<p>The Boxer is a happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. highly intelligent, eager, loyal and an affectionate dog. Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets such as cats. Some major concerns are cardiomyopathy and other heart problems, sub-aortic stenosis, and thyroid. Can be prone to skin and other allergies,cancer, arthritis, hip dysplasia, back and knee issues. From age eight on they are more likely to get tumors than other breeds. These dogs may drool and snore, may have excessive flatulence, especially when fed something other than their own dog food. Some white Boxers are prone to deafness. Boxers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Boxers are temperature sensitive, getting easily over heated and chilling very quickly. Boxers need daily work or exercise, as well as a long brisk, daily walk. They also enjoy fetching a ball or other sessions of play. They live for about 11-14 years. The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century. The Boxer's ancestors were two German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer. They were later crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. The Boxer's smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. dogbreedinfo.com, wikipedia.org and akc.org are great websites for some detailed information. </p>
