Facts About Boxer Dogs

The decision to bring a new dog into your home is not one that should be taken lightly. You want to find a dog that will be a good fit for you and your family, especially if your family consists of young children or older adults who will need a gentle and patient dog. To see if a boxer might be the right fit for your family, please read the facts about boxer dogs listed below.

Boxers are good with children and seniors. Although they are very strong and can at times be stubborn, they seem to know when they need to be a little more patient and gentle with smaller or weaker humans. This makes them a great family dog or companion for an elderly citizen. In saying that, if the dog is not trained properly it definitely should not be owned by an elderly person as they are very robust if not controlled.
Boxers are very strong, energetic, and active dogs. This means that they require plenty of exercises or they are likely to work off their excess energy by chewing furniture or tearing up the yard. Exercise is so essential to their well-being and your relationship with them that if you do not have time for taking them on constant walks and runs in the park then perhaps they are not the dog breed for you.
Boxers are very loving toward family members, but cautious around strangers. They are very alert to danger and ready to attack and defend their family if threatened. This makes them very good guard dogs. In fact, one of the more interesting facts about them is that they have been used by the military as both guard dogs and attack dogs because of their protective nature and strength.
As incredibly intelligent dogs they are easy to train. In addition to being used in the military, they have been also used as police dogs, service dogs, and seeing-eye dogs. They are headstrong dogs and when training them the owner needs to be consistent and firm. They respond well to positive reinforcement type training and treats for a job well done never go astray!
Boxers are prone to certain types of cancers, heart conditions, hypothyroidism, and hip dysplasia. It is important to buy your boxer from a breeder who has done his or her research into the lines of their puppies and has had the parents tested for these genetic conditions. A breeder who knows the facts about boxer dogs will know how to breed them to get the best and healthiest pups.
Male boxers tend to be more laid back and females tend to be more energetic. Male boxers, however, may be aggressive towards larger male dogs, and female boxers may be aggressive towards other female boxers. Both male and female boxers do tend to be patient with smaller dogs, however.

Hopefully, these facts about boxer dogs will help you choose the right dog breed for you.