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Boxer dogs are a popular breed of dog and they have a few distinctive behaviors of their own. However, Boxers do not have many canine problems that are common among other dog breeds. Common distinctive behaviors found in boxer dogs are:

  • Loyalty and self-confidence – the boxer is friendly and very loyal to his owners, he is content to be with them and lying at their feet. Boxer dog owners appreciate the devotion this breed gives them. Most swear that they will never own another breed of dog. The Boxer is a strong and noble breed that radiates self-confidence.
  • Affectionate -Natural Child Protector- The boxer dog adores most children and will naturally become a playmate and protector of children. Boxers show devoted affection for their owners and strangers when properly introduced and socialized.
  • The Woo Woo- The “woo woo” is a vocalization that boxer dogs usually do during the game, which is an invitation to play with them or if you have something that they want. It is quite comical in nature. The boxer is often referred to as the dog breed clown.
  • The Wiggle Butt: The “Wiggle Butt” is an excessive movement of the hindquarters that boxer dogs exhibit. It’s an exciting gesture, happy to see you, as well as a trade-off in communicating body language to show friendly motives to others, including dogs. Boxers are a docked breed, with their tails docked, this behavior serves as an excessive exaggeration of the friendly wagging of the tail so that others know they mean no harm.
  • Oooo- This is definitely something every boxer owner has said when the boxer expels flatus (gas) both silently and loudly in their proximity. The boxer is quite intelligent and will often get away from the bad smell before the owners.
  • Boxing – The boxer likes to play using his front legs in a boxing move, looking very much like a boxer would in the ring.
  • Mouth: The boxer dog can be seen playing mouth with another dog or human, making a distinctive whine vocalization and a side-to-side tilt movement of the head with its mouth wide open. It is not a sign of aggression. Young boxer puppies as young as 3-4 weeks old will begin this behavior with their littermates. It is a natural play gesture for boxer dogs.
  • Hugs: The boxer likes to hug (from the back with the paws on the shoulders) and should be taught at an early age not to. Especially in homes with children and older adults.

These are NOT common behaviors seen in boxer dogs:

  • Excessive Barking – Barking is a form of communication in dogs and boxers do not overcompensate for this. Boxers generally only bark to alert the arrival of new visitors, protecting their territory or during the game. They are not excessive thieves like toy breeds or hunting / hound breeds. They do not bark for unknown reasons.
  • Aggression: Boxers may look mean and tough, but they are not aggressive dogs. They have a very retractable guard behavior, they will alert visitors and will be able to defend their territory if real threats are presented. If aggression appears in a boxer it is usually manifested by poor breeding (genetics), medical conditions and mistreatment by humans or other dogs. Aggression can be seen in any breed of dog that is not spayed or neutered, is not properly socialized, or is fearful and unsure of the situation. Stressful and painful situations and the protection of valuable resources are also common ways that dogs display aggression.
  • Fear Phobias – Some boxers may exhibit fear phobias of people, thunderstorms, and loud noises, although this is not common in the breed. Phobias can manifest themselves from lack of socialization and trauma at an early age, for unknown reasons.
  • Jumping on people: This is not a common behavior for boxers unless improper training has occurred or excitable behaviors are encouraged, hugging is not the same but it is also not desirable for most people.
  • Training Problems: The Boxer is an easy dog ​​to train with the right motivation. Consistent and humane methods are favored.
  • Separation anxiety – The boxer thrives in a social setting with his family. Some boxers can show separation anxiety if left to their own devices and they get bored. Behaviors such as chewing, digging, destroying property, dirtying the house, whining, and barking excessively for no apparent reason to their owners are common signs of separation anxiety. Boxers will not show signs of these behaviors if they are properly exercised, trained, and their social needs met.
  • Obsessive Licking – Most boxers aren’t licked per se, but you will occasionally find one that is, trying to show their submissive side to their owners and friends. Often times, this behavior occurs due to the uncertainty of the boxers in a certain situation or too harsh treatment by the owners. They may lick in an effort to obtain food or water.
  • Submissive urination: It is unusual behavior for a boxer to show submissive urination, that is, urinate when approached or aroused. Those showing signs of submissive urination problems should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out medical conditions. This dog behavior problem is often a sign of an underlying medical problem, excessive arousal, and / or trauma.

Common distinctive behaviors of the boxer dog make it a true all-season dog and loved around the world by thousands, possibly millions, of humans. If you have a Boxer that exhibits any of those troublesome dog behaviors that are not common among this breed, contact a trainer, behavior specialist, canine behavior advisor, and / or veterinarian for help.

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