Did You Know?
Snips:
SNIP #1 In the United States and Canada as of 2007, cropped ears are still more common in show dogs. In March of 2005 the AKC breed standard was changed to include a description of the uncropped ear, but to severely penalize an undocked tail.
SNIP #2 The head is the most distinctive feature of the Boxer. The breed standard dictates that it must be in perfect proportion to the body and above all it must never be too light. The greatest value is to be placed on the muzzle being of correct form and in absolute proportion to the skull. The length of the muzzle to the whole of the head should be as 1:3. Folds are always indicated from the root of the nose running downwards on both sides of the muzzle, and the tip of the nose should lie somewhat higher than the root of the muzzle. In addition a Boxer should be slightly prognathous, i.e., the lower jaw should protrude beyond the upper jaw and bend slightly upwards in what is commonly called an underbite or "undershot bite".
Boxers were originally a docked and cropped breed, and this tradition is still maintained in some countries. However, due to pressure from veterinary associations, animal rights groups and the general public, both cropping of the ears and docking of the tail have been prohibited in many countries around the world. In the United States and Canada as of 2007, cropped ears are still more common in show dogs. In March of 2005 the AKC breed standard was changed to include a description of the uncropped ear, but to severely penalize an undocked tail.
SNIP #3 While it may seem appealing to contemplate a cute litter of puppies, you should realize that breeding your Boxer is an unremitting commitment of time, money, and emotion. Maintaining contact with your Boxer's breeder over the years, and asking his advice, will prove immensely helpful when making a decision to breed. For the majority of pet owners, spaying the female Boxer is to be preferred. This operation will also lessen the risk in later life of mammary tumors and other reproductive diseases. The male Boxer may also benefit from being neutered, and this procedure will cool his desire for any neighborhood female dog in heat. Spayed and neutered animals are not eligible to compete in AKC Conformation classes, but may still participate in Obedience, Agility and Tracking events.
SNIP #4 The Animal Pedigree Act makes it a federal offence to sell an animal of a recognized breed as, purebred, registered, or eligible to be registered if it is not. The term "purebred" is a confirmation of genetic background and adherence to breed characteristics, in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the by-laws of the authorized breed association.
The term "registered" is confirmation that all the rules of eligibility of the authorized breed association in Canada have been met. If an animal of a recognized breed is sold as purebred, registered or eligible to be registered, the seller is obligated to provide a duly transferred certificate of registration to the buyer not later than six months after the sale.
SNIP #5 You should start training your new puppy right away! An 8 week old puppy is quite capable of starting to learn basic commands such as sit, down, come, and to fetch. Remember to keep training sessions very short though, as puppy attention spans are fleeting, and to use only positive reward-based training methods. Training should be fun, for you and your puppy! By 10-16 weeks, your puppy is ready to attend his first puppy kindergarten class and every attempt should be made to do so – it is a great socialisation and learning opportunity for your puppy. Visit our Care Guide for more answers.
SNIP #6 The Top Ten Reasons for Dogs being Relinquished to Shelters in the United States:
No homes for littermates
SNIP #7 They need love. Can you give your boxer the love it needs?
This goes for any breed and is a must. One of the most amazing things about dogs is that they are capable of giving unconditional love to their owners no matter what happens. You must be willing to give the same back in return, as this is what a dog really wants.
SNIP #8 There are 16,438 to 21,917 pets euthanized each DAY. With these kind of statistics, making sure that you have a true commitment to being a pet owner is very important
SNIP #9 The cost of owning a boxer is an extremely important consideration for a number of often overlooked reasons. Here are some concerns:
The purchase price of a boxer. Many people balk at paying $500 to $2000 for a pet.
The cost of owning a boxer is important is that it is a big investment.
Boxers need stuff! They need crates, collars, leashes, food and water dishes, bedding and toys.
If you travel, boxers are an extra expense whether you bring them along or not.
All dogs will need to visit the vet at least once a year to receive vaccinations. The cost of vaccines will vary. If you get vaccines at a vet’s office, expect to pay between $90-$150.
The most obvious and ongoing expense for your boxer is food. While the pet aisle in the grocery store offers many low-cost options, these choices are not always best for your boxer.
SNIP #10 A boxer puppy should eat a minimum of three meals a day until about six months old, when you can reduce to two meals a day if you choose. Baby puppies (8-16 weeks) will usually do better on four or even five small meals a day. Visit our Care Guide for more answers
SNIP #11 The Boxer is a German developed breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog, with a smooth fawn or brindled coat and square-jawed muzzle. Boxers are brachycephalic, and have mandibular prognathism (an underbite), very strong jaws and a powerful bite. The Boxer were bred from the Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser and is part of the Molosser group.
