hard.

The main colors provided for by the breed:

• Brindle.
• Red (fawn) with any shade from light to mahogany.

Both colors require a black mask and black ears. White markings up to 30% of the color are allowed, located on the paws, belly, and chest. White color on the back and sides, as well as on the muzzle, is not allowed.

REFERENCE. The white German boxer is considered very rare. Due to its rarity, this color is considered to bring good luck to its owners. However, the world breed standard does not allow this color.

Characteristics of the breed

The German Boxer is a lively, cheerful and curious dog. Dogs retain this character throughout their entire lives. The first representatives of the breed retained the aggression inherited from their ancestors, but breeders overcame this trait of fighting dogs.

However, the spirit of a fighter has been preserved in the breed and it manifests itself in games and competitions. Specially trained German boxers can be very pugnacious. But generally, representatives of the breed show aggression only in moments of danger.

At the same time, the German Boxer’s anger is selective: the dog is merciless towards enemies and is boundlessly devoted to its owner and family. The boxer, thanks to his instincts, protects the weak, so he will never hurt a child. If the baby violates the boundaries of what is permitted and bothers the dog too much, it will simply leave and try to hide.

The German Boxer is a sociable dog and does not tolerate loneliness, so it prefers to be close to its owner all the time. Strangers make him distrustful. The dog will not rush at a stranger, but in case of danger it will be able to fight back.

Boxers often show aggression towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Taking into account this feature, breeders recommend keeping dogs of different sexes in the house, otherwise the boxer will conflict and try to dominate.

The attitude towards other animals in the house depends on the proper upbringing of the dog. If a cat grows up in the same territory as a German boxer, he will be friends with her. The boxer will most likely begin to chase unfamiliar cats and other small animals.

Important. With improper upbringing or in the presence of a breeding marriage, a German boxer may show increased aggression. Such a dog can become dangerous to others, but also to family members.

Basic rules of training

Experts recommend purchasing a German boxer as a first pet for inexperienced owners, since representatives of this breed are easy to manage and amenable to training. The main rule of boxer training is to communicate with the dog in a calm tone.

It is forbidden to scream and get nervous if the dog doesn’t do something, because the German Boxer is sensitive to the owner’s mood and will get nervous along with him. There will be no benefit from such communication in a raised voice.

As a service dog, a boxer must undergo a full course of special training and master all the necessary commands. It is recommended to start developing working qualities from 5 months. It is advisable to seek help from a professional dog trainer who will help the owner teach the boxer service skills.

Before The puppy must learn the general rules of behavior in the house and on the street. Lessons should be short and fun, more like a game. First thing . A tray is placed in the house for this purpose, and the dog is placed in it every time he sits down. If the puppy successfully goes into the litter box, he is sure to be praised.

It takes place in natural conditions. As soon as the dog sits down, you need to pronounce the appropriate command so that an association arises. After a few repetitions, the puppy begins to understand what is required of him.

The way to a German boxer's heart is through his stomach. Using treats (crackers, bones from a pet store, biscuits) as rewards can achieve the desired behavior. Boxers are well motivated for such rewards, since they are real gourmands. They are even willing to work for a portion of their regular food.

If the learning process is carried out before the next feeding, the commands are learned much faster. Alternatively, you can set aside a small portion of the daily portion and use it as a reward after class.

The whole training technique comes down to stimulating actions through praise and treats. Boxers love to be praised and always try to please their owner. If the puppy does something wrong or begins to misbehave, the owner should show his displeasure by ignoring the pet. When a dog sees that they don’t want to communicate with it, it understands that such behavior is unacceptable.

Important. You cannot punish or hit a dog for misbehavior. The dog will simply be afraid of the owner, but will not understand what he is doing wrong.

The German Boxer is a dog with a weak immune system, so its physical well-being directly depends on proper care and maintenance in the necessary conditions. A dog can live in a city apartment or a country house. But in winter, keeping a Boxer in a kennel is not advisable, as he is prone to hypothermia.

For walks, you need to purchase a long leash and a special harness. Keeping a German Boxer in a collar is not recommended.

Hair and eye care

Caring for the German Boxer is not difficult, since its short coat does not need to be combed. It is enough to go over your pet’s skin once a week with a stiff brush or a special mitten to remove dead hairs.

