Boxer - The Facts Every Owner Of This Dog Breed Should Know

A German breed descending from mastiffs, the Boxer was originally bred for the purpose of hunting. The first Boxers were bred to be fierce but these traits are not seen today. Boxers today tend to be gentle, loving and energetic dogs. They are stocky dogs of a medium size. Male Boxers will grow to an average height of 22 to 25 inches and weight of 60 to 70 pounds. Females Boxers will reach an average height of 21 to 24 inches and weight of 53 to 65 pounds. Boxers have an average life span of 11 to 14 years. Their coats are smooth and shorthaired, making Boxers easy to groom. In fact, Boxers tend to be 'clean freaks' and will clean themselves regularly. Generally, Boxer coats come in only two colors: brindle and fawn.

Some Boxers have white markings on them, known as flash, which can extend all over making them appear white. Boxers have short muzzles and their lower jaws extend past their upper ones. This gives them a very secure bite, something useful when they were hunting. Boxers are considered highly intelligent and easy to train. However, they can be independent thinkers and this can make them stubborn and sneaky. Though energetic they are gentle with children and other animals (if properly socialized) and make an excellent family pet.

They enjoy playing with children and will protect its family when a stranger approaches. Once introduced to the stranger, though, he will become a friend and the Boxer will greet him with enthusiasm in the future. Boxers are energetic dogs that love to run, jump, fetch and play so once daily exercise at a minimum is required. Boxers tend to be fairly active indoors and may become destructive if not given time to 'burn off some steam.' A well fenced in yard (if off leash) is also a must. Boxers are prone to many medical problems. Due to their short snouts, they tend to snore and drool, and have difficulty regulating their body temperature, making it difficult for them to live in locations where temperature extremes are common.

Boxers are also more likely to develop cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis, and hip dysplasia. Some Boxers are prone to epilepsy, and from age eight on they are more likely to get tumors than other breeds. They tend to have allergies and some Boxers may have excessive flatulence. Some white Boxers are prone to deafness. Boxers may also develop corneal dystrophy or Demodectic mange and some are prone to bloat. torsion (bloat) and if they do not get enough exercise will quickly become obese, leading to other health problems.

There is a website that has great information on Boxers and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

Preventing Obesity In Dogs

Preventing your dog from becoming overweight is much easier than loosing the weight once it is there. Dogs, like people can put on the pounds if they consume too many calories. Age and activity level are the two most important values in determining how much we should feed our dogs.

The calorie requirements change for all dogs during their life. Younger dogs and puppies require the greatest amount of calories, proteins, and minerals due to their growth and almost unlimited activity. Older dogs require less due to their lowered activity level. The exceptions to this would be dogs that spend most of their time out of doors especially during colder weather.

Feed your dog like you would another person. Provide food as a meal instead of having a full food bowls all the time. Dogs have different personalities; some are finicky eaters, while other eat everything in sight. The quality of the food should be considered next. Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a long and healthy life. Not long ago, most pets were fed mostly table scraps which were usually too high in calories for their metabolism.

Today our dogs spend more time indoors with us, and it has become more practical to feed them commercial dog foods. While the quality of nutrition for dogs has improved considerably with prepared pet foods, there remains a great deal to consider when choosing the proper diet plan or formula. Choose a food that best matches your dogs age group, size, and activity level by reading the manufacturers label.

Next, try to limit or eliminate treats and table scraps. If you cant resist the temptation when their begging begins, at least find a treat that is high in nutrition, such as liver treats that trainers use. And last but never least, plenty of exercise! Most dogs would rather have your attention than a treat any day. It releases their energy, keeps muscles toned, relieved boredom, and keeps their minds active. Best of all, you will both enjoy it.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed http://Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can shop for the latest dog collars, dog clothes, pet supplies and more. Check them out at http://www.joncopets.com.