The boxer was first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards at Munich in 1895, the first boxer club being founded the next year. Based on 2006 American Kennel Club statistics, Boxers are the seventh most popular breed of dog in the United States—a position they have held since 2002—with approximately 35,388 new dog registrations during the year.
SNIP #12 Dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States and many more are confined to cages in shelters because there are many more animals than there are homes. Spaying or castrating dogs helps keep overpopulation down. Many of these dogs have been boxers. Local humane societies, SPCAs and other animal protection organizations urge people to neuter their pets and to adopt animals from shelters instead of purchasing them. Several notable public figures have spoken out against animal over population, including Bob Barker. On his game show, The Price Is Right, Barker stressed the issue at the end of every episode, saying: "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered." Pet Overpopulation in the United States
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3-4 million
SNIP #13 Here are the basic needs of every boxer:
1) Food
2) Water
3) Shelter
4) Exercise
5) Grooming
6) Veterinary Care
7) Toys... just like kids, pets like to have toys to play with
8) Training
9) Time... you need to spend time with your pet
10) Lots of Love!!!
SNIP #14 Many puppies are acquired by their new owners at six weeks, which is the usual weaning age. Up until this time, the pups should have been dewormed every two weeks, starting at two weeks of age. At six weeks of age the pups start their well-puppy examination/vaccinations series. This series is an ideal time to establish a relationship with your pet’s veterinarian. Owner, puppy, and veterinarian should get to know each other.
SNIP #15 That The American Boxer Club is the national parent club dedicated to the well-being of the Boxer breed. The Club is also responsible for the written Breed Standard - a description of the ideal Boxer. The American Boxer Club was founded in 1935 and now has over 900 members in 50 states. The ABC encourages interested Boxer lovers to join any of its more than 50 member clubs throughout the country.
SNIP #16 Diet and dental health are important in your dog’s overall health. Puppies should be fed a premium brand puppy food in measured amounts until they are one to two years old. They are then switched to a premium adult dog food. Measured amounts of food help prevent obesity and other health problems. Good quality dog food helps maintain healthy teeth, but regular teeth brushing and preventative dental cleanings are most important for good dental health. Most pups can be easily trained to accept daily teeth brushing. Use toothpaste developed for your pet and not human toothpaste which may cause stomach upset if swallowed. Diet and dental health are important in your dog’s overall health. Puppies should be fed a premium brand puppy food in measured amounts until they are one to two years old. They are then switched to a premium adult dog food. Measured amounts of food help prevent obesity and other health problems. Good quality dog food helps maintain healthy teeth, but regular teeth brushing and preventative dental cleanings are most important for good dental health. Most pups can be easily trained to accept daily teeth brushing. Use toothpaste developed for your pet and not human toothpaste which may cause stomach upset if swallowed.
SNIP #17 Crop or not? . This option is up to the buyer. Before an ear crop you must have a consultation with your vet to determine if this best for your dog and you. Not all cropping is guaranteed and we prefer this to be your choice.
SNIP #18 A dog's nutritional health depends on receiving the correct amounts and proportions of nutrients from the six required groups: water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins. With the exception of water, commercial dog foods identified as 100% complete and balanced contain all of these required nutrients.
SNIP #19 Although Boxers are workers they are also clowns. Even those awarded Schutzhound have been known to give a good kidney bean when preparing to get petted. This can frustrate some owners and you must decide if this is something you enjoy about the breed. This is a staple of their personality and part of what makes so many owners of the breed love them so.
SNIP #20 Puppies should not be separated from their mothers until they are about eight weeks old. Since puppies are full of curiosity and start learning at a very early age, start training your puppy from the beginning. You can help your puppy adjust to its new home by treating it with lots of love and affection, especially during its first few nights in its new home. Puppies require a special diet, so ask your veterinarian to recommended a diet for your puppy. Avoid the temptation of feeding your puppy meat or table scraps, since they may interfere with its digestion and, moreover, foster behavior problems, such as begging. Attach a personal ID tag to the puppy’s collar, listing your name, address, and telephone number.
SNIP #21 The Boxer holds the worlds record for the dog with the longest tongue. Her name is Brandy (the Gene Simmons of dogs). With a 17-plus-inch tongue.
SNIP #22 Some Boxers have white markings on them, known as flash.
More to come......