The Boxer is a powerful athlete, renowned for his loving nature and faithfulness.

Origin

He is a cousin to most recognised bulldog breeds, a refined version of the Bullenbeiser (bull-biter) Mastiff, various bulldog breeds and other fighting dogs of the seventeenth through to the nineteenth centuries. Breed historians believe he may also have Great Dane and terrier blood.

The modern Boxer was established in the 1 880s when the German utility dog was bred to taller, more elegant English imports, often white in colour (all-white pups occasionally appear in litters today). A breed club was formed in 1896 and a standard drawn up six years later. Boxers were largely confined to Germany until the Americans imported some after World War I and the British a short time later.

General Appearance

Boxers are very masculine in appearance with a deep, broad chest and strong neck leading onto well muscled shoulders and usually have a docked tail.

The head, particularly the muzzle, is the breed’s most distinctive feature. In profile it resembles two steps, the upper skull joined to the lower by a vertical stop. The muzzle is short and there may be a slight ‘dish’ effect if the tip of the nose is slightly higher than the tip of the muzzle. The underjaw is deep and strong, sweeping upwards to give that determined chin and undershot mouth.

Boxers are clean dogs, with a short coat that comes in two basic colours — fawn or brindle. Fawn coats can range from light yellow to dark deer red, the brindle colour being created by black stripes on the fawn background. Both colours may have white markings.

Temperment

Keeping the Boxer’s loving nature intact is of utmost importance. Boxers are affectionate and at their happiest when in their owner’s company. They are extremely playful and especially suited to the rough and tumble of children’s games, but never cease to amaze with their ability to be gentle. They are alert and self confident. When correctly trained, they can be very efficient at obedience work. They are distrustful of strangers and make good guard dogs but are not surly or aggressive.

Care and Grooming

A well fenced yard is important. Boxers should never be taught to jump as jumping a 1 .8 metre fence would be child’s play to a determined Boxer. Their clean nature makes them a good house dog. This sturdy dog does have some physical vulnerabilities. Skin tumours can occur. Regular feeding of suitable bones is normally sufficient to ensure adequate dental hygiene. Adequate exercise is required and will normally prevent rheumatic problems until it is older.