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The boxer descended from the Mastiff family of dogs. They originated in Asia. They were bred for their courage and their ability to guard, hunt and fight. The Romans imported British Mastiffs, known as Bullenbeissers. These dogs were bred with the Molossus breed and then became the German Bullenbeissers. There were several other types of Bullenbeissers that are now known as the Great Dane and the English Bull dog. These dogs along with the Bull Terrier and Giant Schnauzer are possibly incorporated into the Boxer breed. |
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In 1904 the First Boxer was registered in the American kennel clubs studbook. In World War I, the boxer was used as a pack animal, a scout a messenger and a mail dog. The breed was still slow to gain popularity. In the 1930's there were still only 20 Boxers. But, in 1944 it was the 15th most commonly registered breed in the American Kennel Club. |
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| Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of a boxer. This starts only hours after birth. They start nursing from their mother. This helps provide colostrom, antibody rich milk that helps prevent infection for the first few months of life. The pups need to nurse for at least six weeks before they are completely weaned from the moms. A supplemental feeding may be used. But the earliest it can be given is at three weeks of age. At two months of age the pups should be fed puppy food. |
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This is an important stage of growth; nutritional deficiencies and imbalances can be devastating to the puppies. Growth diets should be used until the puppies are 12-18 months of age. An adult dogs diet should be given a good maintenance diet, approved by the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials). A boxer that eats healthy will look healthy. A shiny coat and high energy level are two indications that your boxer is getting the nutrition he needs.
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| Keeping your boxer healthy is started even before birth. The bitch - mother dog should be well cared for, vaccinated and free of infections and parasites before breeding. At two-three weeks the puppies need to start the control of worms. At 6-20 weeks most puppies are weaned. Most people take the pups to the veterinarian fro routine vaccinations and checkups. |
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At 4-6 months the pups are getting the last of their regular vaccinations. At one year the one-time pups are considered to be an adult. At this point it should be reexamined and have boosters for all vaccines. The veterinarian should also do a thorough physical examination to look for early evidence of problems. Your boxer should have this check up yearly from the ages of 1-7 years.
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