History of the Boxer Dog - Article Example

Meet the Boxer Dog One glance at a Boxer dog and one cannot help but remember its close cousin, the bulldog. In fact, the Boxer dog traces its lineage all the way back to 16th century Germany and Europe. Although Germans are formally recognized for having bred the species, similar breeds of dogs can also be seen in Spanish breeds like the Spanish Alano and Perro de Presa. There is a belief that these dogs most likely share a common ancestor along with the French Dogue de Bodeaux which is known to share many of the Boxer traits and is therefore considered a direct ancestor of the breed ( “Boxer History”). The strange look of the Boxer dog is owed to the fact that the Germans, who had been the first to breed the dog type, did not do it scientifically and used various dog blood strains to create the new breed. Experts from the American Canine Club believe that the Boxer is a product of the mixing of Bulldog and Terrier strains (“Boxer History”). The earliest known version of the modern day Boxer dog is the Brabant Bullenbeiser that is described as having been : ... bred to have an undershot mouth and a short face, the theory being that this allowed the dogs to bite and hold longer with their breathing unobstructed. These dogs would also have been useful to drovers and cattle dealers in handling their herds. By the mid-nineteenth century, the name “Boxer” was associated with a lighter-built version of the Bullenbeisser, the name possibly arising from the dogs’ habit of using their front feet when wrestling an opponent (Beuchert, M. “The Boxer: A Dog Breed That is Forever Young”). Boxers are considered hero dogs because they are one of the few dog breeds that actively participated in war-time battles during World War 1 and World War 2. This dog breed functioned in an important capacity as a messenger, ambluence scout, and even as a paratrooper in some instances like the Boxer dog Max from World War 2. In fact, one of the more memorable war time stories about the Boxer Dog is that ; “Stubby, the part-Boxer mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment, was decorated for heroism several times after surviving shrapnel and gas attacks. In Germany, the Boxer’s wartime contributions led to the breed being recognized as one of those suitable for police work” (Beuchert, M. “The Boxer: A Dog Breed Thats Forever Young”). There is no doubt that the war time adventures of the Boxer and its interaction with the humans during these stressful and trying times led to the evolution of the dog as one breed that always puts the safety of his human above his own. More about that discussion later on in this paper. Unlike other dogs that manage to gain favor among families due to its portrayel in television and film, the Boxer dog became more and more popular after the 1940s due not only to its good nature, playfullness, affection for its human, and even temperament, but also because it was fast becoming a highly winning breed on the dog competition circuit. In its previous incarnations, the Boxer dog was normally just white in color. These days, Boxer dogs come in a mix of brown and white colors, owing no doubt to its continued cross breeding with white no longer being considered a traditional color for the dog ( “The History of the Boxer Dog: The Line of a Regal and Lovable Dog”). Considered to be one of the more intelligent breeds, a Boxer is a playful dog that needs to get plenty of exercise and play. Orginally used in war settings, this breed of dog performs best when faced with obstacle filled tasks that require it to use multiple senses in order to get to its play thing. Although it may look like an agressive dog, it is actually quite sociable and has been known to get along with other dogs. The dog also has proven to be quite friendly to the humans that it encounters. In fact, the breed is so loyal to its humans that is has been known to stay wide awake until the wee hours of the night, waiting for the safe return of his human (“Comparing Boxer Dogs to Other Breeds”). Since Boxer dogs are quite the active type, they are prone to a number of illnesses that are considered to be common among large dog breeds such as Kennel Cough and Mange. However, the most distressing illness that can strike the dog is Hip Dysplasia. A degenerative bone condition that affects the pelvic area. a progressive illness that is more commonly known as dog arthritis, the illness is often the reason that a large breed dog becomes lame in its more advanced age. In order to ensure that a Boxer will not be prone to Hip Dysplasia, it is important that his bone diagnosis be done at an early age so that proper preventive medicine such as calcium tablets can be administered. Such additional vitamins will prevent the early onset of the illness in the Boxer and other large dog breeds (“Hip Dysplasia in