Box-terrier Dog Breed

Below are details and specs on the Box-Terrier dog breed.

Although it is a medium-sized dog, the Box-Terrier packs an energetic punch. When mature, males are a bit larger than females; he will average 22 inches in height and can be anywhere from about 55 to 90 pounds. Females will be a couple inches shorter and weigh significantly less: 45 to 70 pounds is what you should expect.

Box-Terriers are very loyal to their families, but they do not play well due to their predecessors' heritage of bull-baiting, boar-hunting and other bloodsports. It's best to not let them play with kids, other dogs and small pets. Strangers are usually not encouraged to approach.

The typical Box-Terrier is a medium-maintenance dog. He will shed a lot, but he doesn't need to be brushed frequently, and bathing is only required when he gets dirty. He'll get a good amount of exercise inside, but he should be walked daily and allowed to run free in an enclosed outdoor area. The biggest concern is his diet: he should eat modestly lest he get bloat, and the more active he is, the more he may be allowed to eat. Finally, training takes quite a bit of patience and persistence; this dog is not recommended for the first time owner.

The Box-Terrier is of the Mastiff group. This hybrid was first introduced to the world in the early 1980s under the name Dogue Brasileiro. According to the Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia (CBKC), a kennel club based in Brazil and which is part of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), an international kennel club based in Belgium. The person responsible for cross-breeding the Dogue Brasileiro was Bull Boxer Club founder and president, Pedro Dantas. He crossed German Boxers with English Bull Terriers in an intentional attempt to produce a compact, fearless and loyal guard dog apparently meant to prevent carjackings, a common phenomenon then and now in the big cities of Brazil.

German Boxers are not that old a breed, but their linage — which can be traced back some 4,000 years to the Assyrians' use in war for somewhat similar dogs — is considerable. The Boxer in its universal form was preceded by the Bulldog, which came to be known as the Bullenbeiser, a German term which can be translated as "bull biter." These early breeds were used for bull-biting and boar-hunting, activities which have contributed significantly to their history, behavior and breedingEnglish Bull Terriers have a remarkable and shocking history that led to their conception: when bull-baiting was outlawed in England in 1835, dog fighting replaced this pursuit. Bulldogs, which had been bred specifically for this detestable blood sport, were replaced by a dog adapted for the anticipated run-ins with the law, and this led to smaller, tougher dogs that could be hidden under coats when the constables came knocking.

Although the CBKC is a member of the FCI, the FCI does not recognize this hybrid, nor does the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The typical Box-Terrier is of medium height with a well-defined jaw. The nose is black and teeth will be slightly off-set. He/she will have almond-shaped eyes and small, triangular-shaped ears just above the eye line. Her muscular body will be supported by equally strong legs that may seem short for her body but are perfect for her compact frame and balanced with her thick, medium-length tail that she should carry just above her back line.

The rich yet terrible history of the Box-Terrier's ancestors cannot be discounted, but the loyalty of the dog's recent parent breeds must also be considered. They possess a relatively docile demeanor and historical courage. They will work hard to please, they tend to be very obedient, and they are excellent watch- and guard-dogs.

There may be health concerns to watch out for, but for the most part, the average Box-Terrier should be free of any significant health problems. Regular trips to the veterinarian should aid in preventing any possible health problems. They possess a high tolerance for pain, and their life span is said to be about 12 to 13 years.