Love or revile it, the American Boxer Club has voted resoundingly to alter the present breed Standard, effective at the end of March of 2005. Limited by AKC to revisions at intervals of no less than 5 years, the new document represents a profound reworking of accepted concepts, as well as highlights of several new ones.
The “new” Standard embraces the so-called ‘plain’ boxer by making it clear that there is no mandate to have any white markings at all. Although this was delineated in the “Judging the Boxer” guide, sent to judges in a position paper, and taken to heart by many, this is the first time that the Standard itself reminds judges and breeders alike that ‘flash’ is fine—but not required. Specifically, the new wording is: The absence of white markings, the so-called “plain” fawn or brindle, is perfectly acceptable, and should not be penalized in any consideration of color.
The 2005 Standard tells us that the Boxer eye is dark, “full and generous” and “frontally placed.” In addition, we are told that “preferably third eyelids have pigmented rims.” Breeders have known these things for years, but they are now defined for new generations of breeders and judges alike. Unpigmented third eyelids do beget poor expression in many cases (not all), and so the ideal was delineated in the ’05 revision. The full and generous dark eye, frontally placed (not oblique nor set on the side of the head), is also an essential part of proper breed expression.
The recommended heights have been raised 1/2” at the lower end only. They are Adult males 23 to 25 inches; females 21½ to 23½ inches at the withers. The ABC has made it clear that exceptionally tall dogs and bitches are not desirable, and refused to raise the upper limits from the present 23 ½” for bitches and 25” for dogs. The concession at the lower end only came about in recognition of the fact that the old lower limits represented just a small fraction of exhibits. ie: very few of us saw 21” females or 22 ½” males in the ring. These height recommendations are simply that, and there will be some worthy specimens that will not fall into these parameters.
For the first time in its history, the breed Standard allows for the natural ear: Set at the highest points of the sides of the skull, the ears are customarily cropped, cut rather long and tapering, and raised when alert. If uncropped, the ears should be of moderate size, thin, lying flat and close to the cheeks in repose, but falling forward with a definite crease when alert. While it is clear by the use of the word “customarily” that the majority will remain cropped, the natural eared specimen is now accorded parity in the breed ring, a major change. While judges may exercise discretion in what they prefer, excusals for natural ears will not be appropriate. Interestingly, while the natural ear has come into its own, the docked tail language has been strengthened: An undocked tail should be severely penalized. Barely a breeder among us can tolerate the idea of the long natural tail, and so it was felt that we needed to strengthen that part of the Standard so as to discourage license in this regard.
Any suggestion of an overlip obscuring the chin should be penalized. While most of the ‘fault’ language has been eliminated from the ’05 revision, this one was defined because it was not heretofore in the Standard at all. Yet the overlip, marring expression, is a fault that has been ignored by breeders and judges for too long, and so it was felt that it needed to be delineated. The Boxer’s lips should meet evenly, with no suggestion of the upper lip covering the chin.
Temperament has long been regarded as one of the most important aspects of the Boxer, indeed defining its very essence. To that end, the revised Standard says: Any evidence of shyness, or lack of dignity or alertness, should be severely penalized.
While the breed is blessed by very few people-aggressive dogs, shyness has been an annoying issue. The Boxer is NOT a dog who should gait with tail down and ears flat—unhappy and ready to jump at the slightest untoward noise. Breeders and judges are hereby advised not to tolerate such behaviour.
There you have it—the highlights of a Standard that has seen many changes over the decades but perhaps some rather momentous ones in 2005. It is hoped that these alterations and clarifications will only serve to improve the overall Boxer in the coming years.
ABC NATIONAL SPECIALTY - May 9 -13 at the Drawbridge Inn, Fort Mitchell, KY. Obedience events May 7 & 8. All are welcome to attend.
Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264
