Dogs are one of the best pets to have in and around the house. Especially if you have kids and you adopt a puppy to grow up with your dog, there can be nothing better than that. Keeping a dog at home around kids has several benefits, such as helping them with learning, providing them with comfort, encouraging and teaching them how to nurture a pet, keeping them healthy by offering them a means to stay active, and also build strong family bonds, so why wouldn’t anyone want to have them around? Here you will find further information on the benefits of keeping pets.
Out of all the dog breeds worldwide, one of the most liked and favored ones is the Boxer dog, and there are plenty of reasons why keeping one is a good idea.
What Are Boxers Like?
If you’re wondering what their personality is all about, to put it simply, these are highly energetic pets that are athletic and loyal. But there is more than meets the eye. Even though they look strong and have a history of being fighting dogs, and are rightly so, these are possibly one of the most loyal, sweet-natured, and protective breeds, and anyone would be glad to have them around their family members.
The Origins of The Boxer
The breed dated back to the 16th century and came about in Europe. They live for up to 12 years. Specifically, in Germany, where it was first bred, developed, and used in dogfighting, hunting, and delivering parcels, they developed as hard-working, fun-loving, and loyal canines and thus are used in the police force. In the united states, they also became popular once they were imported from Germany and recognized by the AKC as a popular breed.
Caring for Your Boxer
These loyal and affectionate companions make a great addition to any household of old or young people. Their aggressive tendencies don’t come out unless faced against strangers, but in general, they are gentle creatures, and when socialized and trained, they can get along with any children. They do love to jump on people, but you can train them to restrain themselves.
They take slightly longer to mature than most dogs, and before they turn three years old, they are considered puppies. However, before they get to this age, they need to be house trained between 4 and 7 months if you want them to grow up around the family.
Their coats are very short, so their grooming needs are less demanding than dogs with longer hair: https://www.thesprucepets.com/breed-profile-boxer-1117944. They may, however, wear out their nails, especially if they are active ones. Either getting their nails regularly trimmed at the vet, or doing it yourself, is recommended. This will keep them comfortable and healthy.
One thing to pay close attention to is their intolerance to both hot and cold weather. They don’t like too hot summers and tend to get cold in winter because of their short fur. Making an effort to take them out during the cooler times of the day is best, especially during the summer months. Besides that, they need a significant amount of activity throughout the day to keep their athletic bodies in shape.
Along with this, a proper diet would also do them a whole lot of good. This includes the right diet, comprising of the best and high-quality foods, as well as additional supplements to help with their overall health and well-being and any issues they may have. A holistapet boxer dog should be given a diet rich in protein, calcium, and L-carnitine as well as adding a few drops of CBD oil in their water or food will do wonders for their coat, mind, and muscles.
A Few Common Health Issues to Look Out for
Another important thing to keep in mind when you adopt them is to take them to regular vet checks, as they can be prone to suffering from a few health and physical conditions. These may include:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy:
A condition often inherited by these canines is Dilated Cardiomyopathy, which causes irregular heartbeats. When they suffer from this particular condition, they should not be bred, affecting their overall growth and survival.
Congenital Deafness:
Boxers come in two main colors, brown with white markings or white and partially white. When you choose to adopt the white boxers, they tend to suffer from hearing loss when they get older. This is mainly due to the lack of pigment around the skin near their ears. This leads to atrophy of the nerve endings. It could affect them when they are puppies too.
Aortic Stenosis:
Symptomatic of the narrowing of the aorta, this health condition puts a strain on their heart, making it work harder than normal. Considered a genetic condition, Aortic Stenosis can cause sudden death or bouts of fainting.
Cancer:
Similar to humans and other dogs, these breeds are also susceptible to suffering from different types of cancers. Some of these may include skin cancer, lymphoma, or mast cell tumors. A condition indicated by their lack of activity or lumps under the skin, and the sooner they are surgically rectified, the better it is for them and you.
Hip Dysplasia:
Another problem often passed on generations of boxers is Hip dysplasia, which can cause them much pain and discomfort, including lameness, lack of activity, and arthritis.
When you adopt them, you should always check with breeders that they have tested the little guy’s parents to ensure they don’t have any of the above issues.