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get too hyped up, and the Boxer must learn to be gentle with even the smallest members of his family pack. With careful supervision, the Boxer will soon become a cherished member of the family. Living with other animals Sociable and fun-loving, the Boxer will enjoy the company of an- other dog. Two dogs will benefit from the additional exercise they get playing together, and they will settle more easily when you have to leave them alone. Boxers seem to get along especially well with other Boxers— maybe because they read each other’s facial expressions and body

language so easily, while other breeds may struggle to under- stand “Boxer-speak.” But if you work at early introductions, a Boxer will learn to live with any breed. Cats may be more of a prob-

lem, as the Boxer has quite a high prey drive and may find it hard to resist chasing a running cat. However, there are many instances of Boxers and cats living in harmony, particularly if a pup- py and kitten are brought up together. Small animals, such as hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs, should be kept in a secure home and a Boxer should never be left alone with them. It is far better to be safe than sorry. Boxer beginnings Ancestors of the Boxer go back more than 2,000 years, to a type of dog called the German Bullenbeisser. These dogs were descend- ed from Mastiffs—ancient war dogs. They were used to hunt bear, Meet the Boxer breed!

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