The German Boxer also does not need frequent bathing, as it washes away the natural fatty coating from the skin. If your pet gets dirty, just clean off the dirt with a sponge soaked in a special shampoo, and then wipe with a rag soaked in clean water. If you wish, you can bathe the dog a couple of times a year.

The structure of the boxer's eyelids contributes to the accumulation of dust in the eyes, from which. The dog's eyes are wiped daily. If yellow discharge accumulates in the corners of the eyes, they are removed with a damp cotton pad dipped in chamomile infusion or strong brewed tea.

Ear cleaning and nail trimming

The dog's ears are also wiped with a damp disc. It is contraindicated to use sticks or other objects to penetrate the ear to avoid damaging your hearing. If there is an unpleasant odor or fluid leaking from the ears, and the dog rubs its head against objects or shakes it, you should consult a veterinarian.

A Boxer needs to have its nails trimmed regularly if they do not wear down on their own during walks. Too long claws contribute to deformation of the paws when walking. It is necessary to trim the very tips of the claw without affecting the blood vessels. For the first time, it is advisable to entrust this procedure to a professional groomer and observe his actions.

Dog nutrition, choosing the right diet

Getting the required amount of nutrients during feeding is the key to good health for your dog.

The natural menu of a German boxer should consist of the following products:

• Lean meats.
• Sea fish.
• Porridge from buckwheat, rice, rolled oats.
• Vegetables (except potatoes).
• Dairy products.
• Milk (for puppies).

A dog up to a year is fed from 5-6 to 3 times a day. An adult boxer should eat 2 times a day.

If you choose the option of feeding dry food, you should not save money and treat your boxer with cheap brands. This is a serious risk for the dog’s health, since such food contains a lot of preservatives and dyes, which can become a source of allergies and digestive problems. and allergies. To prevent your dog from getting hypothermic, it is recommended to reduce the time spent walking in damp and frosty weather. To prevent it, you need to follow the recommendations on nutrition and selection of cosmetics.

Boxers are also susceptible to the following diseases:

• Deafness.
• Cardiomyopathy.
• Spondylosis deformans.
• Brachiocephalic syndrome.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Turn of the century.

Choosing a puppy, which nurseries to buy from and price

Before buying a puppy, you need to decide on the purpose of purchasing it and find out everything about the breed of your future pet. If a dog is purchased as a companion and family member, you can not focus on its exterior, but rely, first of all, on its spiritual disposition.

Photo. Little German boxer puppies

Three German boxer puppies in the photo

The choice based on the principle “I liked him” is not suitable if the dog is bought for participation in exhibitions and for breeding offspring. In this case, it is necessary to select a puppy by considering and evaluating its parents.

The baby's father and mother must be champions of dog shows, be balanced, and meet breed standards in appearance. It is also necessary to check whether the parents have hereditary diseases, since the health of their offspring depends on this.

A German Boxer puppy should be well-fed, with smooth, shiny hair that evenly covers the entire body. The baby should have clean eyes and ears. The puppy's behavior should be active, playful, even cocky.

It is necessary to buy a puppy from trusted breeders or specialized nurseries. The baby must have a passport and vaccination card.

You can buy a purebred German boxer puppy in the nurseries of the following cities:

• Moscow – at prices starting from $500 (ergobox.ru, www.aivengo.ru, www.yalins.ruww, www.lendgreip.ru, www.alibi-boks.jimdo.com).
• St. Petersburg - from $400 (lit-bomond.jimdo.com, www.lar-arete.ru, www.vzeniteudachi.com, www.liberumavis.com, www.dogizros.ru, www.nikink.ru) .

Ancient ancestors of the modern dog breed boxer were used to hunt bears, wolves and wild boars. Their images are preserved in various ancient engravings. They were stocky, massive, strong, well-built dogs, absolutely fearless and little sensitive to wounds received in battle. They also demonstrated their strength and courage in fights that took place between them and other animals (for example, with bulls, bears, etc.). Their common feature was a heavy head with a short massive muzzle, the structure of which leaves no doubt about the power of the jaws and their strength grips.

In different countries there were different types of these dogs with various names, mainly depending on where and for what purpose they were used. In the second half of the last century, dog breeders paid attention to these breeds and, by purposefully crossing different breeds with each other, created a new breed of dog - modern boxer. However, now we would have difficulty finding traces of his ancient ancestors in him.

