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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.
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.
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 ?
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.
little care, but ownership of
any dog is a definite
responsibility. Your Boxer
should not be allowed to run
loose.
