Boweimar -- Boxer X Weimaraner

		Boweimar
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Boweimar

The Boweimar is a cross between a Boxer and a Braque de Weimar. They are large dogs and are generally tall and slender, more like the Braque de Weimar than a Boxer. They are generally black with white spots or markings, although some are brown. They have short coats that are relatively easy to care for and barely shed, which is an advantage for those who don't like to pick up dog hair. Boweimars make excellent pets and are energetic dogs who love to please their owners. They need a little exercise to stay in shape, and because they love attention, they may bark excessively to demand it.

History of the Boweimar

Because the Boweimar is a modern breed, their documented history is limited and will have to be researched from parent breeds.

	A little of the Boxer
	Boxers were bred in Germany and their ancestors were the German Bullenbeisser (descended from Mastiffs) and the Bulldog. The Boxer is thought to be descended from the old fighting dog of the high valleys of Tibet, and is related to virtually all recognized Bulldog breeds. They were used for fighting and bull riding until this was banned. During the First World War, they carried messages and were also used as guard dogs. The American Kennel Club registered the first Boxer in 1904.

	Standard of the Boxer
	A little of the Weimaraner
	Weimar Pointers, with their striking amber or blue-gray eyes, are powerful, energetic dogs originally bred in the Weimar Republic, now in Germany, as hunting dogs in the early 19th century. The breed's ancestors are thought to include the Bloodhound, English Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Huehnerhund and Blue Great Dane. They have several nicknames, including Weim, Grey Ghost and Silver Ghost. The dogs were originally known as Weimar Pointers and were prized by the nobility for their courage and good smell. They are known for tracking animals such as bears and wolves, as well as birds, rabbits and foxes. Unlike most hunting dogs at the time, they lived with their families and made good pets, as well as hunting and guard dogs. Owning one was restricted to the nobility, so it became a status symbol. Photographer William Wegman's pictures of his Weimar Braque, Man Ray and later Fay Ray, were exhibited worldwide. When Man Ray died of cancer in 1982, he was named "Man of the Year" by the Village Voice.

	Standard of the Weimaraner

Appearance of the Boweimar

The Boweimar is a large breed, with males weighing up to 36 kilos and reaching heights of almost 1 meter. They have short coats and are usually black with white spots or markings, but can be brown. Your pet is likely to share many of the characteristics of the parent breeds, and may vary according to which breed is more dominant. Their muzzle is longer than that of a Boxer, generally resembling the Braque de Weimar side. They are fairly tall and slender, and their feet may be webbed. As for eye color, they are generally brown after the Boxer side rather than the gray, blue or amber eyes of a Braque de Weimar.

Temperament of the Boweimar

The Boweimar is an energetic, friendly dog that would make an excellent pet. They are likely to take on the traits of parent breeds, so will need plenty of exercise to keep them on their best behavior. They can suffer from separation anxiety, so it will be best to take your pet to training while it's still a puppy so it can learn socialization skills and get used to others. Boweimars can be quite demanding for attention and have been known to bark excessively if they don't get enough. Training will also help with this and they are considered sensitive to instruction. They prefer not to spend too much time alone and can become destructive if left to their own devices. They are considered good with children and are playful and friendly, but can be wary of strangers. The breed is quite protective of its family and makes good watchdogs.

Needs and activities of the Boweimar

The best way to keep the breed fit and well behaved is to take them for regular walks and to the dog park. Boweimars are intelligent dogs and would respond well to games of chase and run using a Frisbee or ball. This could be done in an enclosed yard or on the beach as long as the dog was under vocal control. Most breeds, including the Boweimar, will be more active when younger, but it's important not to overexert young puppies to avoid damaging the still-growing bones. It's best not to exercise your dog in extreme weather conditions, and with its short coat, it has a fairly low tolerance to the cold.

Maintenance of the Boweimar

With a Boweimar's coat so short, it won't require much grooming, so brushing once a week should be sufficient. These are not hypoallergenic dogs, and they don't shed much. Because of their short coat, they're also unlikely to need bathing unless absolutely necessary. But brushing is always good to keep the skin stimulated and to check for ticks or other parasites. Keep their ears clean to avoid any infection, which can be caused by wiping the inside of the ear with damp absorbent cotton. Check eyes regularly for any changes or discharge, as the breed is prone to eye problems. Nails should be trimmed as needed and teeth brushed regularly to maintain good health.