Bulldog Boxer vs Pit Bull Essay Example

Bulldog Boxer vs Pit Bull Essay Example Bulldog Boxer vs Pit Bull Essay Bulldog Boxer vs Pit Bull Essay Essay Topic: Jaws The Boxer vs. The American Staffordshire Terrier Melanie Donaldson EN 1101 Mr. L December 21, 2010 The Boxer vs. The American Staffordshire Terrier What makes these two dogs so similar is that they are two of the top most popular pets in the United States. It been said, that dogs are mans best friend, and because of this, it makes them great companions. These two breeds, the Boxer and the American Staffordshire terrier fit very easily into a family life. When an owner tells his dog that he is a good boy, the dog happily wags its tail. Then, there are those times when an owner has to discipline his dog, the dog, then creeps away with that sad puppy dog look on its face. According to Jill Viers (2009), a dog will love you unconditionally; it will be there till the end. Doesnt it deserve the same when it is truly mans best friend† (para. 6) The Boxer, and the American Staffordshire terrier; both possess the intelligence, muscular strength, and guardian of all dogs; this is what makes both of these two breeds so desirable. For starts, the Boxer and the American Staffordshire terrier were first used for the sport of dog fighting, and bull baiting until it was banned in the early 1900s. According to Angela Harris (2009), â€Å"Bull-baiting is a very old form of entertainment. The blood sport goes as far back as the ancient cultures of the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians. Bull baiting became very popular in medieval times. This produced a huge demand for dogs that were effective bull baiter â€Å"(para. 1) The Boxer was first breed in the early 19th century, they used them for dog fighting, bull baiting and to run down, hold, large game for their master. The Boxer received their name because of their ability to stand on their hind legs and bat at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws, hence the name, Boxer. Then, later in Germany, the Boxer became the breed known for their intellect, alertness, and muscular strength. Germany later used them as guard and police dogs because of their alertness. After World War 1, the Boxer came to America, where their popularity grew in the states. Whereas, the American Staffordshire terrier has a similar background as the Boxer, hey also were fighters and bull baiting, until they bred it out of both breeds. According to the American kennel club (2010), Originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half or Pit Dog, it became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in England. When accepted for AKC registration in 1936, the name changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to reflect the heavier American type and to distinguish them as separate breed. † (para. 1). The American Sta ffordshire served in World War l, and brought back over to the states. Nevertheless, both breeds are very protective of their family. Therefore, these two breeds are similar in their appearance, and general impression on how the hold themselves. The Boxer is a medium-sized dog, with a strong head and good short back with strong limbs. A Boxer should have a broad and blunt muzzle with a black nose. This gives them their unique look of alertness and character. His well-developed muscles are clean, hard, and appear smooth under this breed tight skin. His movement combines strength and agility with elegance and style. They have a chiseled head, which splits the Boxer unique head imparts. Then, you have those deep, dark brown eyes that offer an intelligent and alert expression. Similarly, the American Staffordshire terrier gives you an impression of great strength for it size, well-put together dog, and extremely strong for its size. Additionally, they have a broad head with a medium length muzzle, and their eyes are dark, round and set deep in their head, with very strong jaws. They should have a very broad and deep chest, with a muscular hindquarter, which makes them a very strong and protective breed of dog with great instincts. This makes them a great guardian, as they will let you know when to beware of strangers; they are a very devoted family dog. In addition, these two breeds also have similar temperance. The Boxer is a very playful, attentive, and a very must a family dog. The Boxer is also very gentle with children, but they do have a tendency for being stubborn, but they also have a sensitive side to them. The Boxer can be aggressive towards strange dogs, but usually they are good with other family pets. The playful spirit of this dog is seen by when it paws at food or at its water dishes when they are empty or even by its love of jumping. The Boxer needs a lot of human companionship, and an active family is best in keeping them out of trouble. Training early on his highly recommended with this breed. As for the American Staffordshire terrier goes, it is also playful, friendly and a great companion for the family. This breed is gentle and loving towards people, as they are good-natured in spirit. They are very protective of their family and their families’ property, but they are normally gentle with children. In addition, with any breeds, early socialization is very important to prevent possible dog aggression. However, a well-trained American Staffordshire terrier can make a wonderful addition to a family with a strong owner. More importantly, when it comes to their health, the Boxers are usually healthy, but because of their limited gene pool, boxers can be more prone to health problems than the American Staffordshire terrier. This is because the Boxers have a much narrower waist than the average dog, which makes them prone to digestive, pancreas, tumors and heart conditions. The Boxer does not do well in the heat or in the cold weather due to their short muzzle and coat. In addition, a Boxer lifespan is about eight to twelve years. Whereas, the American Staffordshire terrier lifespan is twelve to fourteen years and are a lot healthy then the Boxer. The American Staffordshire can be prone to heart murmurs, thyroid problems, skin allergies, tumors, and hip dysplasia. Otherwise, they are a healthy breed. However, as far as grooming and maintenance on these two breeds, it is easy as they both have the small kind of coat. A Boxer’s coat is short and shiny that lies very smooth and tight against their body. So does the American Staffordshire terrier; they also have the same kind of coat close to the skin with a glossy shine. Both breeds are to be an average shedding dog, and very clean. They should be brush on a regular basis, as this helps their coat keep their shine. The Boxer colors are either fawn and white or brindle. However, on the American Staffordshire terrier, they pretty much can be any color including being brindle, fawn and white. In summary, both breeds have their good and bad qualities. It all depends on the owner and the training the dog receives. The Boxer rates number five in popularity; considered one of the best guard dogs, as well as a good family pet. The Boxer also has another advantage over the American Staffordshire, and that it is excellent with all children. Finally, the Boxer also does well with other pets in the household. Not like the American Staffordshire terrier, where it needs raised with the family from puppyhood. References American kennel club-boxer. (2005, March 30). In akc. org. Retrieved December 17, 2010, from akc. org/breeds/boxer/ Bulldog-Boxer. (2010, June 29). In bulldog breeds. com. Retrieved December 18, 2010, from bulldogbreeds. com/boxer. html American kennel club-american staffordshire terrier. (n. d. ). In akc. org. Retrieved December 20, 2010, from akc. org/breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/ Dog breeds american staffordshire terriers. (n. d. ). In five star dog. com. Retrieved December 19, 2010, from 5stardog. com/dog-breeds-american-staffordshire-terrier. asp