Boxers

Boxers originated in Germany. They come from the large and fierce Brabant Bullenbeiser used for hunting large game, bull baiting, and pit fighting. Boxers lack the original aggression of their ancestors, but they retain their intelligence, independent thinking, and ability to cooperate with people. The Boxer is a very versatile breed. Depending on training, these dogs can be used as guards, personal protectors, therapy dogs, guides for the blind, companion dogs, and show champions. Boxer dogs are excellent in obedience, agility, and conformation.

Though Boxers are normally bred for temperament, working abilities, and health, appearance and fitting the breed standard is very important in dogs with a show potential. Dogs with minor conformation faults are disqualified from conformation shows, but they can compete in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. The first AKC breed standard for the Boxer was adopted in 1904. It has not changed much since that time, except for the traditional tail docking and ear cropping. Nowadays, ear cropping is optional in AKC Boxers. As for the tail, there are bloodlines selectively bred for a short tail.

Present-day AKC Boxers come only in fawn coat color and only in brindle pattern. The fawn in Boxers can vary from pale tan to mahogany red. Black stripes in brindle dogs can be thin or thick. If black stripes are large enough to cover the most part of the coat, such dogs are called reverse brindles. Solid white and predominantly white dogs are considered to be of a lower quality, though they can participate in dog sports other than conformation. Solid black dogs don’t occur in this breed. If a breeder offers a Boxer of a rare color, look for another breeder, because responsible and trustworthy specialists never breed for the coat color.

A typical Boxer dog is very self-confident and alert with strangers, but friendly and tolerant with the family and children. Boxer puppies need early socialization and obedience training to become reliable pets. Exercise needs of the Boxer are rather high; they should be walked for several hours daily. Boxers cannot live outdoors because of their short coat; they should have enough room indoors.