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Boxer

Boxers dogs, information, health condition, diet and food allergies

 

Despite their very powerful and, at times, menacing appearance, boxers are generally very friendly dogs that are extremely playful with bounds of energy.



With regard to boxer size or features, they appear very short and stocky and their coat is covered by very short, prickly hair. They have broad and short skulls with a square shaped muzzle. The skin on their face is covered with folds and their coats usually come in fawn and brindle with whit markings on their face, muzzle and underbelly.



If the white markings on a boxer cover more than one third of their coat - they are known as white boxers. These account for almost 20% to 25% of all boxers. The skin of the boxer makes it very susceptible to sunburn and some types of skin cancer while deafness is a very common ailment in this breed.



Studies have shown that about 18% of all white boxers are deaf in either one or both ears.

As mentioned previously, the boxer is a very friendly dog and makes for a very good family pet. They are known to be extremely faithful and harmless, but can be very distrustful of strangers. As a result of their cheerfulness, they are also known to adapt very well to children as well as aid significantly in the therapeutic treatment of an individual. While they adapt well to small dogs and puppies, they may have some issues with larger dogs of the same sex.
Some boxer dog information that you should be aware of is that they are known to be prone to a number of medical complications such as heart conditions, hip dysplasia, apelesspy and intestinal problems. Studies have shown that almost 35% of all boxer deaths can be attributed to cancer while old age and cardiac arrest account for about 21.5% and 6.9% respectively. It is vital that an adult dog be given an ample amount of exercise, while also making sure that a younger dog does not get too much exercise or this could damage the growing bones. The dog will generally live for a lifespan between 10 to 12 years under optimum living conditions.

Boxers must be fed a diet consisting primarily of hard food in order to strengthen their teeth. Muscle meats and raw meaty bones along with some raw processed vegetables and fish will be very beneficial to their overall health. You must also keep in mind that a number of boxers suffer from food allergies and an indulgence of grapes and raisins could possibly lead to kidney failure.

 
  Submitted on September 5, 2011  
 
 
 

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