Boxer: 6 exciting facts about the dog breed
The Boxer is one of the most versatile and lovable dog breeds. The muscular all-rounder is on the one hand an affectionate family dog and on the other hand an active companion as well as predestined for various tasks of a sporty working dog. Here you will find six exciting facts about the playful four-legged friend.
The Boxer looks quite a bit scary with his strong stature and self-confident appearance. However, anyone who takes a closer look at this great dog breed will quickly realize that behind the medium-sized dog lies a very loving, child-friendly and loyal furry nose. The Boxer is virtually the ideal family dog, provided it is properly challenged and exercised.
- boxer has an eventful past
The Boxer goes back to the so-called bull biters of the Middle Ages. Especially in England, the brutal “sport” of bull biting, where dogs ran down a bull for the amusement of the spectators, was a popular form of entertainment. The dogs used for this purpose were to some extent the ancestors of today’s boxers. By the way: The cruel animal fights were forbidden in England at the beginning of the 19th century fortunately.
- from bull biter to working dog to family dog
The Boxer has been bred in uniform type since the end of the 19th century. He quickly made “career” as a hardworking and powerful working dog and was officially recognized as a service dog in 1924. Today, Boxers exist much more as alert, playful and spirited family and sporting dogs.
- dog breed with very long childhood
Boxers belong to the dog breeds with the longest childhood. They are not considered adults until they are three years old. This is a very long puppyhood in the dog world.
- where did the boxer get its name
Where did the Boxer get its name? There is no clear answer to this question. Some say it’s because of the characteristic shape of the head, reminiscent of a boxing glove, others say it’s the way he uses his front paws. And indeed, compared to most other dog breeds, these four-legged friends are extremely paw-oriented and use their front paws at every opportunity, just like a boxer.
- boxer: first act, then think?
It’s a fun little slur: Boxers are said to sometimes act first and then think, thanks to their temperament and enthusiasm. This is also related to his playfulness – he just knows that fun should often be in the foreground. Few of the quadrupeds are serious later in adulthood – the prankster in them never dies out. However, this in no way means that the dogs are less attentive or less intelligent than others.
- boxers came to America after the Second World War.
Boxers have become very popular not only in Europe, but also on the other side of the Atlantic. Especially since the 1940s, the enjoyment of the versatile four-legged friends grew strongly when soldiers brought the animals home from the war in Europe. In 2015, they were the 10th most popular dog breed in America.