By Ron Swerdfiger

www.web-rover.com

Country of Origin: Germany First Registered: 1904 Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings Coat Type: Short, glossy and smooth Height: 21 - 25 inches Weight: 66 - 70 lbs. Life Span: 10 - 12 Years Average Litter Size: 5 – 10 Health Concerns:. May have problems with heart murmurs, skin tumors, digestive problems and hypothyroidism Temperament: good-natured, affectionate, sociable, headstrong, high-energy

Active, playful, loyal, family oriented, are just a few of characteristics of boxer. A breed full of love for people and a zest for life, boxer can be an ideal family dog. The boxer is unlike any other breed. Often discribed as “clown,” of dog cummunity, boxers are a class all their own.. Those who own boxers can attest to their unique characteristics.

With their lean muscular builds, smooth coats, and square stance, boxer is truly an impressive looking animal. Being a working class breed, boxer domonstrates an instinctive willinness to please, while at same time showing an alertness, caution and courage in face of unknown.

However, boxer is NOT for everyone. Being a breed of high-energy, they require plenty of love, and even more patience.

So, if you are considering owning a boxer, web-rover.com offers some information on this wonderful breed.

Origin

Originally breed in Germany, it is believe that boxer is of Brabanter Bullenbessier descent. The Bullenbeisser was used by elite to hunt wild boar in and around 1800’s In order to prevent injury during hunt, ears were cropped.

As time passed the Barbanter Bullenbeisser was used by cattle dealers, and by end of 1800’s was officially recognized as a working class dog. As well as being renowned for being an intelligent working dog, Barbanter Bullenbessier was recognized as an excellent companion dog who was always eager to please humans.. When not working, breed was known to be an excellent family pet, who was great with childern.

It is believed that around 1830, Babnanter Bullenbeisser was bred with an early breed of English Bulldog, and thus, boxer was born.

Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to us in our family. It all started when he was a puppy of course. Aside from fun and laughter he brought into our lives he brought us new found responsibilities we hadn't concerned ourselves with BC. With some common sense and attention dog health shouldn't have to be a major family issue. Here's how we dealt with Charlie.

A few dog health issues:

Feeding –

This is normally easy and fun part. Be careful though because there's so much ballyhoo about great stuff various products can do. Major brands are tried and true with a normally safe harbour. Avoid going off into generic diets. Competing with major brands on research and quality control is pretty tough. Better to take high road for your doggie's sake. Vitamin and mineral supplements would be a great addition to diet helping to keep immune system strong. Remember, dry food helps keep teeth nice and strong too.

Bathing –

The primary concern here is to use a pet product. Not shampoo made for us people. We want to use a very mild shampoo. The pH balance of our doggies is quite different and if not careful we'll dry out skin so bad that scratching, itching and all sorts of other fireworks will go off. Bath less not more. Chances are that a good wash job every 30 days or so will be just fine. Don't forget to drop a couple of plugs (cotton balls will do)into ears before you start along with a nice brush job on coat before and after. Keep shampoo away from those gorgeous heart breaking eyes, if you slip simply wash with warm water or even a saline. Hey, a nice little designer outfit afterwards really makes your great little buddy a spiffy looking dude.

Those nasty tick and fleas issues –