THE BOXER

Breed Standard

Breeder Referral

COAT COLOR
    AKC Color & Markings

    Coat Colors in Boxers and     the ABC

    Literature Research On
    White Boxer Genetics

History

Meet The Boxer

PUPPY INFORMATION
    Buying A Boxer Puppy

    Christmas Puppy - Why     It's a Bad Idea

    Crate Training

    Grooming
     Coat | Ears
     Nails | Teeth

    Puppy Agility For All
    Venues

    Training A Puppy For
    All The Rings
     Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
     Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Rescue

Sports & Activities For The
Working Boxer

Your New Boxer
 

THE BOXER

The Boxer's most notable characteristic is his desire for human affection. Though his spirited bearing, square jaw, and cleanly muscled body suggest the well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is happiest when he is with people--especially children, watching protectively over their play. His short smooth coat, handsome chiseled head, and striking silhouette never fail to excite comments from passersby as he trots jauntily by your side with neck arched and tail held erect. He is truly a "dog for all seasons," suiting the need for household guardian, attractive companion, and children's playmate and loyal friend.

The Boxer's official classification in the "Working Group" of dogs is a natural. His keenest sense, that of hearing, makes him an instinctive guard dog, always alert. Although always vigilant, the Boxer is not a nervous breed, and will not bark without cause. He has judgment, and an uncanny sense of distinguishing between friend and intruder. One of the delightful qualities that sets the Boxer apart is the unique expressiveness of his face. The skin furrowing of the forehead, the dark, "soulful" eyes, and at times almost human attempts to "converse," make his replacement by another breed difficult for one who has owned a Boxer. He mimics the mood of his master and can spend hours quietly lying at his feet.

Boxers make wonderful service dogs--therapy dogs to brighten the days of shut-ins, guides for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, even seizure alert dogs for those who suffer from epilepsy. They were used as guards and couriers during war time, and perform beautifully as narcotics detectors, police dogs, and in search and rescue operations. The Boxer has an innate desire to help those in need.
 

Personality:    Fun-loving, bright, active and loyal

Energy Level:   Very Active; Boxers are strong, quick, busy dogs who need plenty of exercise; they enjoy challenges, both physical and mental

Good with Children:    Yes

Good with other Dogs:    With Supervision

Shedding:    Seasonal

Grooming:    Occasional

Trainability:    Responds Well

Height:    23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)

Weight:    65-80 pounds (male), females are about 15 pounds less than male

Life Expectancy:    10-12 years

Barking Level:    Barks When Necessary

Excerpts from: American Kennel Club
 

Creation of the Boxer
    By Herr Philip Stockmann, Von Dom Boxers
    Herr Stockmann recounts this as an actual folk tale told since antiquity by the peasants in southern Germany about the Boxer dog and his creation. Excerpt ABC 50th Anniversary Album

On the fifth day of Creation, the Lord made all the animals. He crafted many breeds of dog. There were big dogs, little dogs; long-haired ones, smooth coated and wire-haired ones; yellow, black, spotted and brindle ones.

The Lord viewed them with great pleasure. Then He spoke, "I have made a great variety which none other of my animals can equal, but now I will mold a masterpiece; a dog in which nobility, power, speed and courage are perfectly balanced by beauty, good-nature and friendliness."

Thereupon the Lord took up a piece of clay and shaped from it the Boxer, which looked exactly as it does today, except that its head was like the heads of other dogs with cut-thrust nose. The Lord was pleased with his handicraft and said, "he is good beyond my expectations. I will put him aside for a while, for his clay is yet soft and could easily suffer damage."

But, the Boxer had heard the Lord's words, that he of all dogs was the most beautiful and courageous and began to boast proudly and demand admiration from the others. The smaller breeds were in full agreement and rendered the Boxer his due respect. However, the larger dogs were overcome by prideful vanity, jealous that a medium-sized animal should surpass them.

There were angry words, and growlings and suddenly the Boxer jumped at his tormenters in rage. He forgot that the clay of his nose was still soft. The angry impact compressed and blunted it. When the antagonists were separated once more, the Lord smiled and said, "Since you are my favorite, there shall be no punishment except for all time to come, you shall wear your nose as it now is."

And he who doubts the truth of this tale has only to watch the Boxer in his relationship to other breeds. All smaller dogs he greets with friendliness, remembering their respect and loyalty, but, to this day the Boxer cannot forget nor forgive the tauntings of the larger ones, flung at him on the day of his creation.