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Are you longing to take your boxer on your next hiking adventure?
You may also be contemplating what dog breed to choose as your favorite hiking companion.
We will consider together all about the boxer dog breed and how well suited they are for hiking.
- FUN FACT 1: Boxers’ origin is Germany. They were only brought to the United States after World War I.
- FUN FACT 2: A male Boxer can grow to about 25 inches and weigh up to 80 pounds (lbs), while a female can grow anywhere between 21 and 25 inches and weigh up to 65 pounds (lbs).
At the end of this article, you will find out how hiking your boxer dog can help spice up your adventure. You will also learn about how to get the best out of your boxer during the trip.
Let’s dive in!
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Are German Shepherds Good Hiking Dogs?
Are Boxers Good Hiking Dogs?
Boxers are great hiking dogs. Due to their playful nature and limitless energy, they are sometimes called the “Peter Pan” of the dog breeds.
The typical boxer is smart, alert, and courageous, yet sociable. This dog breed is high-spirited, ever joyful, and active.
Therefore, boxers are adventure-loving dogs. Hiking is a great exercise that will feed the questing sense of your boxer and help him bond more with you. Boxer dogs love to be around people; hence hiking is a great way to spend more time with them and bond even more.
What Makes Boxers Good at Hiking?
The boxer is classed as part of the working-class dog breed, which means they love to work.
Boxer dogs hate being idle or by themselves. A boxer dog has a lot of energy and delights in pleasing his master. This makes them open to any fun activity or new routine such as hiking from time to time.
Hiking is a great choice of activity to meet the exercise need of your dog.
Boxer dogs will do quite well on carrying a dog-pack with some weight in it. Load up your furry friend’s pack with water, snacks, and food, and he will be ready for a fun-filled hike with you.
How Old Should A Boxer Be Before Hiking Him?
Normally, dogs under the age of one (1) could have difficulty keeping up during hiking since their skeletons are still developing.
A difficult hike can create problems in their joints which could have a lasting impact.
However, Boxers aren’t considered fully mature until they are three (3) years old. This means they have one of the most extended puppyhoods in the world of dogs.
So, it will be best for you to give your boxer dog time to undergo his growth process fully before hiking him.
Your boxer dog should be at least eighteen (18) months old, or about two years before you begin trying him out on hikes. It would help if you observed him keenly on your first journey to see how well he performed. This will give you an idea of how far you should take him before returning home.
How Far Should a Boxer Hike In a Day?
Although we already mentioned that boxers are great hiking companions, but they are not actually adapted as outdoor dogs.
Do not leave your boxer in the open for extended periods. Their short nose does not cool hot air efficiently during summer, and their short fur doesn’t warm them up well in the winter.
So, we recommend that you do not take your boxer for hikes lasting more than a few hours. He might be perfect for a 2-3 hour hike, but he could run into some problems when you get nearer to 6 or more hours.
How Much Exercise Does a Boxer Need to Hike properly?
When you meet the exercise requirement of your boxer, he will be ready and fit to hike successfully. A Boxer should have a quick walk every day, provided that the weather is not extreme. A 20-minute walk is great for a puppy, while your adult should get a 30-45 minute walk each day.
Having two walks a day is simply fine for adults, especially if you keep the first walk of the day shorter. If you keep your boxer inside and your living area is rather small, exercising outside twice daily is best for this breed.
The Boxer dog should be given allowance to run around for exercise 2-3 times a week. You can do this in a big, enclosed yard. If you do not have a yard, using a large open field is great. Boxers are naturally athletic; they will love to run after a tennis ball and enjoy using all their muscles.
Are Boxers Good Off-Leash?
Boxers are part of the bigger, more toned dogs, but don’t let that scare you. They are very easy-going and fun-loving, making them great for the hiking journey. Boxers are great problem solvers and will learn quickly to follow as you lead. They can hike off-leash just fine as long as they are trained well to do this.
