I found this article the other day, and every bit of it is SO true!! May seem long, but I got thru it, so I'm sure you can:)
The
Boxer was developed in Germany in the late 19th century, a cross
between the now extinct Bullenbeiser and English Bulldog – hence their
stocky, muscular appearance. Standard coloring for Boxers is fawn, red,
or brindle with or without white markings (flash), although white Boxers
are not uncommon. They have a short, tight-fitting coat, most have
docked tails, and ears are usually floppy. However, cropping of the ears
is still done for showdogs.
As a breed, the Boxer is a very loyal, intelligent and
fun-loving family dog...BUT not every dog is right for every family!
There are traits in a Boxer that some find quirky and cute, whereas
others may find...well, not so appealing.
First
off, Boxers are a breed full of love for people and a zest for life.
The Boxer can be an ideal family dog. Often described as the “clown,”
of the dog community, Boxers are a class all their own. Those who own
Boxers can attest to their unique characteristics. The Boxer is an
extremely high-energy dog. As a result, they need a great deal of
attention and supervision. Not a good choice for the couch potato who
is looking for a lap dog (although the Boxer is very happy to sit on
your lap if you let him. He’s totally unaware of his size, so be
prepared to have a Boxer make himself at home in your lap!).
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| not allowed on furniture, so back legs have to stay on floor! |
Exercise
is key to a happy Boxer and a happy owner! In doing so, he is less apt
to get into mischief. Left to his own devices, a bored Boxer will
invent his own games, such as “chew on the door frame” or “hide the
remote control”. Like a toddler, they will find ways to occupy their
time. Running along the same lines is the fact that the Boxer tends to
be a stubborn breed – thankfully most are very food oriented so training
with treats often works like a charm.
Although they can be
strong-willed they are also very trainable, and usually are happier for
it. The Boxer owner definitely needs to be the alpha dog in the
relationship. They will look to you for guidance, and consistency with
training is a must!
The
Boxer is a “people-oriented” breed, they love nothing more than
attaching themselves to your side like Velcro (forget going to the
bathroom alone!) They are especially good with children although because
of their sheer size and power monitoring your small child with a Boxer
is always a good idea.
Boxers should NEVER be outside dogs. One, because they are
such “people dogs”. They will attempt to escape in order to find human
contact. If not over a fence of considerable height then under! Secondly, due to their short
muzzles they have the inability to
regulate heat and humidity. Also, their short coats give them no
protection from cold temperatures. If you’re looking for an outside dog –
a Boxer is not for you!
The combo of loose jowls and short muzzles are also
responsible for snoring. This can range from little grunts and snorts
to full on snoring.
Which brings us to the next noise that can generate from your
Boxer... and that would be “flatulence” which basically means they pass
gas – sometimes a lot! (Guys tend to love this so they can point a
finger to their canine companion!)
Now, did we mention the fact that Boxers are total clowns up
until the age of about....oh, pretty much their whole life?! They are
definitely “Peter Pans” of the dog world. Although they will mellow out
in their old age, they are always up for fun and a little mischief!
Joking aside, the Boxers are susceptible to serious health
problems. The three biggest concerns are tumors, cardiomyopathy
(abnormal heart rhythms) and hip dysplasia. Also, a drug called
Acepromazine or ACE used in anesthetic protocols should not be used on
the Boxer. Please remember to have your Boxer's chart flagged not to use
it. It tends to cause a problem called first degree heart block, a
potentially serious arrhythmia of the heart and profound hypotension
(severe lowering of the blood pressure)
So, if you’re looking for a life long companion, devoted love and some good ol’ sloppy Boxer kisses –look no further!
What we have been up to:
I made Landry a pillow out of an old sweater!
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| He loves it |
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| Pillow! |
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| Showing it off (He likes to takes it out of kennel) |
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| What do you do with left over sweater??? Ha |
(I haven't transferred pictures to new computer, so limited on picture selection for above...)
