The German Boxer, or simply Boxer is a large breed of dogs from Germany. He belongs to the classic service dogs and is led by the FCI in group 2, section 2.1 (Great Dane dogs).
The Boxer is regarded as calm and self-confident. The strong four-legged friends are suitable among other things very well as guard and rescue dogs. In addition, the German Boxer also enjoys great popularity as a family dog or for use in dog sports.
The German Boxer is originally descended from the so-called bull biters, which were already used as hunting dogs in the Middle Ages. However, they got their uniform appearance only by crossing bulldogs. The Boxer-Klub e. V., founded in Munich in 1895, finally established the first generally valid breed standard for the German Boxer in 1904. Even today the club is still responsible for setting the standard.
The recognition as an official service dog breed finally took place in 1924. In the meantime, however, the efficient Boxers are no longer used only as guard or police dogs, but have also conquered a firm place in the hearts of countless normal dog owners all over the world.
The average life expectancy of the German boxer is 10 to 12 years. Males reach a shoulder height of 57 to 63 centimetres and a weight of over 30 kilograms. Females, weighing up to 25 kilos and measuring 53 to 60 centimetres, are usually somewhat lighter and smaller.
The German Boxer is a strong animal with a square build and a pronounced musculature, which gives him a quite impressive appearance. The Boxer's medium-sized ears fall forward and the dark eyes are bordered by equally dark eyelid rims.
The coat of the Boxer is short and may be either yellow or brindle according to the breed standard. Other colours are possible, but do not meet the FCI standard.
The characteristic muzzle of the Boxer is particularly striking. It is broad and shows the typical pre-bite of the breed. Overall, the appearance of the Boxer appears well proportioned and suggests that he is a powerful dog.
The German boxer is considered calm and balanced. Towards his owner, he proves to be extremely affectionate, while with strangers he tends to show his suspicious side.
Furthermore, the boxer is characterised by a strong play instinct and a high intelligence, thanks to which he can learn new tasks very quickly. Boxers generally get along very well with children and prove to be loyal companions.
In an emergency, the boxer is extremely courageous and fearless in his willingness to protect his family. However, the self-confident animals are not prone to excessive aggression.
Originally, the German Boxer was mainly appreciated as a utility dog. Even today the reliable four-legged friend shows not only at the police, but also for example as therapy and rescue dogs, what they are capable of and how versatile they can be used.
Apart from that, the Boxer is also very suitable for families who are already prepared to spend the necessary time on his work. The Boxer is open-minded and eager to learn during activities with his family.
This, combined with his robust build, makes him not only a great playmate for romping around, but also an excellent sporting dog that performs in many different disciplines.
Like many other pedigree dogs, the Boxer is prone to a number of diseases typical of the breed. Even if serious breeders take these into account in their breeding programs, there is still an increased risk of corresponding problems.
In order to support the vitality of the dog and to counteract the aforementioned diseases, a balanced diet is particularly important for the German Boxer. The energy and nutrient requirements depend on various factors such as age, weight and physical activity and can therefore vary from boxer to boxer.
In principle, however, we recommend feeding boxers with a easily digestible cold-pressed dry food from Bellfor, which swells only slightly in the stomach and therefore reduces the risk of stomach twisting.
If your Boxer is used as a working dog or for dog sports, we offer a special dry food called Bellfor Premium PUR Aktiv, which is a special dry food with which you can cover your dog's increased energy requirements.
Bellfor's special nutritional concept offers you everything you need to feed your boxer according to his needs and supports the healthy development of your four-legged friend from an early age.