The boxer burn is a classic characteristic of the boxer dog breed. This phenomenon is highly noticed in the breed but not limited to. They occur without warning and the burn duration ranges from 10 seconds to 10 minutes. Outside burns will often result in multiple varying circles around their owners, sometimes zigzags and if lucky - figure 8s. The burn will typically initiate with the boxer realizing it is off leash and free. Outside burns should always be supervised and be limited to an enclosed area. Inside burns are more intense and focused. By focused; they will run aimlessly around the house with no apparent destination or purpose but to simply display their joy for life. Size of the space is not a factor. Cleverly utilizing furniture to aid in the burn, boxers will use couches as body cushion for quick turns, walls as launch pads and carpets for traction for an ultimate burn. Over excitement during burns however can result in complete abandonment of sense and direction so doors leading to downstairs and windows should be closed at all times to avoid injury. Owners with hard wood and tiled floors should have their video cameras nearby to record the hilarity of the ‘boxer slide’ where the boxer will slide across the room mid burn and then scramble furiously albeit fruitlessly to recover. Not the most agile of breeds the boxer will exhibit musculature clumsiness to the fullest during these burns so anyone thinking of getting in their way should proceed with caution. They will not hesitate to burn their butts across the room to knock the owner over. Once burnt out, the boxer will stop as quickly as it started and are known to plop down right there on the spot. Once the burn has expired the boxer will proceed to inhale as much air as their boxer lungs can fill and then give the biggest sigh. The reverberation is very distinct and the vibration around their jowels should be very noticeable. This is an indication that the burn is effectively terminated. If the sigh has not been exhibited, further burns may continue without proper boxer containment. The sigh is almost always immediately followed by a deep nap. This is the owners cue to relax because the little monster will remain there for a while.

Disclaimer: This is a general characterization of a ‘Boxer Burn’, not all Boxers are identical and burns may differ from dog to dog. Do not be alarmed if your boxer burns differently. Play with the goof instead.

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