Breed Information

THE BOXER

The Boxer is a great family member who possesses all of the characteristics of a happy, intelligent, and protective dog. His most notable characteristic is his desire for human affection. Though his spirited bearing, square jaw, and cleanly muscled body suggest the well conditioned middleweight athlete, the Boxer is happiest when he is with people, especially children. He is truly a "dog for all seasons," suiting the need for household guardian, attractive companion, playmate, and loyal friend.

Breed Characteristics

The Boxer's official classification in the "Working Group" of dogs is a natural. He is easy to train and has been used for guard, police, and guide dog service. Although always vigilant, the Boxer is not a nervous breed, and will not bark without cause. He has judgment and an uncanny sense of distinguishing between friend and intruder. The Boxer is alert to protect his family but tolerant of any stranger once he knows there is no danger. He is a happy, exuberant dog who delights in children and is eager to play long after he has left puppyhood behind. One of the delightful qualities that sets the Boxer apart is the unique mobility of his expressive face. The skin furrowing of the forehead, the dark, "soulful" eyes, and at times almost human attempts to "converse." He mimics the mood of his master and can spend hours quietly lying at his feet. His overall sweet nature has endeared him to generations of Boxer owners and makes his replacement by another breed difficult for one who has owned a Boxer. He is a natural show-off, and many Boxers excel at Conformation, Agility, and Obedience events held in conjunction with AKC shows.

Physical Appearance

The Boxer is a medium sized dog ranging from 21" in height for a smaller female to 25" and sometimes more for a taller male. Adult weight may reach 65-80 pounds in the male with the females about 15 pounds less. There are no giant or miniature varieties. The short, close-lying coat comes in two equally acceptable colors - fawn and brindle. The fawn may vary from a tawny tan to a stag red. The brindle ranges from sparse, but clearly defined black stripes on a fawn background to such a heavy concentration of black striping that the essential fawn background color barely, although clearly, shows through - which will create the appearance of reverse brindling. White markings should be of such distribution to enhance the dogs appearance, but may not exceed 1/3 of the entire coat. It is not uncommon to have an entirely white Boxer born in a litter or one with predominately white background known as a "check".

History of the Boxer

The Boxer's historical background began in Germany, where he was a working dog developed from several other breeds. The boxer, with his mastiff-type head and undershot bite, was used to run down and hold large, fierce game such as wild boar, bear, and bison, until the hunter's arrival. The Boxer was bred to be a powerful, muscular dog. In the 1880s, descendants of this type of dog were bred to a taller more elegant English import, and the era of the modern Boxer had begun. Imported to America after the First World War, his popularity really began in the late 1930s.

Care of Your Boxer

The Boxer requires relatively little grooming, but ownership of any dog is a definite responsiblity. Boxers can be adequately exercised within a fenced area or on a leash. The Boxer has a tendency to keep himself clean, but it is the owner's responsiblity to keep his nails trimmed to a reasonable length, and to keep his teeth clean as he ages. An occasional bath and currycombing should be all that he requires.

While your Boxer is learning to be a responsible member of the household, especially while still a puppy, a crate is very advisable. It will protect him from household temptations and dangers while you are away. Since a puppy is loath to soil his crate, it is a great aid in housetraining as well.