Page 303 - ShowSight - January 2020

Congratulations on Your New Boxer!
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and/or currycombing should be all that he requires.
You should feed your Boxer a good quality (usually kibbled) dog food. These are often found at feed or specialty stores. Most breeders recommend soaking the food in warm water as opposed to feed- ing it dry. Mixing it with a small amount of canned food is always enjoyable to your dog. Remember that the Boxer is a relatively fast-growing dog, and should not need sup- plementation with vitamins or calcium as he grows. Over supplementation can cause bone and joint problems. Always speak to your veterinarian if in doubt.
SHALL I BREED MY BOXER?
While it may seem appealing to con- template a cute litter of puppies, you should realize that breeding your Boxer is an unre- mitting commitment of time, money, and emotion. Maintaining contact with your Boxer’s breeder over the years, and asking his advice, will prove immensely helpful when making a decision to breed. For the majority of pet owners, spaying the female Boxer is to be preferred. This operation will also lessen the risk in later life of mammary tumors and other reproductive diseases. The male Boxer may also benefit from being neutered, and this procedure will cool his desire for any neighborhood female dog in heat. Spayed and neutered animals are not eligible to compete in AKC Conformation classes, but may still participate in numer- ous performance and companion events run by AKC such as herding, tracking, obedi- ence, scent work and agility.
EXHIBITING THE BOXER
Many Boxer owners become involved in the world of showing dogs and enjoy a lifelong passion for this sport. Showing may involve many pursuits such as conforma- tion, agility, obedience, scent work, herding and many others; the Boxer enjoys almost everything it can do with its owner as a team. The Boxer has proven to be a great success in all avenues of formal exhibition.
The bond that develops when the owner trains his dog in these disciplines only adds to the mutual love and respect of man and canine. The American Kennel Club or the American Boxer Club will prove help- ful in giving you advice and guidance in these pursuits.
CAUTIONS
The Boxer is not overly tolerant of extreme conditions of either heat or cold. He should definitely be kept in the house as a beloved member of the family, and enjoy safe climatic conditions. Never leave him in a closed car in hot weather, or even with the windows slightly open—the temperature may reach dangerous and even deadly levels in a very few minutes.
Occasionally, Boxers are especially sen- sitive to certain forms of both local and general anesthesia. Certain tranquilizers are contraindicated. Always discuss anes- thesia protocols thoroughly with your vet- erinarian. The breed is relatively tolerant of mild discomfort, and most Boxers can have common skin tumors, should they develop, removed using local anesthesia alone.
Especially as he ages, some Boxers may fall victim to cancers in various forms, as
well as to heart disease. The Boxer who faints or seems unsteady on his feet should see a competent veterinarian immediately, as these symptom are often warnings of cardiac arrhythmias. Hopefully, with com- petent veterinary care and immunizations according to current protocols from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medicine Association), your loving, devoted Boxer will live a rich and full life.
THE AMERICAN BOXER CLUB
This is the national parent club dedi- cated to the well-being of the Boxer breed. The Club is also responsible for the writ- ten Breed Standard—a description of the ideal Boxer. The American Boxer Club was founded in 1935 and now has over 900 members in 50 states. The ABC encour- ages interested Boxer lovers to join any of its more than 50 member clubs throughout the country. For information, or a copy of the Breed Standard, contact:
Mrs. Sandy Orr, Secretary
7106 North 57th Street
Omaha, NE 68152-2301 abcclubsecretary@outlook.com
Please visit us online at the American
Boxer Club website:
www.americanboxerclub.org
RECOMMENDED READING
A New Owner’s Guide to Boxers
Richard Tomita
The Boxer—An Owner’s Guide to a Hap- py, Healthy Pet
Stephanie Abraham
The Boxer—Family Favorite Stephanie Abraham
The Everything Boxer Book Karla Spitzer
The New Boxer
Billie McFadden
World of the Boxer
Richard Tomita
ShowSight Magazine, January 2020 • 295