Boxer Dog

The Boxer Dog was developed as an independent breed in the late 1800s. The Mastiff-type Bullenbeiser – large bull-baiting dog – was the direct ancestor of the Boxer. From the Bullenbeisers, Boxers inherited their intelligence, independent thinking, dignity, ability to cooperate, and a strong desire to please the owner. Aggression and hunting drive of the ancestor is bred out of the Boxer. Up to nowadays, Boxers are bred for personality, health, and working abilities, but never for aggression. Boxers usually serve as guards, working and companion dogs. They combine power and agility with gracefulness and dignity.

Though strong and muscular, Boxer Dog are not very large. The wither height of males varies between 23 and 25 inches or 57 and 63 cm; females stand from 21 to 23 or from 53 to 59 cm at the withers. The weight of purebred Boxers varies between 55 and 70 lbs or between 25 and 32 kg. Boxers should be square-built, with a short back, large head, and well-muscled body and limbs.

The head is a distinctive feature of the Boxer Dog. It should be chiseled and in correct proportion to the body. The muzzle should be broad, with a well-developed stop. The beauty of the muzzle depends on its harmonious proportion to the skull. The muzzle should be exactly 1/3 the length of the head. There should be no wrinkles on the head, except those upon the forehead when the ears are held erect. The skull should be arched; the cheeks are flat and clean. The nose of the Boxer is large and broad, with open nostrils. The undershot bite is preferred in this breed.

The eyes of the Boxer should be dark brown, medium-sized, and with an intelligent expression. The eyes of the Boxer reflect its character, so it’s easy to distinguish between aggressive and friendly dogs. The ears of the Boxer are cropped optionally. If cropped, they are long, tapering, and raised when alert. Uncropped ears are long and pendent, lying close to the cheeks. The tail of the Boxer should not be long. In some countries, docking the tail is banned, but there are bloodlines of the Boxer Dog selectively bred for a short tail.