Grooming
Brush their coat: The Boxer dog breed’s short hair and shiny coat, which sheds most in spring, requires very little grooming. Brushing your Boxer a few times a week using a rubber curry brush or a hound glove can help keep shedding in check and keep the coat healthy and tight to the skin.
Clean their teeth: Speaking of brushing, brush their teeth daily to prevent tartar buildup and dental disease.
Bathing and nail trimming: Unless they get really dirty, Boxers only need to be bathed once a month. Turn it into a doggy spa day and trim your Boxer’s nails at the same time (unless they get naturally worn down on hard surfaces).
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Training
Training is a great way to provide physical activity and mental stimulation, which are especially important for Boxers. Originally bred as a guard dog and wild game chaser, they’re energetic, smart and prone to jumping and leaping, especially when they’re young. Boxer puppies may nip when they play, which may be cute when they’re puppies, but they have a powerful bite force as adults, and their play biting will not be so cute. So, a Boxer puppy will benefit greatly from early socialization and dog training classes. (You’ll for sure want to teach them the “down” command.)
The good news is Boxer dogs are highly trainable due to their intelligence and excellent problem-solving skills. A training regimen with plenty of fun and positive reinforcement works best, as they can become bored with repetition (and remember, they can get sad if they feel they’ve let you down).
Canine sports such as obedience, agility and herding are all great options for burning off that Boxer energy. Interactive toys, puzzle games and scent work (which teaches a dog to identify and track various odors) also can keep Boxers mentally stimulated throughout their life.
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Diet
Boxers do well on high-quality, complete and balanced commercial diets. To determine if a dog food is complete and balanced, look on the package for a statement that says it meets nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Breed-specific diets, like Royal Canin Boxer dog food, can help satisfy a Boxer’s unique needs by providing, for example, the optimal amount of protein to maintain muscle mass and nutrients that contribute to good heart health. (Boxers are prone to heart issues. More on that below.)
Whatever diet you choose, it should be appropriate to your dog’s age (puppy, adult or senior) because Boxers have different nutritional needs at different life stages. As puppies, they’ll benefit from diets that support their growth and immune system, like Royal Canin Boxer dry puppy food. At around 6 or 7 years old, they may need to transition to a senior diet to help manage their weight, which can become an issue later in life. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian, as they can help you choose the best food for your dog based on their activity level, weight, age and unique needs.
Treats can be an effective training aid but giving too many can cause obesity. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10 percent of a dog’s diet. And of course, your Boxer should always have access to clean, fresh water.
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Exercise
Boxers are smart, active dogs who need exercise every day, whether it’s a few walks and runs to release energy or several hours a day in a secure, fenced-in area. Well-trained Boxers make great running companions for short, brisk runs when the weather is moderate. Because Boxers are speedy (they’re one of the fastest dog breeds and can reach speeds of over 30 miles per hour), experts recommend pet parents keep them on a leash. Boxers also love to play fetch. Growing Boxer puppies should be exercised less than adults. You don’t want to cause injury or damage development.
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Environment
Boxers need room to roam, so apartments may not be ideal. A house with a big yard for activity and exercise would be best, but living in an area where long walks are possible will also suffice. Also, Boxers don’t like extreme temperatures. They should be kept inside the house as a cherished member of the family, where they’ll likely claim a section of the couch or bed if you allow it.
Overall, Boxers do well in family households, but because they are playful and high-energy, they’re not a great choice for a frail adult or a home where very small children might be frightened by a well-intentioned but jumpy puppy.
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