Modern boxer breed- an elegant breed of dog with noble forms, which at the same time has retained its original qualities, namely, courage, strength and malice. The formation of this breed lasted a relatively long time and it was recognized as an independent breed only in 1925. The name of this breed apparently came from the resemblance of its head to a boxing glove or the face of a boxer-athlete with a disfigured nose.

Dog breed "Boxer" has all the properties necessary for a service dog, and is also convenient for keeping in an apartment and therefore is bred and kept in large numbers by dog ​​lovers. A calm character, an innate love for children and good watchdog and protective qualities make the Boxer a family favorite.

Boxer breed standard

General appearance of the breed

German boxer- a dog of medium height, square format, with a beautiful and proud posture, short-haired, dense, stocky. He can be compared to a lightweight athlete, combining strength and speed.

The dog breed has strong, massive, but absolutely dry muscles, which are clearly outlined and protrude under the skin. The movements are elastic, fast and energetic. As a service dog, the Boxer successfully combines the necessary strength and endurance.

An excellent companion for riders and cyclists. All these requirements can only be met by a harmonious organism that can combine strength with the ability to make quick and easy movements. Therefore, even with the strongest build, a boxer should not be clumsy, heavy and, on the contrary, lightweight or weakened.

Boxer head

The head gives the boxer special, specific features. It is in harmony with the overall build and, most importantly, does not seem light. In the structure of the Boxer's head, the muzzle is of paramount importance, having the most characteristic shape for this breed and a peculiar relationship with the size of the skull.

The beauty of the head depends on the harmonious relationship of its individual parts; When examining the head from any side - front, top or side, the dog's muzzle is always in the correct relationship with the skull and should never give the impression of being too small.

The more the width of the muzzle approaches the width of the skull, the better. However, the depth of the muzzle should also be taken into account. The head should be free of excessively thick wrinkles. A dark mask covers the muzzle and should be clearly distinguishable from the color of other parts of the head. The lips complete the shape of the muzzle. They are very strongly developed and are well separated from the dry neck, forming a beautiful pattern.

The muzzle is highly developed in length, width, and depth, therefore, it cannot be pointed, narrow, short or shallow. Its shape is influenced by the shape of the jaws, the location of the teeth and the dog’s lips. Both jaws in front do not end in a vertical line, and the lower jaw is longer than the upper and slightly rises upward. A boxer must have a pronounced undershot.

The upper jaw is wide at its base and only slightly narrows at the end. Consequently, both jaws when viewed from the front are very wide. The canines are placed as far apart as possible, the incisors are placed in one row, in the upper jaw in the form of an arc directed forward, in the lower jaw - in a straight line. Teeth must be strong and healthy, as symmetrically and evenly spaced as possible.

The lips, as mentioned above, complement the shape of the muzzle. The upper lip is thick and fleshy, as square as possible, forming an obtuse angle with the line of the back of the nose. It fills the gap between the upper and lower jaws caused by an overbite, and it lies on the teeth of the lower jaw and its edge touches the lower lip. This is how the front line of the muzzle is formed.

The lower jaw pushed forward should not overlap the upper jaw with its “chin” in front and hide under it; however, it must be clearly formed so that it is visible both from the front and from the side, without protruding forward with an upward bend. The teeth of the lower jaw and tongue should not be visible when the muzzle is closed.

The forehead is slightly convex, but not round and not too wide. The occipital protuberance should be barely noticeable. The transition from forehead to muzzle is clearly marked. The bridge of the nose should not be depressed or sunken. The nose is located slightly higher than the base of the muzzle, therefore it should be slightly turned up. The nose is wide and black, the nostrils are spaced far apart, with a nasal groove running between them. There is a faint longitudinal groove on the forehead, which, however, should not be too deep, especially between the eyes. The cheekbones are strongly developed, but do not protrude and do not disrupt the shape of the head. They rather turn into a slight convexity towards the muzzle.

Ears

Set on high, erect, sharply docked.

Boxer eyes

Perhaps darker, they should not be bulging or set too deep and should be bordered by dark eyelids. The expression of the eyes should not be menacing, they should reflect energy and intelligence.

Neck

Long, set high, round, muscular, dry with a well-developed scruff, forming a beautiful line.

Boxer's torso

Square format, i.e. the length is equal to the height of the dog at the withers. The body is placed on strong legs with massive bones.

