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An older Asian American man in a brown sweater vest brushes a brindle Boxer with a wooden brush on autumn back steps. 4 / 29

Grandpa Brought Out the Brush. Rocco Made a Face but Didn't Move an Inch.

AI imageboxergroomingback steps

A few fallen leaves are scattered across the wooden steps, and the back door stands open to let in the cool fall air. Grandpa Ken sits on the bottom step in his brown sweater vest and plaid shirt, running a small wooden-backed brush along Rocco's side in long, careful strokes. The brindle Boxer sits between his knees, head turned away with a slightly long-suffering expression, though he clearly is not going anywhere. Potted succulents line the steps, a pair of sneakers waits by the door, and a blue bin sits in the garden behind them.

Boxers have short, smooth coats that are fairly low maintenance, but they still shed, and regular brushing makes a real difference. A rubber curry brush or soft bristle brush used once a week or so helps loosen dead hair, spread natural skin oils, and keep the coat glossy. Grooming time is also a good chance to check for lumps, scrapes, ticks, or dry patches, and to look at the ears, nails, and teeth. Boxers can be prone to skin sensitivities, so any persistent itching, redness, or unusual bumps are worth mentioning to your vet. Many dogs come to enjoy brushing when it is calm, short, and followed by a treat.

Rocco may be pretending to tolerate it, but there is no mistaking the way he leans into Ken's knee. A shiny coat and a little one-on-one time is a pretty good deal.

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