The Judges’ Education Committee of the American Boxer Club is proud to have written and recently printed a pamphlet ("Judging the Boxer") aimed directly at the judging community, with extensive commentary on the breed Standard. While it is hoped that judges will indeed profit from its content, it should also prove valuable to conscientious breeders.
The brochure deals with subjects such as coat color and markings, eyes, temperament, proportion, movement, head type, and size. Some of the areas that are discussed may highlight points that will be cause for constructive conversation at boxer club meetings. For example, the breed Standard, in terms of specific height recommendations, tells us: Preferably, males should not be under the minimum nor females over the maximum." This sentence does tacitly inform that dogs may be taller than ideal, but bitches should not be. Is this what we as breeders are comfortable with? Do we need to amend these guidelines in any way?
Always relating the words of the Standard to the original function of the breed as a swift pursuer of large game (such as wild boar and bison), the brochure reminds the judging community of the fact that teeth must be strong and properly placed in the undershot jaw so that the Boxer could hold on to the struggling prey animal until the human hunter approached. Eyes should be frontally placed so that the dog could keep his fleeing quarry in sight as he ran. The Boxer must be square so he could make quick twisting turns handily at high speed. The words of the breed Standard must always be kept in mind whether they are heeded by judges or breeders, because both of these individuals have related goals—the judge to reward the exhibit that most typifies the Standard, and the breeder to breed and show that dog who is closest to this same ideal of perfection.
Temperament is no less important than any other Boxer attribute, and the brochure specifically requests that judges not reward Boxers of questionable disposition—no matter how lovely they may be. While aggressive dogs are rare in the breed, shyness is more common than it might be. Judges who award points to shy dogs do much to undermine successful breeding programs—because breeders and/or owners of these animals often use the points as an excuse to perpetuate questionable temperament genes for future generations. All of us must take steps to insure that we do not become ‘kennel blind’ to the Boxer who tucks his tail, slinks around the ring, or refuses to stand happily for examination.
"Judging the Boxer," complete with illustrative photos and drawings, is available from the American Boxer Club.
The American Boxer Club National Specialty
The ABC National Specialty will be held from May 7-11 at the Holiday Inn FSK in Frederick, Maryland. There will be an all-day Judges’ Seminar on the 6th, as well as Health lectures, the Top Twenty Competition, and the auction and dinner to benefit the ABC Charitable Foundation. Please come if you can.
Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264
