History

The Boxer breed has a proud ancestry of being the successors of the German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer. Their origin can be traced back to the 16th century. This variety uses its front paws for everything and this punchy fighting posture has gained it the name ‘Boxer’. Primarily used for aggressive sportive activities and hunting, the dog later acquired a more refined status as the ‘people’s dog’. It was introduced in the US in 1903 and gained the mainstream attention in 1940s.

Appearance

The Boxer has a well-composed look and a shiny coat tightly attached to its body. Built on a square frame, its head is in perfect proportion to the body. The dog has strong and round muscular neck, dark eyes and black nose. Its front legs are straight and parallel, and use front paws for everything it does. A normal Boxer is 25 inches tall, with approximately 64 pounds of weight.

Color

The under-color should be tan or brindle (a mixture of brown with a sort of marbling), though the tan color may actually occur anywhere along a continuum of brown-ish colors.

Personality

Normally intelligent, the dog is a quick learner. It enjoys outdoor playing sessions and loves being with humans. The dog has a friendly attitude towards children and other breeds. The Boxer is a curious breed and for that reason wears a watchful eye when it comes to strangers or intruders.

Health Concerns

Sensitive bowels and hip dysplasia is common with the Boxer breed. When at 8 years of age or more, the breed is susceptible to tumors. They are an easy pick to certain diseases like Hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, and even epilepsy. The average lifespan of a Boxer is 14 years.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR