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    Boxer: Your Happy Healthy Pet
    Boxer: Your Happy Healthy Pet
    Boxer: Your Happy Healthy Pet
    Ebook274 pages3 hours

    Boxer: Your Happy Healthy Pet

    By Stephanie Abraham

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    About this ebook

    The Boxer is a lover—not a fighter. Her sensitivity is astonishing and her eyes are almost human in their expression. She is devoted, fearless, and ready to defend her family. But the Boxer can also be a clown—she loves to romp and play, and her goofy personality will never cease to make you laugh. The Boxer makes a wonderful family pet, but her innate strength and natural tendency to leap require an owner who is willing to teach her the manners she needs to reach her full potential.

    Packed with full-color photographs, this fun and practical guide gives you everything you need to make your relationship with your best friend even better. Inside, you’ll find:

    • Characteristics to look for when choosing a Boxer
    • A list of supplies you’ll need before you bring her home
    • Advice on grooming, feeding, and training
    • A reproducible pet-sitter chart to keep track of important information
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTurner Publishing Company
    Release dateMar 8, 2010
    ISBN9780470652794
    Boxer: Your Happy Healthy Pet
    Author

    Stephanie Abraham

    Stephanie Abraham fell in love with Boxers when she was a child. In 1971,she and her husband acquired their first show dog and established Trefoil Boxers. Since then, they have bred or owned almost 30 AKC champion Boxers. Stephanie is a licensed AKC Boxer judge and has judged in the U.S., England, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and Mexico.

    Read more from Stephanie Abraham

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      Book preview

      Boxer - Stephanie Abraham

      Boxer

      2nd Edition

      Stephanie Abraham

      This book is printed on acid-free paper.

      Copyright © 2008 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. All rights reserved.

      Howell Book House

      Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

      No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 646-8600, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department, Wiley Publishing, Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256, (317) 572-3447, fax (317) 572-4355, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

      Wiley, the Wiley logo, Howell Book House, the Howell Book House logo, Your Happy Healthy Pet, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

      The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising here from. The fact that an organization or Website is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Website may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read.

      For general information on our other products and services or to obtain technical support please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at (800) 762-2974, outside the U.S. at (317) 572-3993 or fax (317) 572-4002.

      Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books. For more information about Wiley products, please visit our web site at www.wiley.com.

      Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

      Abraham, Stephanie.

      Boxer / Stephanie Abraham. — 2nd ed.

      p. cm.

      Includes index.

      ISBN 978-0-470-22182-2

      1. Boxer (Dog breed) I. Title.

      SF429.B75A37 2008

      636.73—dc222008001351

      Printed in the United States of America

      10   9   8   7   6   5   4   3   2   1

      Book design by Melissa Auciello-Brogan

      Cover design by Michael J. Freeland

      Book production by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Composition Services

      About the Author

      Stephanie Abraham grew up with a Boxer named Duchess in the 1950s. When she married her husband, David, in 1969 they quickly purchased a Boxer puppy who grew up to be American and Canadian Ch. Gray Roy’s Minstrel Boy, LOM. Since then, breeding under the kennel name Trefoil, they have bred and/or owned more than fifty AKC champions.

      Stephanie has judged the breed since 1982 and has been all over the world on her judging assignments, including Australia, Japan, Britain, and Brazil. She has written the Boxer column in the AKC Gazette for more than fifteen years and is head of publicity and judges’ education for the American Boxer Club. She is American Boxer Club delegate to the AKC. Her award-winning book, The Boxer: Family Favorite, has been a source of great pride.

      David and Stephanie live in rural Connecticut with their Boxers, several Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and four very tolerant cats.

      About Howell Book House

      Since 1961, Howell Book House has been America’s premier publisher of pet books. We’re dedicated to companion animals and the people who love them, and our books reflect that commitment. Our stable of authors—training experts, veterinarians, breeders, and other authorities—is second to none. And we’ve won more Maxwell Awards from the Dog Writers Association of America than any other publisher.

      As we head toward the half-century mark, we’re more committed than ever to providing new and innovative books, along with the classics our readers have grown to love. From bringing home a new puppy to competing in advanced equestrian events, Howell has the titles that keep animal lovers coming back again and again.

      Contents

      Part I: The World of the Boxer

      Chapter 1: What Is a Boxer?

      The Essence of the Boxer

      The Ideal Boxer

      All-Important Character

      Chapter 2: Boxer History

      Establishing the Boxer

      The vom Dom Boxers

      The American Boxer

      Rising Popularity

      Today’s Boxer

      Chapter 3: Why Choose a Boxer?

      Resourceful Intelligence

      Boxers Love Kids

      The Green-Eyed Monster

      Listen to the Silence

      Chapter 4: Choosing Your Boxer

      Finding a Reputable Breeder

      Rescue Organizations

      Picking Your Puppy

      A Boy or a Girl?

      Consider an Adult Dog

      Part II: Caring for Your Boxer

      Chapter 5: Bringing Your Boxer Home

      Fencing Saves Lives

      The Crate

      Puppy Essentials

      Collar and Leash

      A Comfy Bed

      Toys, Toys, Toys!

      Puppy-Proofing Inside and Out

      Puppy-Proofing Your Home

      Exercise

      Good Routines = Good Habits

      Cropping and Docking

      Chapter 6: Feeding Your Boxer

      About Nutrition

      3 to 6 Months Old

      What to Feed Your Puppy

      Reading Dog Food Labels

      6 to 12 Months of Age

      Feeding Raw Food

      The Adult and Aging Boxer

      Chapter 7: Grooming Your Boxer

      Brushing

      Bathing

      Trimming Toenails

      Checking Teeth and Gums

      Making Your Environment Flea Free

      Grooming for the Show Ring

      External Parasites

      Chapter 8: Keeping Your Boxer Healthy

      Choosing a Veterinarian

      Preventive Health Care

      Internal Parasites

      Home Health Care

      Emergencies

      How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit

      When to Call the Veterinarian

      Problems Affecting Boxers

      The Aging Boxer

      Part III: Enjoying Your Boxer

      Chapter 9: Training Your Boxer

      Understanding Builds the Bond

      Practical Commands for Family Pets

      Training for Attention

      Teaching Cooperation

      Chapter 10: Housetraining Your Boxer

      Your Housetraining Shopping List

      The First Day

      Confine Your Pup

      Watch Your Pup

      Accidents Happen

      Scheduling Basics

      Appendix: Learning More About Your Boxer

      Some Good Books

      Magazines

      Clubs and Registries

      Internet Resources

      Index

      Shopping List

      You’ll need to do a bit of stocking up before you bring your new dog or puppy home. Below is a basic list of some must-have supplies. For more detailed information on the selection of each item below, consult chapter 5. For specific guidance on what grooming tools you’ll need, review chapter 7.

      There are likely to be a few other items that you’re dying to pick up before bringing your dog home. Use the following blanks to note any additional items you’ll be shopping for.

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________________

      Pet Sitter’s Guide

      We can be reached at (_____)_____-________ Cellphone (___)_____-_______

      ____________________________________________________________

      We will return on ___________ (date) at ____________ (approximate time)

      Dog’s Name _______________________________________________

      Breed, Age, and Sex __________________________________________

      Important Names and Numbers

      Vet’s Name __________________________ Phone (___) _____-_______

      Address ________________________________________________________

      Emergency Vet’s Name ____________________ Phone (____)______-________

      Address ______________________________________________________

      Poison Control ____________________________________ (or call vet first)

      Other individual (someone the dog knows well and will respond to) to contact in case of emergency or in case the dog is being protective and will not allow the pet sitter in. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Care Instructions

      In the following three blanks let the sitter know what to feed, how much, and when; when the dog should go out; when to give treats; and when to exercise the dog.

      Morning _______________________________________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      Afternoon _______________________________________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      Evening _______________________________________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      Medications needed (dosage and schedule) _______________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      Any special medical conditions _________________________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      Grooming instructions _________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      My dog’s favorite playtime activities, quirks, and other tips________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      ____________________________________________________________

      Part I

      The World of the Boxer

      The Boxer

      Chapter 1

      What Is a Boxer?

      Congratulations! You have decided to share your life with a Boxer, one of the most engaging breeds in dogdom. I hope the following chapters will help you to understand your Boxer and to care for him so that you live a long and happy life together.

      He will return all the love and affection you give—and then some. He will protect you, he will make you laugh on the darkest days, and he will outwit you when he feels the need. His loyalty will astonish you, his energy will exhaust you, and his devotion will always be constant.

      The Essence of the Boxer

      A Boxer is a complicated animal. More than any other dog, his moods mirror those of his master. His sensitivity is astonishing. While he is a great clown, always ready to run and play, he can display great courage and even aggression when needed. His eyes are almost human in their expression, and in them you can clearly read his state of mind.

      A dog with these sensitivities is no wind up toy; he is not an animal who can always be counted on to do what is expected. He is not a dog for everyone, and if you’re thinking about getting a Boxer, you must decide whether the characteristics of the breed will appeal.

      The Boxer is often the very definition of independence. While he may mellow with age, a Boxer is a physically active dog. He loves to roughhouse—he will fetch an object and cheerfully dare you to take it back. He will refuse to move over if you attempt to push him aside. He has a tendency to jump up, and there is considerable muscular force behind these loving greetings.

      This agile leaping is no doubt a part of his genetic heritage: His name derives from the German word boxen, which, of course, means boxer. Although it cannot be definitely proven, the name probably derives from the Boxer’s habit of playing with his front paws. He uses these paws almost like hands—to poke, to punch, and, after giving birth, to cradle puppies.

      One cannot underestimate a Boxer’s strength. He is quite capable of knocking an adult man to his knees. It is therefore imperative to train a Boxer to curb his natural tendencies to leap and make body contact. Remember, he was bred to overpower large animals (more about that in chapter 2), so these instincts come quite naturally to your Boxer. Happily, he has no any interest in holding humans with his strong jaws. He will, however, grip a toy with unshakable enthusiasm, and one of his greatest delights is to pull with you in a cheerful tug of war.

      Until he is trained, your Boxer will also have an instinctive desire to pull on his leash; he could easily drag you down the street. It is obvious that he must be firmly instructed in civilized behavior. He is not a dog for the proverbial little old lady—until he has learned his manners.

      While I have called your attention to the Boxer’s physical strength, it must be said that all his clownish and rough-and-tumble ways are usually tempered with good judgment. While he may gallop right at you as if to mow you down, he will (usually) turn aside at the last delicious moment.

      The Ideal Boxer

      All pedigreed dogs are bred to a particular standard, a kind of blueprint for the breed (for more, see the box on page 14). The most recent revision of the official breed standard of the Boxer was adopted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in March 2005.

      While you may never seek the near perfection of a great show dog, anyone seeking a Boxer as a pet must be mindful that the standard was also written to ensure soundness and good temperament—paramount qualities in any dog who lives in your household. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic concept of the breed standard, so you can enjoy a healthy and happy, well-adjusted Boxer for many years.

      General Appearance

      According to the standard, the ideal Boxer combines strength and agility with elegance and style. His movements should suggest a dog of great energy—the stride free and the carriage proud.

      The Boxer should be square when you consider the length of his body and the height of his legs. He has strong legs and well-developed muscles that appear smooth under taut skin.

      Despite a current fashion to breed taller Boxers, the standard tells us that the Boxer is a medium-sized, square built dog of good substance, and defines medium-sized as: Adult males—23 to 25 inches; females—21½ to 23½ inches at the withers [the top of the shoulders]. Preferably, males should not be under the minimum nor females over the maximum. A taller dog who is to remain square will, of course, have a longer body to go with his greater height. The overall impression, then, is of a noticeably bigger, heavier animal than is called for in the standard. Breeders are often cautioned by judges and their peers not to go to extremes of size.

      That Regal Head

      The standard says, "The chiseled head imparts to the Boxer a unique

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