Boxers”). Commonly 21-25 inches in height, the Boxers vary from medium to large breeds and quite muscular and strong. Being a short faced breed, the dog does not do well under extreme temperatures. It is known to be a “gassy” breed therefore its diet must avoid any foods that can make it develop gas. Aside from Hip Dysplasia, the breed can also develop heart problems, cancer, and allergies. Most important to note is that the dog has a life threatening reaction to the Acepromazine tranquilizer, therefore owners should make sure that vets never use that kind of tranquilizer on their dog should it undergo a procedure (Beuchert, M. “The Boxer: A Dog Breed Thats Forever Young”). . Since Boxer dogs are known to be highly active and the outdoor type, it is important to make sure that they are clothed in proper attires in order to help prevent the onset of illnesses of the harboring of threatening insects in their coats. Just like taking care of a child, it would be best for Boxer owners to invest in a set of dog designed boots, vests, and rain coats. There is a misconception that since dogs have thick coats, then they do not need protective clothing (“Protective Clothing for Your Active Dog”). Considering that dogs also lose body heat when exposed to cold weather, and their skin can also rip, tear, and get scratched from active play or accidents, it is of the utmost importance that the dog, the Boxer dog specifically, be protected from the elements. Think of it this way, “if it can harm a human, it can harm a dog. If the human doesnt want the pain, neither does the dog.” As mentioned earlier, the White color of the Boxer dog is frown upon in competition circuits. This is a situation that no doubt came about because of the use of the Boxer in the 1930s as a police dog. Due to the white coloring of the dog, it was believed that it was too visible and thus posed a danger to is human and itself in confrontational conditions. That was why in 1938, the White Boxer dog was officially disqualified form formal dog competitions. It also became quite known that white Boxer dogs had a higher tendency to be born dead and thus makes the White version suitable only as a family pet. The modern Boxer dog now comes in fawn and brindle with a black mask. The description of the color standard is as follows; “Fawns range in shade from light tan to mahogany, while brindle—dark stripes on a light background—may be anything from a few thin lines to such a dark and heavy colouring that the dog appears almost black. White markings on legs, neck, and face are common” (Beuchert, M. “The Boxer: A Dog Breed Thats Forever Young”). Overall, if a person is on the lookout for a family pet, it would be best to consider the Boxer dog. Its evolution from the 16th century as a hunting dog, then as a war time dog during World War 1 and 2, and finally as a domesticated pet in its current incarnation has ensured that the dog is a good family pet. With its even temper and desire to please, it can only bring a tremendous amount of joy and hours of play time fun with the kids and adults alike. The Boxer is truly ; .. devoted to his family, wanting always to be included. Perhaps because of their own perpetually youthful natures, most Boxers relate well to children and will tolerate treatment from toddlers that would cause many dogs to growl or snap. This being said, all children should be taught how to treat dogs with respect and not try their patience (Beuchert, M. “The Boxer: A Dog Breed Thats Forever Young”). The boxer comes from a long line of regal breeds and has continued to show that is evolution as a family oriented dog has successfully been achieved due to its high popularity not only in dog shows, but also as a family pet. Its history is quite an interesting study and produces quite amazing personal tales telling of the specialness of its breed. Sources American Kennel Club. Boxer: history. akc.org.akc.org. Retrieved from http://www.akc.org/breeds/boxer/history.cfm Beuchert, M. (n.d.). The boxer: A dog breed thats forever young. moderndogmagazine.com. moderdogmagazine.com. Retrieved from http://moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/boxer Boxer Dogs. (n.d.). Comparing boxers to other breeds. boxer-dog.org. boxer-dog.org. Retrieved from http://www.boxer-dog.org/category/article-categories/about Boxers. (n.d.). Hip dysplasia in boxers. boxer-dog.org. boxer-dog.org. Retrieved from http://www.boxer-dog.org/articles/health/hip-dysplasia-boxers Boxer Dogs. (n.d.) The history of the boxer dog - the line of a regal and lovable dog. boxer-dog.org. boxerdog.org. Retrieved from http://www.boxer- dog.org/articles/history/history-boxer-dog-line-regal-and-loveable-dog Boxer Dogs. (n.d.) Protective clothing for your active dog. boxer-dog.org. boxer-dog.org. Retrieved from http://www.boxer-dog.org/articles/health/protective-dog-clothing- your-active-dog Read More