Introducing The Boxer:
The Boxer is unique in the dog world; no other dog is more individual in appearance. His trim square built body is strong, muscular and elegant, with a head having no equal.
His noble bearing, strong character, alert expression and confident attitude have attracted admirers all over the world.
He is a medium sized dog with a short coat, strong limbs, full of energy with all the desirable qualities to make him an ideal family dog. Having a reputation for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household, being a fearless protector of all.
There are two sides to the Boxer character, as he is particularly tolerant and protective of children and loves to join in their games whenever the opportunity arises. Even in old age, the Boxer never fails to be interested in family activities - a fun loving dog that has a way of edging his way into the hearts of all those who come to know him.
The Boxer's needs are few, as long as you provide a warm place to sleep, suitable food to eat, much love and attention and good exercise, you will be rewarded with a lifetime of loyalty and companionship.
We recommend that Boxer puppies should be purchased only from experienced breeders that have taken care in selecting healthy parents, have raised their puppies in a healthy environment and also offer an after sales back-up service.
Affiliated Boxer Clubs can put you in touch with experienced breeders and assist you with any enquiries on the Boxer breed.
WHITE BOXERS - WHY ARE THEY SO RARE?
People are always asking "Why are white Boxers so rare?" The reason is they are almost invariably put down at birth. All responsible breeders do this.
The reason I say almost is that undoubtedly they do exist. Indeed, they have been quite recently advertised for sale. Possibly confusion does arise because in some peoples minds the white boxer is an albino.
Definition of an albino is an animal lacking pigmentation this is a mutation, an animal deprived by a genetic fluke, of any protective colouring. These occur in all species notably in rabbits but are of no progenitive value when consideration is given to the survival of the species. These are easily distinguished by the pink eye and the lack of melanin in the pads and nasal protuberance.
When we consider why an animal has a white coat, to name a few the polar bear and the Samoyed we see that they are bred for certain conditions, and that they possess a double or insulating coat which the boxer does not.
In 1947 and 1956 tests were conducted in USA showing when a number of white boxers were allowed to survive and post mortems conducted it showed a higher incidence of Hip Displaysia, Patella Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Entropian, Deafness, various Heart and Liver diseases.
And most importantly, with our climate a higher incidence of Skin Cancer.
Boxer Temperament
EQUABLE: def. Uniform, even not easily disturbed.
From that we can see the Boxer should be rather a calm dog, not given-to extremes of temperament. An over excitable temperament could never be described as equable.
BIDDABLE: def. Obedient, easily taught.
As a working dog the Boxer should be very intelligent. A bright dog who is eager to learn and very quick on the uptake. An over excitable temperament makes a dog hard to train.
FEARLESS: def. Feeling no fear, brave.
This speaks for itself, really. A Boxer, which is frightened of its own shadow is no good to anyone. But don't confuse fearlessness with the bully that screams abuse at the sight of another dog ( or, even worse, a person). You will usually find the dog with this type of temperament will do one of two things when challenged - he will either runaway and hide or he will carry on his provocation into an attack. This is, in my opinion, the worst of the two as he is just plain nasty. This is not a true Boxer temperament.
SELF ASSURED: def. Confident.
Doesn't need any propping by his owner in any circumstance. He can literally stand on his own two feet. Part of the temperament of the Boxer comes from your upbringing and training.. or lack of it. But I am certain that the biggest contributing factor to temperament is the breeding.
A bright dog who is eager to learn and very quick on the uptake.
