The boxer is a dignified and yet playful dog. Often wary of strangers, they inspire incredible loyalty among those who have had one. This easy to maintain, smooth coated dog loves his people. He is highly trainable and wants to please, and like many active breeds is best kept busy to prevent problems.

Boxer – Another German Based breed

The boxer is another German based breed. They are lively and can be high energy dogs. Each is uniquely and individual and although now not as popular as in the past, they hold a special spot in American history also.

Going back in history the breed traces to the 16th-17th centuries in Tibet. It is thought the Boxer traces to dogs referred to as the Bullenbeisser while other sources mention a dog called Bouldogue de Mida. They were used to hunt wild boar, and their ears were cropped to keep the pigs from grabbing the dog’s ears. A family pet when not pursuing this activity, they were bred with the early English Bulldog, creating the first Boxers in the early 1800s. They were once used for bullbaiting. Some of these dogs were all white, a color that is banned from conformation shows today and by the standard not an accepted color.

At the turn of the century they were brought to the US, having been established as a working and police breed. The AKC recognized the first Boxer champion in 1915 but it was 34 years later until the breed really gathered the country’s attention. For a time in the 1940s and ’50s dog shows were covered by sports magazines and others. Popular dogs were noted and followed and in the late 1940s Bang Away made a splash when selected as Best In Show at 2-1/2 months old. He won at Westminster and 121 Best In Show wins over six years. It is documented that at one show a questionable loss by the Boxer resulted in a riot.

Today by the standard these dogs are up to 23-25 inches with females slightly smaller. Balance is essential the the dog is presented as a well muscled athlete. They are fawn or brindle and can have white markings, provided not more than 1/3 of the coat is white.

Boxer- An Active Dog

The Boxer is an active dog both physically and mentally. Keeping them busy with games, regular exercise and play is essential. They’re nice dogs for families as well as single people. Some tend to be aggressive with smaller pets, especially cats, so it is worth putting special training into the puppy if you have other pets. They are intelligent dogs that love to learn. They can be somewhat independent thinking, and it is worth noting to balance insisting on obeying with picking your battles in training issues.

The Boxer is a beautiful, athletic dog with a great combination of gentleness yet the ability to rise to defend his family if need be. The unique way he uses is front feet when fighting (or playing!) gave the Boxer his name. This is a breed that can get 65-80 pounds, so it’s worth noting that training from early on is needed.

Health problems that can affect Boxers include hip dysplasia, aortic stenosis (a heart defect), Boxer cardiomyopathy, thyroid disorders, corneal dystrophy, demodectic mange (which is easily treated but indicates a weakness in the immune system), cancer, bloat, allergies and, in white Boxers, often deafness. Fortunately, many of these can be tested for and rule out genetic passing on of the defects. For those dogs that are affected, serious problems can result and it is best to know and deal with the health problems as soon as possible.

It is also worth noting that like many short nosed breeds, the structure of their head can lead to problems in high heat and humidity. For this reason particular attention should be paid to keeping the dogs cool and not exercising them when it is dangerously hot outside.

From a breeding standpoint a typical litter size is six puppies. Because of the health problems in the breed, health testing should always be done before breeding to insure you aren’t passing along traits that condemn the puppies to a bad (and short) life.

Boxers are still used for police K-9 work. They have the friendly nature, prey drive and power to effectively work in the sport of Schutzhund as well as for obedience, agility, or personal dogs. He’s been used as a war dog and a seeing-eye dog. They’ve been used as messengers and sentries, search and rescue and detection work. Some have been used for flyball competition and therapy dogs.

The Boxer has a tendency to love life – they will put all their energy into whatever they are doing. They can be incredibly persistant if they want something badly enough! They are affectionate and sometimes forget their manners and size when they get excited to see a friend.

Boxers with good care can live well into their teens. Grooming is minimal – occasional baths, trim toenails and general care. Being short haired an occasional brush down can help shine the coat and remove old hair and dander but the Boxer is for the most part a low-maintenance dog as far as grooming.