Things to Watch Out for When Hiking with your Boxer Dog
Owing to their love of fun and adventure, Boxers do not know their limits! I’m sure you’ve noticed that. They will joyfully play until they are extremely tired. They will do anything for you, including playing through painful moments. That’s so sweet and adorable. However, it also means you have to look out for them during the hike because they won’t necessarily tell you when they are tired.
While hiking, you should check out your boxer to see how they are faring and how much strength they have left. This will let you know how much time you should spend on your hiking trail.
How to Train Boxer Dog for Hiking
A significant part of hiking safety and etiquette is to have a well-behaved and properly socialized dog. Be sure your boxer at least knows the basic obedience skills like “come,” “sit,” and “stop.” Walking politely on a leash is another vital behavior your boxer should cultivate.
If you drop the leash by accident or your boxer’s collar breaks, you should be prepared with a verbal recall he understands. You won’t be able to keep your boxer safe if you can’t keep him within eyesight.
Other additional behaviors to work on include “leave it” and a “quiet” cue to curb barking. There are many hazards on the trail that could seriously harm your boxer, from other hiker’s trash to poison ivy, and not to forget animal waste. A strong “leave it” cue will prevent your boxer from eating or messing with anything hazardous. Stopping any excessive barking will also help keep your patch of nature as peaceful as possible.
Boxers are intelligent and respond well to firm but enjoyable training. They also have an independent nature and don’t like to be bossed around or trained harshly. You’ll have the greatest success in training your boxer if you can make it fun for them.
Keeping your Boxer Dog Safe on Hikes
Keeping your Boxer safe during a hike should always be a top priority, and the first step is making sure he is fit enough for the task. Check with your vet to learn what your boxer can handle with his health status before hiking.
Hiking in excessively hot weather should be avoided, as Boxers are much more susceptible than humans to the dangers of extreme temperature. The Boxer dog a fair-weather hiker; they don’t do well in extreme temperatures.
It’s also essential that you take water along for your boxer. Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do. Panting is their procedure for keeping cool. This puts them at a higher risk of overheating than you when on the trail.
Moreover, if you don’t bring water for your dog to drink, there is a risk of him consuming other water sources (ponds and streams), which could be harmful. Water found outdoors could be contaminated by parasites, microorganisms, or other pathogens that can make your boxer ill.
You and your Boxer dog may walk into territories infested with fleas and ticks on your hike. Consult your vet for an approved preventative against these parasites before going out. In addition, carefully inspect your entire dog when you get off the trail to ensure his safety.
It is helpful to know how to remove a tick from your boxer, as early removal helps lessen the chance of a secondary illness. A bath or grooming session after the hike will help you spot intruders that might have been caught in your dog’s fur.
What to Bring When Hiking with a Boxer Dog
If you want an enjoyable hike with your boxer, you should prepare with appropriate dog hiking gear. Here are some items you can come along with:
- Poop bags.
- A collar with identification tags and a sturdy 6-foot leash.
- A water supply and a transportable water bowl.
- Dog food and snacks.
- A pet first aid kit.
- Pet-safe insect repellent.
- Dog booties for hiking in rough terrain.
Advantages of Hiking with a Boxer Dog
Why should you hike with a Boxer dog?
A Boxer is a big, powerful dog. He is a silly, lively, and fun-loving guy that is eager to take on any new adventure.
Boxers enjoy outdoor explorations. They have an inquisitive nature and are extremely intelligent. With little training, the boxer will be able to follow your lead and learn to hike off-leash rather quickly.
The boxer also is tremendously social and often does well with other pets and all ages of family members. This breed of dog is a strong dog that can withstand even the most demanding hiking alongside its family.
The Boxer dog is extremely loyal and willing to go the extra mile to please you during a hiking journey. I’m sure you are already looking forward to your next hiking trail with the ever-lively boxer. You will have so much fun going out with them on your next hiking journey.
Have a great time on the trails!
