Boxer
Overview
Developed in Germany, the Boxer breed is a stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog. The Boxer was bred from the Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser, and is part of the Molosser group. Its coat is smooth and fawn (or brindled), with possible white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic, (a square muzzle), havemandibular prognathism (an under bite), very strong jaws, and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey.
The Boxer was first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards at Munich in 1895, the first Boxer club being founded the next year. Based on 2007 American Kennel Club statistics, Boxers are the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States,moving up from the seventh spot for the first time since 2002, with approximately 35,388 new dog registrations during the year.
Boxer - Quick Facts
- Weight: 55-70 lbs. (25-32 kg)
- Height: 21-25 inches (53-63 cm)
- Coat: Shiny, close-fitting
- Litter size: ~6
- Life span: 10-12 years
"The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age." ~1938 AKC Boxer breed standard.
Boxers are a bright, energetic, and playful breed, and tend to be very good with children. Boxers have earned a slight reputation of being headstrong or stubborn, which can be related to inappropriate obedience training. Owing to their intelligence and working breed characteristics, training based on the use of corrections often has limited usefulness. Boxers often respond much better to positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training.
By nature the Boxer is not an aggressive or vicious breed, but needs socialization to tolerate other dogs. Their sometimes over-protective, territorial, and dominating attitude is most intense in males. They are generally patient with smaller dogs, but can be dominant with larger dogs of the same sex.
Boxers are friendly, lively companions that are popular as family dogs. Their suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. They sometimes appear at dog agility or obedience trials and fly ball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war.
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