Boxer dogs are a popular dog breed and have some distinctive behaviors. However, Boxers do not exhibit many canine problems that are common in other dog breeds. The usual characteristic behaviors in boxer dogs are:
- Loyalty and Confidence – The Boxer is friendly and very loyal to his owners, content just to be with them and at their feet. Boxer dog owners appreciate the dedication this breed shows them. Most swear never to own another breed of dog. The Boxer is a strong and noble breed that exudes confidence.
- Affectionate -Natural Child Protector- The Boxer Dog adores most children and naturally becomes children’s playmates and protectors. Boxers show devoted affection for their owners and strangers when properly socialized and introduced.
- The Woo Woo – The “Woo Woo” is a vocalization boxer dogs typically make during play, which is an invitation to play with them or you have something they want. It’s pretty weird in nature. The boxer is often referred to as the clown of the dog breed.
- The Wiggle Butt – The “wiggle butt” is excessive wiggling of the hindquarters exhibited by boxer dogs. It’s an excitable gesture, joy to see you, as well as a balance in body language communication to show friendly motives to others, including dogs. Boxers are a docked breed, with the docked tail, this behavior serves as an exaggerated friendly tail wag to let others know they mean no harm.
- Oooo- This is definitely something all boxer owners have said when the boxer is emitting flatulence (gas) near them both silently and loudly. The Boxer is quite intelligent and will often steer away from the bad smell before the owners do.
- Boxing – The boxer likes to play with his front paws in a boxing motion and looks like a boxer in the ring.
- Mouthing- The boxer dog can be seen playing mouthing with another dog or human quite often, making a distinctive moaning vocalization and a side-to-side head tilting motion with his mouth wide open. It’s not a sign of aggression. Young Boxer puppies aged 3-4 weeks begin this behavior with littermates. It is a natural play gesture of boxer dogs.
- Hugging – The Boxer likes to hug (back up and put his paws on his shoulders) and should be taught from an early age not to do so. Especially in households with children and older adults.
These are NOT common Boxer dog behaviors:
- Excessive Barking – Barking is a mode of communication in dogs and Boxers do not overcompensate for this. Boxers usually only bark to warn of the arrival of new visitors, to guard their territory, or during play. They are not excessive barkers like toy breeds or hunting/hound breeds. They don’t bark for unknown reasons.
- Aggression – Boxers may look mean and tough, but they are not aggressive dogs. They have a very retractable waking behavior. They will warn visitors and can defend their territory if real threats exist. When a Boxer shows aggression, it is usually manifested by poor breeding (genetic), medical conditions, and poor treatment by humans or other dogs. Aggression can be seen in any dog breed that is not spayed or neutered, not properly socialized, or is fearful and unsure of the situation. Stressful and painful situations and protecting valuable resources are also common ways dogs show aggression.
- Fear Phobias – Some Boxers may exhibit fear phobias of people, thunderstorms, and loud noises, although this is not common for the breed. Phobias can manifest themselves at an early age, including reasons unknown, due to lack of socialization and trauma.
- Jumping on people – This is not common behavior for boxers unless improper training has been undertaken or excitable behavior is encouraged. Hugging is not the same, but neither is it desirable for most people.
- Training Issues – The Boxer is an easy dog to train with the right motivation. Consistent and humane methods are preferred.
- Separation Anxiety – The Boxer thrives in a social setting with their family. Some boxers may exhibit separation anxiety when left to their own devices and bored. Behaviors such as chewing, digging, property destruction, house soiling, whining, and excessive barking for no apparent reason to their owners are common signs of separation anxiety. Boxers do not show any signs of this behavior when properly exercised and exercised and their social needs are met.
- Obsessive Licking – Most boxers aren’t lickers per se, but occasionally you can find one who is and tries to show their submissive side to their owners and friends. Often this behavior occurs because of the boxer’s insecurity in a particular situation or overly harsh treatment by owners. They can lick to get food or water out.
- Submissive urination – It is unusual behavior for a boxer to exhibit submissive urination, i.e. urinating when spoken to or aroused. Those showing signs of submissive urination problems should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out medical conditions. This dog behavior problem is often a sign of an underlying medical problem, over-excitement and/or trauma.
The Boxer dog’s common, distinct behavior makes it a dog for all seasons and loved by thousands, possibly millions, of people around the world. If you have a Boxer exhibiting any of these problem canine behaviors that are not common in this breed, please contact a trainer, behaviorist, canine behaviorist and/or veterinarian for help.
