Discover The Best Of Boxer Dog

By Richard Cussons
It was in 1895 when the Boxer dog was first exhibited and a year after when the first Boxer club was being founded. As the years go by, people are becoming interested in this breed that it became the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States based on the 2007 American Kennel Club statistics.

There are definitely very good reasons why the Boxer dog breed gained its popularity spot in the AKC standard. The role as working dog is probably one of the reasons for this popularity. They are widely used as guard dogs because of their suspicion to strangers, alertness, agility and of course, strength. Apart from that, they have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for those with physical impairment (more particularly seeing eye dogs for the blind), therapy dogs, police dogs and sometimes in herding cattle or sheep. The usefulness of Boxer dog doesn't just end being working dogs. Their friendly and lively nature makes them popular pets to a lot of dog lovers. They are very good with children and patient with smaller dogs and puppies. But, take note that this active breed should not be left alone doing nothing for they become extremely destructive when bored. They will most likely dig and chew furniture, household items and plants to ease the boredom they are feeling. Better provide them with lots of toys to play as well as games to keep their intelligent minds and energetic bodies working. This breed earned the reputation of being headstrong, thus obedience training is necessary to deal with it. Boxer responds better to positive reinforcement techniques rather than training based on corrections.

This breed can live for 10 to 12 years provided there is proper exercise, conditioning and care necessary to continue the health and longevity. They may be prone to some illnesses such as cancer, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, bloat, intestinal problems and allergies, but these can be easily prevented with proper care, proper diet and more importantly, careful breeding. Before breeding, breeders should make sure that the breeding stock does not carry various diseases in its genes. This is to decrease the spread and occurrence of various diseases in future generations.

When it comes to looks, one cannot truly say that this one has the least beautiful appearance. The head, the most distinctive feature of this breed, must be in perfect proportion to the body. The ears are cropped and erect and the tails are docked, however, these traditions have been prohibited in some countries now because of veterinary associations and animal rights groups, seeing the process as being inhumane or cruel to animals. An adult female boxer dog typically weighs between 50 to 65 pounds and stands 21 to 24 inches at the withers. The male can be taller and heavier than the female.

Whether a family dog or a working dog, this breed really deserves to be one of the most popular dogs, not just in the AKC standard, but perhaps in the world.

About the author:
Richard Cussons has written various articles on dogs. For information about Boxer dog and Boxer dog training, check out boxersavvy.com.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Adopt A Boxer Dog In Your Area

A Boxer dog breed is an epitome of a strong dog with excellent working abilities, great love and loyalty to his master and the bravery to protect his master in times of danger. Who wouldn't want to have this kind of animal as a pet or as a part of the family? Perhaps almost everybody will have arms wide open to welcome this versatile breed. But how come that some of this breed's fellows are being abandoned and turned over to shelters or rescue groups or worst, being left behind to wander on their own until they die due to dehydration, starvation or sickness?

There are many reasons or excuses why some of these formerly loved and adored beautiful creatures are abandoned by their previous owners. It could be inability to house and provide the animal with the physical and social needs in order for him to grow healthy and happy, or the lack of understanding of the cost of being a responsible dog owner. The list of these reasons or excuses goes on, each owner may have similar or different reason from another.

There are lots of homeless dogs out there who have been abandoned, neglected or abused by their previous owners. They need a good home with loving people that can provide them with their daily needs, be it physical, social or emotional. However, getting a new owner doesn't happen at a snap of the fingers. Some people seem to think that abandoned dogs are abandoned because of health or behavior problems, thus won't make good pets. But people should always keep in mind that not all abandoned dogs are problematic dogs. In fact, there are many advantages of adopting a dog, especially the adult one. Most dogs in the shelter are already housetrained, thus eliminating the time and frustration associated with it. Most of them have completed their vaccination shots and have been spayed or neutered. In addition, by adopting a Boxer dog in your local shelter, you are being helpful to your community by freeing one space for the shelter to accommodate another pitiful dog. You help lessen stray dogs that could possibly destroy plants or public and private property in your area.

By adopting a dog, be it a Boxer dog or any breed, you are making a difference to the life of that pitiful creature. You give that creature the opportunity to continue living in the environment where love and care reside.

About the author:
Richard Cussons has written various articles on dogs. Visit boxersavvy.com for great information about Boxer dog and effective Boxer dog training tips.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com