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A unique breed....The Boxer wants to meet you, your children and all members of your family...
The Boxer's most notable characteristic
is his desire for human affection. Through
his spirited attitude, 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.
is his desire for human affection. Through
his spirited attitude, 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.
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.
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.
Origin: The Hunter
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 nature
and ability to learn 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'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 nature
and ability to learn 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.
Physical Appearance
A few specifics. 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.
A few specifics. 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.
Breed Characteristics: "Beauty and Brains"
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.
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.
Exercise within a fenced area or on a leash should be adequate.
It also prevents a potentially unpleasant encounter with a
neighbor's dog or an overly effusive greeting that may frighten
the small child who may not have had the chance to know how
instinctively tolerant the Boxer really is. Death from
automobiles, poison, or a myriad of other causes may await the
Boxer who run loose in the neighborhood. Remember, too, that
improperly protected screen doors are a common mode of
unexpected house exit.
It also prevents a potentially unpleasant encounter with a
neighbor's dog or an overly effusive greeting that may frighten
the small child who may not have had the chance to know how
instinctively tolerant the Boxer really is. Death from
automobiles, poison, or a myriad of other causes may await the
Boxer who run loose in the neighborhood. Remember, too, that
improperly protected screen doors are a common mode of
unexpected house exit.
How Much Grooming?
The Boxer requires very little, and it can easily be done by the owner. Nails must be trimmed regularly unless naturally
worn down on a hard surface. An occasional currycombing and/or bath should suffice---the Boxer has a natural tendency to
keep himself clean. Tartar may have to be removed from the teeth periodically, especially as the Boxer grows older. You can
learn to do this yourself, or use the services of your veterinarian.
What About Obedience Training?
Many Boxers are great successes in the obedience ring. However, that same innate intelligence that makes him quick to
learn also gives the Boxer a mind of his own. The trainer must be purposeful and patient. The puppy should be at least six
months old before any serious work is begun. The well-trained Boxer is a glorious picture going through his paces in the
obedience ring, such trials usually being held in conjunction with most dog shows.
Staying in Touch
It is very advisable to maintain a relationship with boxer knowledgeable people like the boxer rescue group you adopted
your boxer from or by joining an email group. These people can be an invaluable ally to you throughout your Boxer's life,
and can advise you about care and health matters that are unique to the breed.
The Boxer requires very little, and it can easily be done by the owner. Nails must be trimmed regularly unless naturally
worn down on a hard surface. An occasional currycombing and/or bath should suffice---the Boxer has a natural tendency to
keep himself clean. Tartar may have to be removed from the teeth periodically, especially as the Boxer grows older. You can
learn to do this yourself, or use the services of your veterinarian.
What About Obedience Training?
Many Boxers are great successes in the obedience ring. However, that same innate intelligence that makes him quick to
learn also gives the Boxer a mind of his own. The trainer must be purposeful and patient. The puppy should be at least six
months old before any serious work is begun. The well-trained Boxer is a glorious picture going through his paces in the
obedience ring, such trials usually being held in conjunction with most dog shows.
Staying in Touch
It is very advisable to maintain a relationship with boxer knowledgeable people like the boxer rescue group you adopted
your boxer from or by joining an email group. These people can be an invaluable ally to you throughout your Boxer's life,
and can advise you about care and health matters that are unique to the breed.
MINNESOTA BOXER FRIENDS GROUP
Bringing a dog into your home and your life is a major decision. It brings with it responsibility and
commitment, but it also renders supreme joy, laughter, and sadly, but inevitably, tears. No one of us who has
ever shared his life with a Boxer would have it any other way.
The information and images on this information was provided by: JLH Web Productions to http://www.jlhweb.net.
Bringing a dog into your home and your life is a major decision. It brings with it responsibility and
commitment, but it also renders supreme joy, laughter, and sadly, but inevitably, tears. No one of us who has
ever shared his life with a Boxer would have it any other way.
The information and images on this information was provided by: JLH Web Productions to http://www.jlhweb.net.
Care of your Boxer Should he be confined ?
The Boxer requires relatively little care, but ownership of any
dog is a definite responsibility. Your Boxer should not be
allowed to run loose.
dog is a definite responsibility. Your Boxer should not be
allowed to run loose.