Withers

It should stand out clearly.

Back

Short, straight, wide.

Small of the back

Short, muscular, slightly arched, blending smoothly into the croup. The croup is wide and long, especially in bitches.

Breast

The chest is deep and reaches down to the elbows. The ribs are convex, but not barrel-shaped.

Forelegs

The shoulder blades are long and obliquely set, with well-developed prominent muscles. The humerus is long, straight, and set parallel to each other. The pasterns are short and slightly sloping. The paws are small with tightly arched toes ending in strong claws.

Hind limbs

The hips are wide, with well-developed muscles. The lower legs are long, the angles of the hock joints are dry, well defined and 140°. The paws are the same as the front legs, round, arched, in a ball. Dewclaws are not acceptable.

Tail

With a wide base, set high rather than low, docked, carried upward.

Coat

The coat should be short, harsh, close-lying, red or brindle in color. The fawn color comes in a variety of tones, from dark fawn red to light yellow.

The most beautiful are the intermediate golden-red shades. The brindle color ranges from a golden-light brindle to a dark brindle, which gives a darker appearance. The base color and dark brindle stripes should be different. The stripes should not be too frequent, but not too rare either.

The main background must be clear and the two colors must be mutually demarcated so that the brindle stripes stand out clearly. White markings are not a fault, they even decorate the dog.

With a basic white color, completely white, black or other non-standard colors are not recorded in the stud book or are not allowed to show. Asymmetrical white markings, a completely white or half white head are unacceptable. The Boxer's white markings must be no more than one-third of the base red or brindle color, otherwise these dogs are designated as piebalds, which are also not recorded in the stud book and must be eliminated at birth.

Height and weight of the breed

The height at the withers for males should be from 57 to 63 cm, for females 53-59 cm. The weight of males should be about 30-32 kg, and that of females approximately 24-25 kg.

Gait

The natural gait for boxers is gallop.

Boxer character

Much attention should be paid to the character of a boxer. His affection and loyalty to the owner and the entire family, his courage and protective qualities have long been known. In his family he is straightforward and affectionate, but he is always distrustful of strangers. During the game he is cheerful and friendly, but in case of danger he changes dramatically. His intelligence and easy handling make him an excellent family dog.

Defects of the Boxer breed

Clumsiness or bulldog-like appearance, lack of broadness and muscularity, deficiencies in body proportions, poor nutrition. Raw, rough or, conversely, overly lightweight type. Weak transition from the forehead to the muzzle, sunken bridge of the nose, concave bridge of the nose, light eyes, uncolored mucous membranes of the eyes, absence or insufficiency of the mask.

Lower jaw teeth protruding from under the lips, tongue showing. Incorrect bite, insufficiently defined chin, dry lips, poorly cropped or soft ears. Dewlap, neck too short or too loaded, shoulders straight or too loose, splayed or clubbed, soft pasterns, flat or splayed paws; long, sagging or hunchbacked back, too wide (open), narrow or flat chest, drooping belly, sloping croup, vertically set, rigid hind legs with poorly angulated hocks, insufficient development of muscles in the thighs, closeness of the hocks, barrel-shaped or saber hind limbs positioned, dewclaws, extended or extended position, connected, uncoordinated movements.

The German Boxer is an energetic, muscular, agile dog. A tireless and loyal family friend, he never loses his playfulness.

German boxer: everything about the breed or almost everything in the detailed review below.

The ancestors of modern Boxers were Brabant Bullenbeissers - baiting dogs that hunted large animals. "Bullenbeiser" means "bull biter".

Bulldogs were distinguished by a powerful pincer-shaped jaw (the upper part was shorter than the lower part). Thanks to this, the dogs breathed easily while digging into their prey.

Unfortunately, this breed has become extinct. However, the effigy was preserved in the St. Petersburg Cabinet of Curiosities.

Attention! Bullenbeiser can be seen next to Princess Golitsyna in a portrait of 1825 by A.P. Bryullov.

With the advent of firearms, a ban on baiting animals arose. Butchers and cattle traders found use for Bullenbeisers. To protect the herd, the bulldog was crossed with. The result was a boxer.

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the breed:

• the dog's face resembles the battle-beaten face of a boxer;
• the head looks like a boxing glove;
• they love to fight with their front paws.

One way or another, the name speaks for itself. Dogs are mobile and active, like a boxer in the ring.

