The Boxer Breed
The boxer was one of the very first breeds recognized by Germany as a police dog in the early 1920. In order to earn this recognition, breeders had to show the dog's proficiency at performing a variety of task, including obeying basic commands, tracking, and protection work. The boxer was so proficient at this work that as a breed it had the greatest percentage of members pass the test, second only to the Airedale.
The boxer was bred for endurance. It was at one time expected to work beside its owner all day or as long as it was needed. Even today in Germany, one of the prerequisites for breeding is that the boxer is able to display this working trait of endurance. As part of the German breeding suitability test (which includes health tests, a passing conformation rating, and a performance test), the boxer must be able to trot alongside a bicycle for roughly 12 miles with only a few brief breaks. So, what does this mean to the boxer owner who is trying to train his or her dog? It means that you are working with a dog that has a healthy activity level. The boxer is an extremely flashy, agile, and quick-footed dog when trained.
The boxer is an incredibly strong animal. It was originally bred to excel in work that requires raw, physical strength, such as protection work, in which the dog is trained to bite on command and not let go untill given the command to release. The ability to hold on to a full-grown man is impressive enough, but to have the strength to be able to hold the man and keep him from running away takes an incredibly strong dog. The boxer is this dog.
If there is one thing the boxer is noted for as a breed, it is his great courage. The boxer was bred to be a self-confident breed that could be both brave in the face of most fearsome threat, and yet gentle and kindhearted with those he loves. Today, there is a range of temperaments among boxers, with many that still possess this intrinsic courage and a natural instinct to guard their loved ones, home, and territory. There are also those that appear to be so outgoing that it is generally assumed they would lead a burglar to the jewels just to make friends. However, don't let this wonderful outward appearance fool you; behaviorist note that the friendly dog is perhaps the best guardian of all. Your boxer can be trusted with anyone but will know when you are truly threatened. If your boxer is a self-confident type and possesses great strength of mind, he is also likely to possess a great will.
Combined with the boxer's self-confidence, strong will, and courage is a great sense of cleverness. What this translates to is that he will remain two steps ahead of anything you can possibly envision. Did you ever think your boxer would figure out how to get in the refrigerator? Open a door using a round doorknob? Jump the back fence, run around to the front door, and ring the doorbell? It's pretty much a given that your boxer will think of several things that you could never have imagined. The boxer's intelligence at solving problems is impressive. Their intelligence in creating new problems is also impressive.
The boxer separates himself from many of the other working breeds in that he never takes life too seriously. He is known to be a clown in all stages of life, from puppyhood to old age. This irrepressible characteristic of the boxer knows no boundaries, even international ones. The most highly-titled schutzhund boxers in Germany have been known to "do the kidney bean" at the sight of the first person who might pet them.
Remember, bringing a puppy or even a older dog into your home and your life is a major decision. It brings with it responsibility and commitment but, it also renders supreme joy and laughter.
Boxer Guide Nooks
A New Owner's Guide to Boxers
Richard Tomita
The New Boxer
Billie McFadden
World of The Boxer
Richard Tomita
The Boxer (Family Favorite)
Stephanie Abraham
|
