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Boxer
Dog Breed information
The Boxer's most notable characteristic is his desire
for human affection. Through 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--especiall
children. His short smooth coat, handsome chiselled 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. Yet
the Boxer's greatest wish is to be with children, watching protectively
over their play. 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 historical background begins in feudal Germany. Here,
a small, courageous hunting dog with mastiff-type head and undershot
bite was used to secure a tenacious hold on bull, boar, or bear---
pending the hunter's arrival. He became a utility dog for peasants
and shop owners. His easy trainability even found him performing
in the circus. In the 1880s, descendants of this type of dog were
bred to a taller, more elegant English import, and the era of the
modern Boxer had begun. Imported to America after the first World
War, his popularity really began in the late 1930s. His appeal in
the show ring led to four "Best in Show" awards at prestigious
Westminster Kennel Club between 1947 and 1970.
The Boxer is a medium-sized dog ranging from 21 inches high at the
shoulder in a smaller female up to 25 inches (sometimes even taller)
in a large male. Adult weight may reach 65-80 pounds in the male,
with females about 15 pounds less. There are no miniature or giant
varieties. The short, close-lying coat is found in two equally acceptable
and attractive basic colors-fawn and brindle. The fawn may vary
from a tawny tan to an especially beautiful stag red. The brindle
ranges from sparse, but clearly defined black stripes on a fawn
background, to such a heavy concentration of black striping that
the essential fawn hackground color barely, although clearly, shows
through (which may create the appearance of "reverse brindling").
White markings should be of such distribution as to
enhance the dog's appearance, but may not exceed one-third of the
entire coat. It is not uncommon to have a totally white Boxer born
in a litter. An all-white coat, or a predominantly white background
(known as a "check") may occur. In order to retain the
beauty of the true fawn and brindle colors, American Boxer Club
members are pledged not to register, sell, or use these "whites"
for breeding.
The Boxer's official classification in the "Working Group"
of dogs is a natural. His keenest sense, that of hearing, is enhanced
by the cropped, erect ears and makes him an instinctive guard dog,
always alert. He has also been used as a courier during war time,
and as a seeing-eye dog for the blind. 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 mobility of his expressive 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.
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