Boxer dog: description of the breed

FCI standard No. 144 dated 04/01/2008 “Boxer” (English), “Deutscher Boxer” (German).
Group 2 “Pinchers and Schnauzers, Molossians, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs.”
Section 2 “Molossians”.

Exterior standard

This is a compact, medium-sized dog with strong bones. Males grow to 57-63 cm at the withers and weigh about 30 kg. Females - 53-59 cm and 25 kg.

How long does a German boxer live? Life expectancy with proper care reaches 15 years, on average this period is 12 years.

They have well-developed, prominent muscles. Description of the German Boxer breed includes optimal proportions:

• square body;
• chest to the elbows, its depth corresponds to half the height at the withers;
• the length of the bridge of the nose is half the length of the skull.

Representatives of the breed are filled with strength and nobility. Their movements are energetic and confident.


The dog's head is proportional to the body. The ears are high. The eyes are quite large and dark. The nose is black, wide, slightly turned up. The lower teeth are not noticeable when the mouth is closed.

Boxer dog: breed description contains a strong, rounded neck. The back is wide and short. Paws are straight with short toes and hard feet. The thighs are extremely muscular. The tail is set high.

Important! In 2002, during the revision of standards, it was decided to prohibit docking of tails and ears.

The coat of German Boxers is shiny, thin, and short. Tightly fitting. The standard assumes two types of color:

• ginger(light yellow, bright red, reddish brown) with a black mask;
• brindle with black or dark stripes on a red background.

White markings are not prohibited and can even serve as decoration for the dog.

Character and education

The Boxer has a strong nervous system, is fearless, self-confident, calm and balanced. For a long time, he has been famous for his devotion and loyalty to his master and his family, as well as for his vigilance and fearlessness as a protector.

A distinctive characteristic of the Boxer dog is its inexhaustible playfulness. Sometimes they resemble a cheerful child. They convey emotions perfectly. They are attached to their owner and serve the whole family faithfully. They are kind to small children, indulge in pranks, and show care. They do not experience aggression towards other people's children.

Good-natured Boxers may fall in love with other pets. They get along with their cats. However, this does not apply to other people's animals.

Boxer dogs are necessary both for revealing innate skills and for taming a restless character. They are excellent perceivers and performers. This is probably why this breed is in demand among the police. There are also many rescuers and guides among them.

Attention! Boxers need timely socialization. Without communication, they become suspicious and may bark at strangers.

It is necessary to educate with the help of encouragement and praise. Be patient. The characteristics of the Boxer dog include a unique feature - they mature relatively late, closer to 18 months. That's why at a young age, low sensitivity to commands is possible. But one day everything will change.

It is worth considering the physical activity of dogs. They need to release energy. Can't compete in running? Take your pet for frequent walks.

Maintenance and care

Boxers are completely unpretentious in their maintenance. They are as clean as cats. For short wool, it is enough to wipe with a hard cloth.

If you decide to dock your tail and ears, you should take care of this in a timely manner. The tail is docked in the first week of life. Ears in the second or third month.

This largely depends on how much the fabric wears down during walks.

It is necessary to monitor your pet's eyes. To do this, keep a handkerchief or napkin with you, periodically wiping and removing specks of grass, cleaning the tear ducts.

Nutrition

Boxers are voracious and can eat all day long, so their diet must be strictly limited. An adult dog is given approximately 1 kg of dry food per day, divided into three doses.

If selected, then the diet should include meat, cereals, vegetables and fruits, dairy products.

Important! Milk can cause digestive upset.

Until the age of two months, it is better to wipe food. The meat is given raw or semi-raw. Even when boiled it should be tough.. This helps develop the jaw. Small bones must be removed to avoid injury to the esophagus.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Boxer is one of the best companion dogs. Unpretentious and sociable, good-natured and mischievous. Loves to be with the owner. Smart, susceptible to training.

The only downsides are health problems. This breed is one of the most susceptible to cancer. Fine wool promotes rapid cooling. Boxers sometimes suffer from rheumatism. There are problems with digestion and flatulence.

In conclusion, we note that the puppy should be chosen from trusted breeders. In this case, you can count on the implementation of all the innate skills of the breed: an affectionate pet will delight during the day and protect at night.

Additionally, check out the video, which describes in detail the German Boxer dog breed: