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BoxersThe Boxers root originate in Germany over 100 years ago. In the late 19th century, the Brabanter was crossed with an English Bulldog to start the line that would become the modern Boxer. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Boxers were traditionally a docked and cropped breed, however due to pressure from veterinary associations, animal rights groups and the general public, both cropping of the ears and docking of the tail are now prohibited in many countries around the world. Today, based on 2006 American Kennel Club statistics, Boxers are the seventh most popular breed of dog in the United States - a position Boxers have held since 2002 - with approximately 35,388 new dog registrations during the year. The Boxer does not carry the gene for a solid black coat color and therefore purebred black Boxers do not exist. Boxers are typically either fawn or brindle , often with a white underbelly and white on the front or all four feet. The white Boxer now makes up 25% of all Boxers within the United States and there are still many misconceptions about this color of Boxer. Boxers with white markings covering more than one-third of their coat - conventionally called white Boxers - are neither albino nor rare; approximately 20-25% of all Boxers born are white. White Boxers are disqualified from conformation showing by the breed standard, and are prohibited from breeding by every national Boxer club in the world. It is estimated that 18% of white Boxers are deaf in one or both ears, though shelters and rescue organizations see about double this number. Like fair-skinned humans, white Boxers have a higher risk of sunburn and associated skin cancers than colored Boxers. It is also true that Boxers have a very long puppyhood and adolescence, and are often called the Peter Pan of the dog world. Boxers are friendly, lively companions that are popular as family dogs but boxers have earned a slight reputation of being headstrong, which can be related to inappropriate obedience training. Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dogs but can be dominant with larger dogs of the same sex. The Boxer as we know it today is a beautiful, powerful intelligent breed. Anyone caring about the Boxer breed will quickly notice an abundance of Boxer rescue organizations. Your support is what helps keep these organizations going strong and continuing to save thousands of Boxers each year. So when considering the purchase of Boxer, please check with your local shelter first. Stumble It! • Submit To Netscape • del.icio.us • Y! MyWeb |
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