One unfortunate thing to consider is the advent of breed specific legislation in many areas. Even though it often doesn’t directly include the Boxer, many people with breeds that are affected have now taken to calling them “Boxer crosses”. The kick to that can come much later, as good Boxers have a tractable temperment but can be accused and grouped in with other dogs based on appearance. It’s worth making sure you have proof your dog is a *Boxer* depending on where you live and the local laws, which seem to change on a regular basis.

Famous owners reported to have had Boxers include Jodie Foster, Carroll O’Connor, Robin Williams, George Clooney, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Charlton Heston, Sylvester Stallone, Humphrey Bogart, Nat King Cole, Lauren Bacall and Shirley MacLaine.

In city popularity they are the dog of choice in Knoxville and second in DesMoines, Kansas City, Louisville and Omaha. They hold the third spot in Baltimore, Charlotte, Cleveland and Memphis and made the top five in a host of other cities. Nationally on the AKC list thay ranked sixth in 2007.

If you’re looking for a dog that can combine seriousness with a clown – active with a house dog personality – and gentleness with a willingness to protect his family whatever the odds, consider a Boxer. They are never dull and we could learn something from them in the zest for enjoying life! If you have a little room for a larger dog and an active lifestyle to keep them busy, consider a Boxer for your next pet.

David Beart

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/boxer-breed-profile-734802.html

All About Boxer.

The products you choose should be authorised for topical use. Some pure fancy oils are damaging, so be certain to read the instructions and cares before applying important oils to your dog’s skin. As hideous as the dog looks, and as uncomfortable he's with the itching, the genuine threat is infection. Mange bring about a real load on the dog’s immune reaction as it attempts to attack and eject the mites. That immunological reaction can be further stressed by infection due to the dog’s continuing scratching and rolling around. When a patch of skin gets infected and the dog’s defenses are puny, then you've got the potential for much more serious problems. The mites will reproduce and when this occurs, there'll be a sharp odour coming from the areas affected.

Treating your dog naturally is always the most sensible way to go, but in serious cases, it is best to make a trip to your vet. Your pet could also develop blisters and bleeding. If you suspect that your dog has mange, you will be wanting to raise your pets immunological response with herbal additions. The different indications of Mange are : Hair Loss-this could be a small or a lot, Itching and scratching-This usually only happens in the area affected, Red spots, Blisters, and Infection. There are various symptoms for every illness, condition and infection out there so it's very important if you've any concerns or your dog is showing symptoms to search out medical assistance for your loved family pet. One of the largest concerns with mange is the secondary bacterial infection. It is exceedingly important when you first spot indications of Mange to see a Vet immediately.

it is for sure mange….I already took him to the vet, that is how I got the dip medication.
the vet only gave him shots and issued the medication and told me to dip him every other week or every other 10 days. but you cant dip his head.

the easiest way it use a cotton ball and then swab it on.

Sorry I have never heard of that and I have been around and breeding Maine Coons for a very long time. You may have to call your vet and talk to them.

R P CAT

The Lym Dip is used for Ringworm.

Expert: Dr. Aimee Beger
Bio: Dr. Aimee Beger works for McClintock Animal Care Center in Tempe, Ariz.
Filmmaker: Ryan Quinn

Duration : 0:1:9

Going to the vet for salve would be the best bet, but if you are someone without much money, you could try this:

Get some garden dust for plants called SEVEN. It is from a plant and is safe for pets. Try to dust your kitty off outside because you don’t want to breathe it in.

If it is only a small spot, such as between the shoulder blades, rub a small amount of baby oil into the skin and the fur. The oil will coat the insects bodies so they won’t be able to breathe. The oil is to be used only on a small spot, and not where the kitty can lick it.

If it is a small hole in the skin and smells almost sweet, your kitty has one of those fly larvae in it. This can be removed with tweezers.

Give me more details so I can help you better.

equal parts bbq sauce & grape jelly

Grape jelly w/ a big dollop of coarse mustard in there, too.

Thanks in advance.

No the infection has NOT gone away. Ringworm takes at least a month to clear up completely. Continue using the topical medication until the vet says it’s ok to stop.
My cat had ringworm when I brought her home, but I didn’t find it until 5 weeks later. None of us ever got it. But it took forever to get rid of.