The boxer makes a great family pet. She can be raised in an apartment as long as she gets frequent exercise. She would prefer to actually live in the home as she is a people dog. A properly fenced enclosure would be perfect for this high energy dog. She is loving and intelligent and makes a good watch dog and guard dog. She is very good with children.

As a reminder, never leave young children unsupervised with a puppy or dog. *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male boxer is 22 to 25 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 70 pounds. The female ranges from 21 to 24 inches to the withers and 53 to 65 pounds. *Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Boxer is no exception.

Be on the lookout for skin tumors, heart murmurs, digestive problems, hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), progressive axonopathy (debilitating disease of the nervous system, becoming rare), canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and cornea ulcers. White boxers can be deaf. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list. She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up.

Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets. *Grooming.

The Boxer has a short smooth and glossy coat. She should be brushed once a as brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.

Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Boxer can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions. *History. Boxers were initially bred for fighting in Germany.

They were first recognized by the American Kennel Association in 1904. Some Registries: *American Boxer Club *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry Litter Size: 5 to 10 Boxer puppies Category: Working. Terms To Describe: Alert, playful, stoic, patient, curious, wary with strangers, intelligence, loyal, affectionate, high energy, possessive, *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS Generally good with children. Good watch dog. Good guard dog.

High intelligence. Very social with people. Want to please. Tolerates heat well. *SPECIAL BAD POINTS May be aggressive with male dogs.

Socialization needed with other pets. May be difficult to train. Snores big time.

Can drool. Can be flatulent. A dominant owner is best. *Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.