I have the good fortune to be able to attend many dog shows within a relatively easy drive of my home in New England. With the perspective of having watched the judging of hundreds of shows over the years, I’ve noticed that the quality of Boxer judging is often uneven. This is a cause for concern among breeders and exhibitors, as well as within the judging community at large.
All too often, judges put up sound exhibits with very little breed type. It’s as if they had not read the standard but only looked for good movement—although movement is only one chapter in a much longer book!
The Boxer was bred to run down and hold large game—wild boar, bear and bison. To do so, it needed a wide, undershot jaw for maximum gripping power and strength. The muzzle had to be deep and the chin prominent to facilitate an unshakable grip. The nose had to tip up so the dog could hang on to the prey and breathe at the same time. A Boxer with its nose out at the end of its muzzle like a Great Dane would suffocate if it tried to fulfill its original function.
Every aspect of the description of the Boxer head in the standard delineates a dog that can still do the work for which it was developed, although it will never be called upon to do so. The standard says the Boxer is a square dog. It must be square for maximum agility and turning ability. A longer-backed dog couldn’t change direction as quickly. Shoulder and rear angulation are also very important in a dog that must have great speed but must also be able to change direction in a flash. The rib spring must be adequate and the chest deep to give heart and lungs room, since the Boxer was expected to exert itself to the utmost.
And to confront its very formidable prey, the Boxer had to be fearless. Judges should remember that temperament should not be compromised. We shouldn’t tolerate aggression or shyness in any form.
How many Boxers have we seen take home purple ribbons with their tails tucked and a wary look in their eyes? This is not acceptable. Breeders and judges alike should pay attention to our breed’s history. Our standard was written with a definite purpose in mind. We should all review it on occasion, and judges basically unfamiliar with the Boxer owe it to themselves and the breed to become more expert in their evaluations.
Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264
